Explaining the Merits of Rajab to Your Child
Rajab is one of the four sacred months in Islam and is the first, virtuous, and noble month of all the sacred months. Therefore, we are prompted to give attention to the month of Rajab by performing good deeds and refraining from sinful and offensive acts. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha`ban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah.”
The fact that Rajab is the month of Allah SWT means that it is worthy of reverence, and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would greatly respect it. When Rajab entered, he would seek its blessings by saying:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا في رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنا رَمَضَانَ
“O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban and enable us to reach Ramadan!”
Rajab is the key to the months of goodness ahead, and for that reason, scholars have lamented its significance.
“In the month of Rajab, you sow the seeds, in Sha`ban, you irrigate them, and in Ramadan, you reap the harvest.”
“Rajab is like the wind, Sha`ban is like the clouds, and Ramadan is like the rain.”
“The likeness of the month of Rajab is that of the wind, the likeness of Sha’ban is that of the clouds, and the likeness of Ramadan is that of the rain; whoever does not plant and sow in Rajab, and does not irrigate in Shabaan, how can he reap in Ramadan?”
- Abu Bakr al-Balkhi
Some Merits of Rajab
Rajab was the month in which the Prophet’s blessed parents were married. It is the month in which Sayyidah Aminah became pregnant with the Best of Creation ﷺ. Most scholars say that Al Isra (The Night Journey) and Wal Mi`raj (The Ascension) took place on the 27th night of Rajab. This was the night in which the Prophet ﷺ received an incredible honor from Allah SWT.
Rajab is the Month of Istighfar
The best way of preparing our hearts to receive divine gifts is through purification and repentance. The Prophet PBUH said:
“Seek much forgiveness from Allah in Rajab because in every hour (of the month) Allah frees people from the Fire.”
- Narrated by al-Daylami
For this reason, the scholars say that Rajab is the month of seeking forgiveness, Sha`ban is the month of bestowing prayers upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Thus it is recommended to seek much forgiveness in Rajab.
Good Deeds in Rajab
The reward of our good actions is multiplied in the sacred months, so it is recommended to do as many good deeds as possible. The Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting at least some days in each of the sacred months. Some of the Companions would like to make Umrah in the month of Rajab. Bad deeds are also more serious in the sacred months, so we must do our utmost to avoid any wrongdoing.
A sacred month is similar to a sacred place. It is recommended to bathe and purify oneself internally and externally before entering a sacred place like the Haram of Makkah. Likewise, in a sacred month, we try to enter and maintain a state of purity throughout it while performing good deeds and avoiding evil.
How to Make the Most of the Month of Rajab
Seek forgiveness in abundance and making sincere repentance to Allah SWT.
Make a sincere resolve to seek Allah SWT through performing acts of obedience and avoiding acts of disobedience.
Assess your state and rectify it, striving to follow the Prophet ﷺin all that you do.
Improve your salah performance by ensuring you maintain khushoo (concentration and humility) and implement the sunnah. Also, strive to pray in congregation in the first row without missing the opening takbir.
Improve your relationship with the Quran by increasing the amount you read. Reflect on it daily and seek to act upon it.
Be consistent in reading your adhkar in the morning and evening, after the prayer, and at various states (eating, entering the house, preparing for sleep, etc.).
Improve your interaction with your family, friends, relatives, neighbors, and all people in general.
Fast whatever days you can, especially Monday and Thursday and the White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th days of the month).
Give a portion of charity and do what you can to help those in need. Treat others kindly
Worship Allah SWT in these nights, especially in the last portion of the night.
A Dua We Can Say in Rajab
“O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban, allow us to reach Ramadan and assist us in fasting and praying in the night.” Ameen.
Recommended Supplications During Rajab
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ لِما يَعْلَمُهُ الله أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ كَما يُحِبُّهُ الله
Astaghfirullāh limā ya`lamuhu Allāh, Astaghfirullāh kamā yuḥibbuhu-llāh
“I seek the forgiveness of Allah for everything that He knows; I seek Allah’s forgiveness in the way that He loves.”
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ ذا الجَلالِ و الإِكْرَام مِنْ جَميعِ الذُّنوبِ و الآثام
Astaghfirullāh dha’l-Jalāli w’al-Ikrām min jamī` adhunūbi wa al-āthām.
“I seek the forgiveness of Allah, the Possessor of Majesty and Honour, for all my sins and wrongdoings.”
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ الَّذِي لا إِلَهَ إِلاّ هُوَ الرَّحْمَنَ الرَّحِيمَ الْحَيَّ الْقَيُّومَ الَّذِي لا يَمُوتُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْه رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي
Astaghfirullāh alladhī lā ilāha illā huwa arraḥmān arraḥīm al-Ḥayya al-Qayyum alladhī lā yamūtu wa atūbu ilayhi rabbi-ghfir lī
“I seek the forgiveness of Allah, besides Who there is no god; the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful, the Living, the Sustainer, the One Who never dies and I repent to Him. O Lord, forgive me.”
Rajab Inspiration
“The year in its entirety is like a tree: during Rajab its buds sprout; during Shabaan it sends forth its branches; during Ramadan its fruit ripens; and the believers are the farmhands who harvest that fruit.” - Unknown
Want to Teach Your Child More About Rajab and Shaban?
The 3 Special Months, The Story of Taif, and Al Isra Wal Miraj books are delightful story and coloring books for your child to learn about special events in Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan. It teaches children how to prepare themselves for Ramadan by using the story of growing a garden, as well as relating to them the stories of Taif and the Isra al Miraj. Children can color along in some of the books as they read the whimsical stories so it’s more interactive.
About Book 1
The 3 Special Months in Islam is a book that will help your child learn the details about the blessed months of Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan. Get this book for a small donation or for free during the months of Rajab and Shaban!
About Book 2
The al Isra wal Miraj is a book that will help your child learn the details of the miraculous Night Journey. Get this book for a small donation or for free during the months of Rajab and Shaban!
About Book 3
The story of Taif is a book that will help your child learn the details of the experiences that the Prophet SAW experienced in Taif. This journey occurred before the Isra wal Miraj journey and that’s why it is relevant to this period. Get this book for a small donation or for free during the months of Rajab and Shaban!
How To Get the Books Free
Simply subscribe to gain access to the Member Vault and receive my newsletters as well as many other freebies that are available anytime or seasonal. If you are already a member, enter the Members Vault using the password you received in your welcome email or your recent newsletter.
How To Get the Bundle Free in Rajab, Shaban, and Ramadan
Simply subscribe to gain access to the Member Vault and receive my newsletters as well as many other freebies that are available anytime or seasonal. If you are already a member, enter the Members Vault using the password you received in your welcome email or your recent newsletter.
Salam, I’m Zakeeya!
I believe being a wife, a mother, and making our homes a sanctuary for our families brings us tremendous blessings, fulfillment, and improves society. Since 2011, I've been committed to helping Muslimas find tranquility in their roles, take better care of themselves, and attain contentment within. Our journey is not an easy one, but I pray the resources and mentoring I offer, will assist in navigating you through your everyday challenges with mindfulness and gratitude, inshallah. Join me as I share wifehood, motherhood, homemaking, and lifestyle solutions that make life more fulfilling for you as a woman! READ MORE
