By Mawlana Mohammad Ibn Haroon
Edited by IlmGate
With the sighting of the crescent of Rajab, Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم would anticipate and begin preparations for the month of Ramadan. This is two months in advance! People “live to see” various accomplishments in their lives, but a believer “lives for” and yearns to witness sacred days like these.
Rajab Du’a
Sayyiduna Anas Ibn Malik رضي الله عنه reports that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم would recite the following supplication when the month of Rajab would commence:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَب وَشَعْبَانَ، وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ
Allāhumma bārik lanā fī Rajab wa Sha’bān wa ballighnā Ramadān
Translation: Oh Allah! Grant us Barakah (blessing) during (the months of) Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to reach Ramadan.
(Shu’ab al-Imān #3534, Ibn Sunni #660, Mukhtasar Zawā’id Bazzār #662, also see al-Adhkār #549)
Hafiz Ibn Rajab رحمه الله says this narration is suitable to prove the merit of reciting this du’a -“istihbab” (Latā’if, pg.172). To declare this du’a as baseless is [to] exaggerate. [See last portion of this article for more information regarding its grading.]
Sacred Months
Rajab is the second of the “four sacred months” in the Islamic Calendar which are referred to as al-Ashhur al-Hurum (Surat Tawbah, v.36).
The others are Dhu al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, and Muharram.
Explaining their significance the Ulama mention that during these months, good deeds are more virtuous and evil deeds are more detestable to Almighty Allah (Latā’if al-Ma’ārif, pg.163).
A pious person once fell ill before Rajab. He made du’a to Allah that He allow him to live till Rajab (at least) because he had heard that Allah frees people from punishment in Rajab. Allah Ta’ala had accepted his du’a (Latā’if al-Ma’ārif, pg.173).
Sha’bān
As for Sha’ban, authentic Hadiths describe special significance for the 15th night. [See detailed article here.]
Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم is reported to have said, “Certainly Almighty Allah forgives everyone on this night besides those who ascribe partners to Him and those who harbor enmity for others.” (Sahih Ibn Hibbān, #5665; al-Targhīb, vol.3, pg.459; Majma’ al-Zawā’id, vol.8, pg.65; & Latā’if al-Ma’ārif, pg.194)
Imam ‘Atā Ibn Yasār رحمه الله – a distinguished Tabi’ī – said:
“After Laylat al-Qadr, there is no other night more virtuous than the middle (15th) night of Sha’ban” (Ibid, pg. 197).
Du’as are Accepted
Imam Shafi’ī رحمه الله has stated, “I have heard that du’as are accepted by Almighty Allah on five nights:
1) The night of Jumu’ah,
2) & 3) The nights of the two ‘Eids,
4) The first night of Rajab,
5) The middle (15th) night of Sha’ban.”
(Latā’if al-Ma’ārif, pg. 196)
In fact, the experience of people prior to Islam even shows that Allah Ta’ala would accept their du’as during the month of Rajab. Imam Ibn Abi Dunya رحمه الله has cited several examples of this in his book Mujābū al-Da’wah (ibid).
Specific Forms of Worship
There are no specific types of Salat etc. that are prescribed for the month of Rajab or the 15th night of Sha’ban. One may engage in whatever form of worship one is comfortable with. (Latā’if al-Ma’ārif pg.168; Islamic Months by Mufti Taqi Uthmani, pgs.63 & 79)
The Sahabah رضي الله عنهم and the Tabi’ūn رحمهم الله would increase their Qur’anic recital during these months (especially in Sha’ban), i.e. in preparation for Ramadan. (Latā’if al-Ma’ārif, pg.192)
The Beginning of a New Season
The crescent of Rajab actually signals the start of a “New Season”: one of hope, mercy, and forgiveness for a believer. This season only finishes three months later on the day of Eid!
Shaykh Abu Bakr Balkhī رحمه الله says:
“Rajab is a month in which we plant the seeds of good (i.e. by increasing our worship). In Sha’ban we water them, to cultivate (and reap the rewards) in Ramadan” (Latā’if, pg. 173).
Opportunities like these only come once a year. Fortunate are those who maximise their benefit therefrom.
Authenticity of the Rajab Du’a
Sayyiduna Anas Ibn Malik رضي الله عنه reports that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم would recite the following supplication when the month of Rajab would commence:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَب وَشَعْبَانَ، وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ
Allāhumma bārik lanā fī Rajab wa Sha’bān wa ballighnā Ramadān
Translation: Oh Allah! Grant us Barakah (blessing) during (the months of) Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to reach Ramadan.
(Shu’ab al-Imān #3534, Ibn Sunni #660, Mukhtasar Zawā’id Bazzār #662, also see al-Adhkār #549)
This hadith is classified as weak but suitable for practice.
To say that this du’a is baseless is [to] exaggerate.
‘Allāmah Nawawi رحمه الله said the chain is slightly weak (al-Adhkār, hadith #549).
Hafiz Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali رحمه الله says this narration is suitable to prove the merit of reciting this du’a -“istihbab” (Latā’if, pg.172).
‘Allāmah Muhammad Tahir al-Fatani رحمه الله declares it weak and suitable to practice in this instance (Tadhkirat al-Mawdū’āt, pg.117).
It should be noted that weak hadiths that have du’as can be implemented.
(Mustadrak Hakim beginning of the chapter on Du’as, and Natā’ij al-Afkār of Hafiz Ibn Hajar, vol.5, pg.291)
Note: The narration states that this du’a be recited at the beginning of Rajab.
Courtesy of al-Miftah and Hadith Answers
Note: This article was edited for spelling, grammar, and style. The article is a combination of two articles by the same author from the sources listed above.
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