Prepare Your Heart for Ramadan: Embrace the Blessings of Rajab

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Dear reader,
As we approach the blessed month of Rajab, a sacred time in the Islamic calendar, we are reminded of the unique opportunity this month offers to strengthen our relationship with Allah and prepare spiritually for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Rajab is not just another month—it is a month of forgiveness, mercy, and heightened devotion. It is a time to reflect, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and engage in acts of worship that bring us closer to Him.
In this campaign, we’ll explore the virtues of Rajab, highlight the acts of worship encouraged during this month, and share tips on how you can maximize its blessings. Whether through additional prayers, giving charity, or simply increasing your spiritual awareness, now is the time to lay the foundation for a fruitful Ramadan.

Warm regards,

Sunnah Academy

Why is the Month of Rajab Special?

One of the Sacred Months

Rajab is one of the Ashhur al-Hurum (the sacred months), as mentioned in the Quran:

• “Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [in a year] – in the Book of Allah – on the Day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” (Surah At-Tawbah, verse 36)
• During these months, fighting is prohibited, and they are considered times for increased worship, reflection, and repentance.

The Night of Isra and Mi’raj (27th of Rajab)

The 27th of Rajab is particularly significant because it is believed to be the night when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced the Isra and Mi’raj (Night Journey and Ascension). On this night, the Prophet ﷺ was taken from the Kaaba in Mecca to Bait Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, and then ascended through the heavens to the presence of Allah.
This event is a major miracle and holds deep spiritual significance. It is a reminder of the greatness of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the importance of prayer, as it was on this night that the five daily prayers were established for the Muslim Ummah.

A Month of Repentance and Forgiveness

Rajab is a time when Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness from Allah. It is an excellent opportunity for self-reflection, repentance, and purification of the heart.
Many Muslims use this month to engage in more supplications, prayers, and acts of charity to gain Allah’s mercy and forgiveness given the month’s sacredness.

A Month of Increased Worship

Rajab is considered a time to engage in additional acts of worship, such as voluntary prayers (Nafl), making du’a (supplications), and reciting the Quran. Although fasting is not obligatory, some Muslims choose to fast during this month to earn more good deeds.

Spiritual Preparation for Ramadan

Rajab serves as a time to spiritually prepare for the upcoming month of Ramadan. It is a time to begin practicing self-discipline, engage in extra worship, and strengthen one’s relationship with Allah, so one can benefit fully from the blessings of Ramadan.

Which Acts of Worship to do During Rajab

Fasting

While fasting is not obligatory during Rajab, it is encouraged to fast during this month to prepare ourselves for Ramadan. Since the month of Rajab and Sha’ban both fall in the peak of winter this year, it is recommended for us to fast as much as we can:

Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه said “Shall I tell you about easy spoils?”
They said, “Oh Abu Huraira, what are they?”
Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه said, “Fasting in the winter.”
[Source: Ḥilyat al-Awliyā’ 1356]

Increased Prayer and Du’a

We are also encouraged to engage in extra prayers and supplications during Rajab. Some scholars recommend reciting special prayers or making specific du’a during this time, such as the Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) or reciting Salawat (blessings on the Prophet ﷺ).

Charity (Sadaqah)

Giving charity is always encouraged in Islam, but it holds even more significance during blessed months like Rajab. Acts of kindness, helping the needy, and supporting charitable causes are encouraged.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Charity extinguishes sinful deeds just as water extinguishes fire.”
[Sunan Ibn Mājah 4210]

Seeking Forgiveness

Rajab is an excellent time to seek forgiveness from Allah. Muslims are encouraged to reflect on their actions and ask for Allah’s mercy through repentance.

“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?—and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.”
[Surah Al-’Imran, verse 135]

Reciting Specific Supplications

There are some supplications and prayers that are recommended to be recited during Rajab, such as the Dua for Rajab. One well-known prayer is:

اللّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ وَشَعْبَانَ وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ
“Oh Allah, bless us in the month of Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to reach the month of Ramadan.”

Reflecting on the Isra and Mi’raj

The 27th of Rajab marks the event of Isra and Mi’raj, when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is believed to have made his miraculous night journey and ascension. Muslims remember this event by reading about it, reflecting on its lessons, and sending salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ.