The Month of Nearness to Allah
Rajab is one of the four sacred months, giving us a special time of nearness to Allah, Most High. Because it is a sacred month, fighting is prohibited and it is a time to be thankful for what Allah has given us and a time to give for the Face of Allah (charity, service, fasting, extra prayers, etc.).
Fasting is highly recommended this month, especially the first day of Rajab. It is also a time to ask Allah for forgiveness of all our sins.
The First Night of Rajab
There are five nights in the Islamic calendar in which Allah says, “Yes” to all of your personal prayers (du`a): the nights of Jumu`ah, the first night of Rajab, the night of mid-Sha`ban, and the two nights of `Eid.
The night of February 1, 2022, will be the first night of Rajab this year. This is a night to ask Allah’s forgiveness and to ask Allah for whatever you want. Extra salah and dhikr are encouraged for the whole month of Rajab, as is fasting, especially the first day.
Rajab 1 Du’a
There are many different hadith on practices that benefit the traveler during Rajab, alhamdulillah. This is one that was shared with our community a few years ago. May it benefit you and bring you peace, amin.
When the worshipper has duly performed his salah on the first night of Rajab, the sunna is to offer the following du’a (prayer):
“O Allah, to You the applicants apply this night, to You the aspirants aspire, and for Your gracious bounty and beneficence the seekers look in hope. You have special favors [nafahat] to bestow this night, and prizes and gifts and presents.
You will bestow them upon whomever You choose from among Your servants, and You will withhold them from those who are not ready to receive Your providential care [‘inaya].
Well, here am I, Your servant who is sorely in need of You, hoping for Your gracious bounty and beneficence!
If it pleases You, O my Master [Ya Maulaa-ya], to bestow Your Grace this night upon one of Your creatures, and if You will be so generous as to grant him/her a favor out of Your kindness, then bless Sayyidina Muhammad and his family, and let me enjoy Your Superabundance and Beneficence, Ya Rabbal-‘Aalameen!”
The 27th Night of Rajab
Al-Isra’ wal-Miraj – The Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension
This year al-Isra wal-Miraj is expected to be on the evening of February 28th, 2022. insha’allah. This is a very holy night, and many people gather to read about and contemplate the Prophet’s Night Journey, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Sidi’s book The Ocean of the Mercy has several chapters about it (chapters 29-31 on pages 118-138).
Watch for announcements regarding these nights.