by Sheikh Ahmad Al Sharabasi
Rajab is one of the Sacred Months (i.e. Dhul Qidah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab); during Rajab the miracle of Al Israa’ and Al Mi’raj took place, which reminds us of protecting our sacred places in the occupied Palestine.
The month of Rajab is one of the Arab and Islamic Hijri lunar months. The word rajab is derived from the word tarjib, which, in Arabic, indicates glorification. The reason behind this name may be the high esteem Arabs used to confer upon this month.
The Sacred Rajab
The month of Rajab is also called Rajab Al Haram (Arabic for: the Sacred Rajab), because it is one of the four Sacred Months, during which fighting is prohibited. This was a customary and traditional practice that was used to be observed for ages. The glorious Quran referred to the Sacred Months in Surat Tawbah (Chapter 9), in which Almighty Allah says:
“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in a year, so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them, four are Sacred. That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein” (Tawbah 9:36)
These Sacred Months are Dhul Qidah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. That is why Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“Time has come back to its original state, which it had when Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: Three are in succession, namely, Dhul-Qi`dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram, and (the fourth one) Rajab (of the tribe of) Mudar, which is between Jumada (Thani) and Sha`ban.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Solitary Rajab
The month of Rajab is also called Rajab Al Fard (Arabic for: the Solitary Rajab) because it is separated from the other three successive Sacred months, namely, Dhul Qidah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram; Rajab comes five months after them.
Rajab has another name, which is Rajab Mudar, according to a hadith in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“And the fourth one Rajab (of the tribe of) Mudar, which is between Jumada (Thani) and Sha`ban.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Mudar is an Arab tribe and Rajab is named after it, because that tribe used to give much respect to this month and protect its sanctity.
Month of Israa’ and Mi’raj
Rajab witnessed the occurrence of Al Israa’ and Al Mi’raj, the miraculous night journey and the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens, with which Almighty Allah honored Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
In reference to this journey, Almighty Allah states:
Glorified be He (Allah) Who took His servant (Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) for a journey by night from Al Masjid Al Haram (in Makkah) to the farthest mosque (Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem], the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him of Our signs. Verily, Allah is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer (Al-Israa’ 17:1)
The Quran refers to Mi’raj (Prophet’s ascension to the heavens):
“While he (Angel Gabriel) was in the highest part of the horizon. He approached and came closer and was at a distance of two bows’ length or (even) nearer. So did (Allah) convey the Inspiration to His servant (Prophet Muhammad PBUH). The Prophet’s heart lied not in seeing what he saw. Will you then dispute with him about what he saw during Mi’raj. And indeed he (Prophet) saw him (Angel Gabriel) at a second descent (i.e. another time). Near Sidrat Al Muntaha (lote-tree of the utmost boundary beyond which none can pass). Near it is the Paradise of Abode. When that covered the lote-tree, which did cover it! The sight of Prophet turned not aside (right or left), nor it transgressed beyond the limit ordained for it. Indeed he (Prophet Muhammad PBUH) did see, of the Greatest Signs, of his Lord” (Najm 53:7-18)
The miracle of Al Israa’ was intended to honour the Messenger (PBUH), strengthen his heart, and to show him the kingdom of heavens and earth.
It was also meant to comfort the Prophet after the deaths of his uncle Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah in the Year of Sadness, and after the suffering he had experienced in Ta’if where its people assaulted him.
The miracle of Al Israa’ reminds us of the usurped and occupied land of Palestine, Al Quds (Jerusalem), and Al Aqsa Mosque.
This event should also remind us of our duty towards librating this land and its people from tyranny and oppression. We should always remember the hadith stating, “Do not set out on a journey except for three Mosques: Al Masjid Al Haram, this mosque of mine (in Madinah), and Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.”
It is a duty upon every Muslim, when recalling the memories of the month of Rajab, to exert him or herself for liberating usurped places of Islam.
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