The Hijri month of Rajab is upon us! What do you know about the seventh month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar? Read on to increase your knowledge of Islam and Arabic insha'Allah!

Meaning of Rajab

The word Rajab (رَجَب) comes from the root letters ر ج ب which means "to strengthen or support something with something else", and also "to respect, to honor, to be in awe (or even afraid) of something". Rajab is generally translated as "honor" or "respect".

This month is the first among the four sacred months in Islam. The other three are the consecutive months of Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram. The month of Rajab is also given other names such as, "Rajab Al-Haram" meaning "The Sacred Rajab."

During the four sacred months, fighting and war were prohibited unless the enemy initiated the fight.

Chronological order in the Hijri calendar

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. This month comes after Jumādā al-Ākhirah and before Sha'bān.

When will Rajab take place this year?

This year (2021), Rajab is estimated to begin on February 13th, 2021 insha'Allah.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِندَ اللَّـهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا فِي كِتَابِ اللَّـهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ ۚ فَلَا تَظْلِمُوا فِيهِنَّ أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ

"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them..." (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:36)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"The division of time has turned to its original form which was current when Allah created the Heavens and the Earths. The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: Three are in succession Dhul-Qa' da, Dhul-Hijja and Muharram, and (the fourth is) Rajab of (the tribe of) Mudar which comes between Jumadi-ath-Thaniyah and Sha'ban." (Sahih al-Bukhari 3197)

Significance in Islamic History

The Invasion of Tabuk

In Rajab, in the year 9 A.H, news about the Byzantine's preparations for a decisive invasion against Muslims had reached Madinah and fear spread among them. Despite the hardships and drought that the Muslims were suffering from, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was determined that the Muslims should invade the Byzantines and fight a decisive battle at their own borders.

When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had made up his mind and took his final decision, he ordered his companions to get ready for war and sent for the Makkans and the other Arab tribes asking for their assistance. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) encouraged them to pay charities and to spend the best of their fortunes in the way of Allah.

With great speed, Muslims started getting ready for war. Only those desired to stay behind who had weakness in their hearts. Muslims raced to give their wealth and property. Arriving at Tabuk after severe hardships, the Muslim army was ready to face the enemy. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) dispatched Khalid bin Al-Walid (رضي الله عنه) as the head of four hundred and fifty horsemen to Ukaidir, the Chief of Dumatul-Jandal, and said to him: "You will see him hunting wild cattle."

Khalid (رضي الله عنه) captured Ukaidir. The Muslim army returned victoriously, without being deceived or wronged. That is because Allah had sufficed them from the evils of fighting. (Reference: The Sealed Nectar, الرّحيق المختوم)

Did you miss our previous posts on the Hijri Calendar? Catch up here and stay tuned for more insha'Allah!