Dr. Mazhar Naqvi
Rajab is one of the four sacred months of Islam. It is also a
month of many special days and also serves as a spirituality preparatory month along
with Shaaban before Ramadan (Ramzan).It is also stated that the Holy Prophet's 'Miraj' (ascension to heaven) has also taken place on the 27th day of Rajab. For Imamis, Rajab has special attraction
as their first, fifth, ninth and tenth Imams were born on this auspicious
month.Another important date for Imamis is Rajab 3rd and 28thwhile on 3rd Imam Ali Naqi was martyred,on 28th Imam Hussain had left Medina to proceed to Karbala.
About the
importance of Rajab, the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad himself has declared ““Verily,
the month of Rajab is the Great Month of Allah. No other month can be as sacred
and as virtuous as this month…Therefore, if one observes fasting on one day of
this month, he will bindingly win the grand pleasure of Almighty Allah and will
be taken away from the displeasure of Almighty Allah, and the gates of hellfire
will be closed in his face.”
Repeating Laa ilaha illAllah (There is no God
but Allah) 1000 times in the entire month of Rajab strengthens our commitment
of staying true to His commands. The Holy Prophet said “ if we recite it 1000
times, Allah will grant us 1000 rewards and houses in heaven. He promises so
much for what takes up so little of our time”
The Prophet also said “ recite Astaghfirullahal-ladhee
laa ilaaha illaa Huw, wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa atoobu ilayh (I ask
forgiveness from Allah Whom there is no God besides He, and He has no partner,
and I repent before Him) 400 times. The reward of that will be the same as 100
martyrs would receive)
Thus , Allah, the
most beneficent and merciful, has given us Rajab as a most beautiful gift and
no Muslim should let it come and go without receiving His blessings in this
special month. No special reparation is required for reciting invocations recommended
during the month of Rajab. While in the car, on the bus, walking to class, or
cooking food – all these invocations can be recited at any place and anytime
(keeping in mind, of course, what it is that we are saying). A small line of
forgiveness and acceptance of deeds, for example, should be recited as much as
possible during this month to derive maximum benefit from the month. Imam Jafar
Sadiq has recommended a special invocation During Rajab. It starts with ‘Ya
man arjoohu li kulli khayr’ and should be recited after each prayer. It is
not very long and can be recited in place of the usual invocations recited
after daily prayers.
The days of
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are given special importance in Rajab. Fasting
on those three days is equal to 900 years of worship! Besides those specific
days, fasting on any day of Rajab is more beneficial than in other months. Imam
Musa al-Kadhim (Kazim) states, “If one observes the fast on one day in Rajab,
hellfire will go away from him a distance of one year walking. One who fasts
three days in Rajab is bound to win Heaven.”
It is highly recommended to
fast in this month even for one day at
least. A hadith says: Whosoever fasts a day in Rajab, the fire of hell will be
away from him a distance of one year's journey, and whosoever fasts 3 days in
Rajab, will be entitled for Paradise. There are narrations revealing that Imam Ali used to fast the whole month of Rajab.
There is a big reward
for Sadqa and charity during Rajab.
Even for those who
cannot fast, the Almighty has generously given an alternative so that they may
still earn His pleasure! A small praise of Allah should be recited 100 times
each day that one cannot fast. This serves as a reminder of His constant presence
and of our goal to work closer towards Him. Muslims unable to fast . may give Sadaqa to the poor every day, or recite 'Subhana
Ilalahil Jaleele Subhana Man la Yanbaghil Tasbeeho Illa Lahoo; Subhanal
A'azzinil Akrame; Subhana Man Labisal Izza wa Howa Lahoo Ahlun.'
In Rajab, repeating
Sura Al Tawheed 'Qul-ho-wallaho Ahad' or Surah Al-Ikhlas 1000 times fetches the reward of 1000 Angels and blessings to the
reciter, his / her children, family and neighbors.
It is also recommended to recite Sura Al Tawheed 'Qul-ho-wallaho Ahad' or Surah
Al-Ikhlas 100 times every Friday in the month of Rajab. (This article is being posted on the eve of commencement of the holy
month of Rajab with a deep sense of gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting in
the form of Rajab an opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and
oversights.References available on request. Photo courtesy Google Images).
No comments:
Post a Comment