Merits of Rajab
Rajab marks the beginning of the spiritual season of every believer ending with the end of the fasting month of Ramadan with the Eid Al Fitr. These three months are unmatched in their importance. Praise be to the Almighty and thanks to Him for granting us yet another opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and oversights.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said: “Rajab is a great month of Allah, unmatched by any other month in the respect and significance (accorded to it); war with the infidels during this month is prohibited; Verily, Rajab is Allah’s month, Sha’aban my month and Ramadan the month of my Ummah; whosoever fasts a day in the month of Rajab will be granted the great reward of Ridwan (an angel in heaven); the wrath of Allah shall be distanced and a door of the Hell shall be closed.”
Fasting ettiquette /Rewards Iqbal – pdf
Fasting is one of the most recommended acts during this spiritual season. It becomes Wajib during the month of Ramadan, but is highly recommended during the months of Rajab and Sha’baan. As will be noted from the Hadith above and others to follow, fasting, be it for only one day during these months, is rewarded with untold bounties.
Salmaan Farsi narrates that the Final messenger of Allah (SAW) said that there is a day in the month of Rajab on which if a person fasts and does Qiyaamul Lail (night vigil ) on that night, he will receive rewards like a person who fasts for 100 years and does Qiyaamul Lail for nights of 100 years. This night is the night of the 27th (Rajab) and the day of the 27th (Rajab). This is the day on which Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) was appointed to Messengerhood, (Ghuniyatut Talibeen, Tarteeb Shareef page 781)
Imam Kazim(as) is reported to have said “Rajab is (the name of) a River in paradise that is whiter than milk & sweeter than honey. Allah will allow one to drink from this river if he fasts for even one day in this month.It is also a month of seeking forgiveness more than usual as Allah is forgiving & merciful during this month.