When does Rajab begin? The month of Rajab is coming, what services should be performed

On September 21, 2017, the first day of the holy month of Muharram, the new year 1439 begins according to the Muslim Hijri calendar.

Since the middle of the 7th century, the Hijra has been the starting point for the Muslim calendar. The Islamic Hijra calendar (Hijra, Arabic migration) dates back to the time when, as a result of persecution by pagans, the Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Yathrib (later called Medina). The resettlement took place gradually and the last to move was the prophet Muhammad, who left Mecca on the day corresponding to July 16, 622 AD according to the Julian calendar and arrived in Medina on September 22 of the same year.

However, they began to calculate chronology from the Hegira only in 637, during the reign of Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab. By order of the Caliph, the first day of the new calendar was taken to be the day when the Prophet Muhammad left Mecca, that is, July 16, 622 from the Nativity of Christ.

The Hijri calendar is based on the Koran, and its strict observance is the sacred duty of every Muslim. The Hijra is based on the lunar annual cycle - 12 lunar months, 12 revolutions of the Moon around the Earth (the length of the year is 354-355 days). The month begins with the birth of the new moon and lasts 29-30 days. Therefore, compared to the solar calendar, the Hijri calendar shifts back by 10-12 days every year. The names of the months of the Islamic calendar are the same as in the ancient solar-lunar Arabic calendar. Odd-numbered months have 30 days, and all even-numbered months have 29. The exception is the 12th month, which also has 30 days in leap years. The countdown of the day in the Muslim calendar starts from the moment of sunset. The Muslim year is not tied to seasons; the months migrate across all seasons.

The arrival of the Hijri New Year marks the holy month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Muslim calendar. This is one of the four months (Rajab, Dhul Qaada, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram) during which Allah specifically forbade conflicts, blood feuds, wars, etc.

The first ten days of Muharram are considered blessed for all good endeavors (including marriages). Like holy Ramadan, this is a month of giving alms to the poor, for the improvement of mosques.

The Koran and Sunnah speak a lot about the high honor of Muharram, so every Muslim should try to spend it in the service of Allah. It is believed that as a believer spends this first month of the year, so the whole year will pass.

It is not customary for Muslims to celebrate the onset of the Lunar New Year in any special way. On this day in mosques

Today is the month of Rajab, which is the seventh month of the lunar calendar. It was mentioned in the Quran as forbidden. It was in this month that many important events in Islamic history took place. Everything interesting about this month is in our material.

The name “rajab” itself is derived from the word “ar-rujub”, which means “exaltation”. This month has been exalted for several reasons.

Firstly, the peculiarity of this month was highlighted by Allah himself in the Quran. Along with three other months (Dhul-Qaada, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram), He called the month of Rajab forbidden.

“Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve. This was written in the Scripture on the day when Allah created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are forbidden months (Dhul-Qaada, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab). This is the right religion, and therefore do not do injustice to yourself in them."

"At-Tawba", verse 36

Secondly, Rajab is the messenger of Ramdan. When the new moon of this month appeared, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) told Muslims about the need to prepare for the coming of Ramadan and pronounced the following dua:

“Allahumma barik lan fi Rajaba wa Shaban wa balligna Ramadan”

“O Allah, grant us blessings in the month of Rajab and Shaban and let us reach the month of Ramadan.”

(Shu"abilImaan and IbnusSunni)

Only one month separates Rajab from Ramadan. Therefore, Muslims need to start preparing for Ramadan both morally, spiritually and physically now. It is advisable to do a lot of good deeds this month, fast and avoid everything forbidden.

Third, the month was exalted by a number of historical events, who played a huge role in the history of not only the Islamic world, but also of all humanity.

1) Night of Miraj. In the 10th year of the prophecy (approximately 620), in the month of Rajab, an event occurred known as al-Israwal-Miraj. In one night, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was miraculously transported from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he read prayer with all the Prophets, becoming their imam. Then Allah raised His Favorite to the heavens and beyond.

The 10th year of prophecy turned out to be very difficult for the favorite of Allah. He lost his main protector, uncle Abu Talib, and his beloved wife Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her). Muslims were persecuted and openly persecuted by the pagans of Mecca. It is in this

difficult situation, in the midst of the struggle between Islam and kufr, Allah showed His chosen servant some of His greatest signs by moving the Prophet (peace be upon him) to the holy mosque (Al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem, and from there to the upper reaches.

2) Prescription of prayer 5 times a day. The peculiarity of Miraj was that during it it was necessary to perform prayers five times.

3) Battle of Tabuk. In the 9th year of the Hijra, the campaign against Tabuk took place, which marked the establishment of the power of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

According to intelligence received by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius assembled an army of 100-150 thousand to attack Medina. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) mobilized the maximum number of believers to repel this attack of the Byzantines, and although the battle never took place, the campaign discouraged the Byzantines from attacking and can rightfully be considered a victory without a fight, as well as a test for the believers.

4) Liberation of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. In 583 AH (1187), Sultan Salahuddin spoke with

army to Jerusalem and liberated it from the crusaders, who ruled it for almost a century. This conquest played an important role not only because of the importance of Jerusalem in Islam, but also in the Muslim victory over the Crusaders.

5) Collapse of the Ottoman Caliphate. In 1342 AH (in 1924) in the month of Rajab, an extremely sad event occurred for the Muslim Ummah: 28 Rajab (March 3) The Ottoman Caliphate was officially abolished by Mustafa Kemal Pasha (known as Ataturk). Deprived of their state, the Muslims, their resources and their lands became easy trophies for the non-Muslim colonizers, who periodically pulled the strings to ensure that the caliphate was destroyed and replaced by secular power.

The month of Rajab is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the great history of Islamic civilization and perform more righteous bodies, earning rewards, and preparing the body and soul for Ramadan.

Most Muslims greeted the beginning of the month of Rajab with great joy, confident that one of the best periods of time for worship, especially for fasting, had arrived. The Muslim Ummah received another opportunity to celebrate one of the three blessed months - Rajab - the month of mercy and forgiveness. Being one of the months preceding Ramadan, Rajab is a preparation for this period, and a Muslim should engage in spiritual purification and fast.

However, some people do not like the fact that Muslims will worship more during this month, in fact, they are categorically against fasting during this month. For this purpose, a message is sent via instant messengers and disseminated on social networks, allegedly confirming the undesirability, and sometimes even the prohibition, of fasting in the month of Rajab.

Let's look at this question... Is this really true and is it so bad to fast this month?

Month of Rajab is one of the four months prohibited for war, and it is especially marked by significant events in the history of Islam. And no one can doubt the desirability of fasting during the forbidden months, for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said in a hadith quoted by Abu Dawud:

صُمْ مِنَ الحُرُمِ وَاتْرُكْ، صُمْ مِنَ الحُرُمِ وَاتْرُكْ، صُمْ مِنَ الحُرُمِ وَاتْرُكْ

« ...fast during the forbidden months and break your fast, fast during the forbidden months and break your fast, fast during the forbidden months and break your fast ". (Abu Dawood).

Imam an-Nawawi in the book "Sharh al-Muslim" writes about this hadeeth as follows:

وَفِي سُنَن أَبِي دَاوُدَ أَنَّ رَسُول اللَّه صَلَّى اللَّه عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ نَدَبَ إِلَى الصَّوْم مِنْ الْأَشْهُر الْحُرُم ، وَرَجَب أَحَدهَا . وَاَللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ

« In the “Sunan” (collection of hadiths) Abu Dawud says that, truly, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) encouraged fasting during the forbidden months (ashhur al-hurum), and Rajab refers to them. Allah knows best "(commentary to hadith No. 1960, 4/167).

Therefore, Imam Khatib Ash-Shirbini writes the following in his book “Mugni al-Muhtaj”:

خاتمة أفضل الشهور للصوم بعد رمضان الأشهر الحرم وأفضلها المحرم لخبر مسلم أفضل الصوم بعد رمضان شهر الله المحرم ثم رجب خروجا من خلاف من فضله على الأشهر الحرم ثم باقيها ثم شعبان لما في رواية مسلم

كان صلى الله عليه وسلم يصوم شعبان كله وفي رواية كان يصوم شعبان إلا قليلا

« The best months for fasting after the month of Ramadan are the forbidden months (ashkhur al-khurum), and the most worthy of them is the month of Muharram (the first month of the year in the lunar calendar), according to the hadith quoted by Imam Muslim: " The best fast after Ramadan is fasting in Allah's forbidden month of Muharram. "After it (Muharram), RAJAB IS CONSIDERED THE BEST MONTH FOR FASTING, so as not to contradict those scientists who claim that RAJAB IS THE BEST OF THE FORBIDDEN MONTHS.

Then (based on the merits of fasting) there are other forbidden months, and after them comes Shaban, according to the hadith reported by Muslim: " The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted completely in the month of Shaban." And in another version of this hadith it is stated that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fasted almost the entire month of Shaban ". (“Mughni al-mukhtaj”, 1/605)

As you can see, some scientists believe that month of Rajab is the best month for fasting after Ramadan, but most of them agreed that it was Muharram.

It is worth noting that in these messages, as an argument, they cite the words of Ibn Hajar Al-Askalyani, a great scientist, imam of the muhaddith, that about the dignity month of Rajab, there is no specific authentic hadith that can be cited as evidence about the merits of fasting for the whole month or part of it, or staying awake on a certain night.

It all comes down to the fact that the words of Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani were cut out of context. Let's see what conclusion Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani himself made:

He quotes a hadeeth after which he says:

ففي هذا الخبر - وإن كان في إسناده من لا يعرف - ما يدل على استحباب صيام بعض رجب، لأنه أحد الأشهر الحرم

« In this hadith, even if there is someone unknown in the chain of transmitters, there is something that indicates the desirability of fasting some days of Rajab, because this month is one of the forbidden months (ashhur al-hurum)» («»).

Why did scientists make such a decision that it is still advisable to fast in the month of Rajab? This is again answered by Ibn Hajar Al-Askalyani, who is precisely referred to by those who consider this an innovation:

ولكن اشتهر أن أهل العلم يتسامحون في إيراد الأحاديث في الفضائل وإن كان فيها ضعف، ما لم تكن موضوعة

« However, leniency is known among scholars in citing hadiths as evidence for doing good deeds, even if the hadiths are weak, unless they are fictitious» (« Tabyin al-ʻujb bi-ma varada fi shahr Rajab»).

This report also mentions that (may Allah be pleased with him) beat the hands of those who refused to eat in the month of Rajab and forced them to eat, saying: “ Eat! Verily, this is the month that was exalted during the time of Jahiliya».

Ibn Hajar al-Askalyani also answers this:

فهذا النهى منصرف إلى من يصومه معظما لأمر الجاهلية

« This prohibition applies to those who fast while exalting the deeds of pre-Islamic times.» (« Tabyin al-ʻujb bi-ma varada fi shahr Rajab»).

As for the fact that the post in month of Rajab is an innovation, then regarding this Ibn Hajar Al-Haytami in the book “Fath al-Mubin” (sharkh on the collection of hadiths of Imam An-Nawawi “Al-Arba’un”) writes the following:

قيل: ومن البدع صوم رجب، وليس كذلك بل هو سنة فاضلة، كما بينته في الفتاوي وبسطت الكلام عليه

“There is an opinion that fasting in the month of Rajab is an innovation, but this is not so, on the contrary, FASTING IN THE MONTH OF RAJAB IS AN EXCELLENT GOOD SUNNAH (desirable act), as I explained and set out at length in Al-Fatawa (the book Al -Fatawa al-kubra al-fiqhiyya,” 4/53-54).”

(« Fath al-mubin", 226; 5 hadith)

Based on all of the above, we can say that the post in the month of Rajab is a desirable deed, for which a person receives a large reward, because the scholars of the Shafi'i madhhab, whose opinion is fundamental in the madhhab, refute the opinion that this is an innovation, not to mention its prohibition.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you should not pay attention to this kind of provocative messages and deprive yourself and your loved ones of a huge reward for observing fasting in the month of Rajab.

According to the Muslim Hijri calendar.

Since the middle of the 7th century, the Hijra has been the starting point for the Muslim calendar. The Islamic Hijra calendar (Hijra, Arabic migration) dates back to the time when, as a result of persecution by pagans, the Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Yathrib (later called Medina). The resettlement took place gradually and the last to move was the prophet Muhammad, who left Mecca on the day corresponding to July 16, 622 AD according to the Julian calendar and arrived in Medina on September 22 of the same year.

However, they began to calculate chronology from the Hegira only in 637, during the reign of Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab. By order of the Caliph, the first day of the new calendar was taken to be the day when the Prophet Muhammad left Mecca, that is, July 16, 622 from the Nativity of Christ.

The Hijri calendar is based on the Koran, and its strict observance is the sacred duty of every Muslim. The Hijra is based on the lunar annual cycle - 12 lunar months, 12 revolutions of the Moon around the Earth (the length of the year is 354-355 days). The month begins with the birth of a new moon and lasts 29-30 days. Therefore, compared to the solar calendar, the Hijri calendar shifts back by 10-12 days every year. The names of the months of the Islamic calendar are the same as in the ancient solar-lunar Arabic calendar. Odd-numbered months have 30 days, and all even-numbered months have 29. The exception is the 12th month, which also has 30 days in leap years. The Muslim calendar counts the day from the moment the sun sets. The Muslim year is not tied to seasons; the months migrate across all seasons.

The beginning of the Hijri New Year marks the holy month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Muslim calendar. This is one of the four months (rajab, dhul qaada, dhul hijah, muharram) during which Allah specifically forbids conflicts, blood feuds, wars, etc.

The first ten days of Muharram are considered blessed for all good endeavors (including marriages). Like holy Ramadan, this is a month of giving alms to the poor, for the improvement of mosques.

The Koran and Sunnah speak a lot about the high honor of Muharram, so every Muslim should try to spend it in the service of Allah. It is believed that as a believer spends this first month of the year, so the whole year will pass.

It is not customary for Muslims to celebrate the onset of the Lunar New Year in a special way. On this day, a sermon is read in mosques dedicated to the moving of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. Every adherent of Islam is recommended to spend this evening in prayers and ask Allah for grace for the next year. It is believed that a great reward from the Almighty is given to those who fasted the day before.

On the day of the New Year, the clergy wish all Muslims peace, goodness and prosperity, goodness and abundant mercies of Allah Almighty.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

This year, the month of Rajab begins on March 29th or 30th (The exact start date of the month will be announced later). What services should be performed during this month?

From the Holy Prophet (s) it is narrated: “The month of Rajab is the great month of the Almighty. No (other) month can compare with it in its respect and benefits...”

Islamic sources indicate that a godly deed in the month of Rajab is to read the following prayer after prayer in the morning and evening. First it is said: “Ya mann arjuhu likulli khairin wa amana sahatahu inda kuli sharr, ya mann yutil kasira bil-galil, ya man yuti man saalahu, ya mann yuti mann lamyasallu wa mann lam yarifhu tahannunan minhu va rahmatan.” Atini bimasalati iyyaka jamia khairid-dunya wa jamia khairil ahira, wasrif anni bimasalati iyyaka jamia sharrid-dunya wa sharril ahira, fa-innahu gairu mangusin ma aatayta wa isdni min fazlika ya Karim.”

Translation:“In the name of Allah, the Gracious and Merciful! O He in Whom I hope for all that is good! And in Whom do I seek refuge from His wrath in evil! O He who rewards our small and insignificant deeds with great rewards. O He who rewards everyone who asks You! O He who sends down to those who do not ask You for anything and do not know You - the owner of mercy, love and mercy. Reward me for my request and prayer with all the good of this mortal world and all the good of the hereafter! And protect me from what I ask and pray to You for - from all the evil and bad mortal world and all the evil and bad world of the afterlife! For no matter how much You give (from the treasuries of Your mercy and mercy) it will not diminish! And may you increase me with your mercy and mercy!”

Then take the beard with your left hand (if there is no beard, put your hand on your head), and raise the index finger of your right hand up and say (women simply read): “Ya zal-jalali wal ikram, ya zannamai wal jud, ya zalmanni wat-tawil, harrim sheibati alan-nar "(putting his left hand to his head instead of" sheibati "should pronounce" shari "). Translation: “O Lord of Majesty and Glory! O Lord of blessings and forgiveness! O He to Whom we are indebted and Who is the peak of generosity! Make my gray hair forbidden to hell! O Most Merciful of the merciful!”

Also, fasting in the month of Rajab is a great savab. One of the legends about the fasting of the month of Rajab says: “He who fasts at least 1 day in the month of Rajab will deserve the great mercy and blessing of Allah. Anyone who fasts for 2 days will receive a double reward. For fasting for 3 days, a huge ditch will be created separating this person from Hellfire. The one who fasts for 4 days will be protected from insanity, various diseases and leprosy and, what is very important, will be protected from the evil of Dajjal (antichrist). Anyone who fasts for 5 days will be protected from punishment in the grave. He who fasts for 6 days will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment with a face shining brighter and more beautiful than the full moon. 7 days - Allah will close the 7 doors of Hell so that this person does not go there. 8 days - Allah will open the doors of Paradise for this person. 14 days - Allah will reward the fasting person with something so beautiful that not a single living soul has heard of. To the one who fasts for 15 days in Rajab, Allah will give such a status that not one of the approximate angels and not one of the Prophets-messengers (peace be upon them) will pass by this person without saying: “Congratulations to you, since you are saved and are in safety".

The month of Muharram began for Muslims around the world on September 21st. This month is considered to be the month of worship and repentance to Allah. As during Rajab, Dhul-Qaada and Dhul-Hijja, wars and conflicts are prohibited during Muharram. And the first day of this month is considered the onset of the New Year.

What year is it according to the Islamic calendar?

In 2017, Muslims around the world celebrate the year 1439 according to their calendar. By the way, the date of the New Year in Islam changes, because the Muslim calendar, unlike the Gregorian calendar, is associated with the lunar cycle, and not with the solar one.

For Muslims, chronology is usually calculated from the Hegira, which is believed to have occurred on July 16, 622. On this day, the Prophet Muhammad and the first Muslims moved from Mecca to Medina (Yathrib), which became a kind of “countdown” for those professing Islam. The Muslim calendar is named after this event - Hijra.

How do Muslims celebrate New Year?

The onset of the Hijra Night, or the Islamic New Year, is not usually celebrated by Muslims in a special way - unlike similar holidays among Christians and Jews, adherents of Islam do not arrange feasts, but spend time in prayers.

Traditions and prohibitions of the month of Muharram

The first ten days of the new year are considered blessed for Muslims. All good endeavors these days should be successful. Therefore, immediately after the Hijra, it is customary to play weddings, build houses and make plans for life.

However, there should be no excess in the month of Muharram. A month must be spent in prayer. Wars and conflicts are strictly prohibited in the first month of the year.

In ten days, that is, October 1, 2017, Muslims will celebrate Ashura Day. It is generally accepted that it was on this day that Allah created the world.

The beginning of the Muslim calendar is associated with one of the most important events in the history of Islam - the Hijra, that is, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina. After a two-week journey, on September 21, 622, he and his companions entered the borders of Medina. The beginning of the lunar year, that is, the 2nd day of the month of Muharram, coincided with July 16 that year. It is from this day that most professing Islam count a new era for Muslims - from the Hijra of the Messenger of Allah. Holidays in Islam are sacred months, days and nights, which are indicated by the Almighty through his Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, as a special mercy of Allah, giving every Muslim the opportunity to increase good deeds in order to succeed in the Hereafter.

The Muslim lunar calendar consists of 12 months, each of which lasts from one new moon to the next, namely 29 days 12 hours 44 minutes 3.8 seconds, so some months have 29 days and others have 30. Thus, a lunar year consists of 354 days, which is 11 days shorter than the solar one. This explains the annual shift of the Muslim lunar calendar in relation to the solar calendar by 11 days ahead.

The main holidays in Islam are the Feast of Sacrifice (Kurban Bayram, Eid al-Adha) and the Feast of Breaking the Fast (Uraza Bayram, Eid al-Fitr). The holy nights Laylat al-Qadr, Laylat al-Bara'at, Laylat al-Miraj, Laylat al-Ragaib are marked with special service; holy days Arafah Day, Ashura Day, holy months Muharram, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Dhul-Hijjah .

Muslim holidays

06/25/2017 (1 Shawwal 1438) – URAZA-BAYRAM (Eid al-Fitr) - The holiday of breaking the fast.
1.09.2017 (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1438) - Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha) - Festival of Sacrifice.

Ritual days and nights

03/29/2017 (1 Rajab 1438) - the beginning of the month of Rajab.
04/28/2017 (1 Sha'ban 1438) - the beginning of the month of Sha'ban.
10-11.05.2017 (14-15 Sha'ban 1438) - Night of Baraat (Laylat al-Baraa)

08/23/2017 (1 Dhul-Hijjah 1438) – the beginning of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
08/31/2017 (9 Dhul-Hijjah 1438) – Day of Arafah.
09/30/2017 (10 Muharram 1439) – Day of Ashura.

Memorable days and nights

May 3, 2017 (26-27 Rajab 1437) – Night of the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (Laylat al-Miraj).
05/21/2017 (14-15 Sha'ban 1437) - Night of purification (Laylat al-Baraa).
09/21/2017 (1 Muharram 1439) - the beginning of the new 1439 Muslim year.

Muslim holidays and memorable dates for 2017 (1438-1439 according to the Muslim Hijri calendar)

March

03/21/2017 - the national holiday Navruz (Nooruz, Nouruz) in honor of the New Year. Widely celebrated in the Muslim world, but not associated with the Koran, but inherited from pre-Islamic ancient peoples.
03/29/2017 (1 Rajab 1438) - the first day of Rajab - the seventh month of the Muslim calendar, one of the four pre-Islamic holy months. This month marks the birthdays of the prophets Ibrahim (Abraham), Isa (Jesus), and other memorable dates, and Umrah (small Hajj) is performed.
30-31.03.2017 (2-3 Rajab 1438) – Evening Ragaib: marriage of the parents of the Prophet Muhammad (Leylat al-Ragaib).

April

April 23-24, 2017 (26-27 Rajab 1438) – Night of Miraj: the night of the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (Laylat al-Miraj).
04/28/2017 (1 Sha'ban 1438) - Sha'ban. The beginning of the eighth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, one of the four sacred ones.

May

10-11.05.2017 (14-15 Sha'ban 1438) - Night of Baraat (Laylat al-Baraa): a time of cleansing from sins, an evening of blessings, wishes for happiness and prosperity. On this night, Allah makes a decision about the fate of each person, taking into account piety and requests made in prayers.
On the night of May 26-27, 2017. (29 Sha'ban - 1 Ramadan 1438) - the beginning of the great fast of Muslims.
27.05 - 25.06.2017 (Ramadan 1-30, 1438) – the holy month of Ramadan (Ramadan) and the obligatory fast of Uraza for Muslims. The most valuable month of the year, a time of purification, renewal, revival, repentance, prayer, reading the Koran, helping others, abstaining from everything forbidden.

June

June 21-22, 2017 (26-27 Ramadan 1438) – Night of Predestination and Power (Laylat al-Qadr).
06/25/2017 (1 Shawwal 1438) – URAZA-BAYRAM (Eid al-Fitr) - The holiday of breaking the fast, one of the two main holidays of Islam - the end of the holy month of Ramadan (Ramadan) and the Muslim fast of Uraza. The beginning of the month of Shawwal, the month of nomadic Arab tribes.

July

July 1, 2017 (26-27 Ramadan 1437) – Night of predestination and power (Laylat al-Qadr).

August

08/23/2017 (1 Dhul-Hijjah 1438) - the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah, the month of pilgrimage (Hajj) to the holy places of Islam.
08/31/2017 (9 Dhul-Hijjah 1438) - Day of Arafah: the day of pilgrims standing in the Arafat Valley at Mount Arafah near Mecca, performing prayer at its foot.

September

1.09.2017 (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1438) - Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha) - Feast of Sacrifice, the most significant holiday of Muslims; the end of the great pilgrimage to Mecca. The celebration begins 70 days after the end of the Uraza fast and lasts three days.

2,3,4.09.2017 (11,12,13 Dhul-Hijjah 1438) – Tashriq: holidays during which Muslims read “takbir” after collective prayers (say: “Allah Akbar!”). Pilgrims continue to perform sacrifices and rites of the Hajj.

09/21/2017 (1 Muharram 1439) - the beginning of the new 1439 Muslim year. The first day of the holy month of Muharram, during which alms (sadaka) are most generously distributed and blessed deeds are performed.

09/30/2017 (10 Muharram 1439) – Day of Ashura. Celebrated by Sunni Muslims in honor of the ten blessings sent down by Allah to the ten prophets. The day of remembrance of the prophets and messengers of Allah, when fasting is observed, the Koran is read, and donations are distributed. Shiites commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, son of Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad Al-Hussein ibn Ali (626-680). Another most famous designation for Ashura is “shahsey-vahsey”.

October

10/17/2017 - the day of the official adoption of Islam by the ancestors of the Tatars and Bashkirs - the population of Volga Bulgaria in 310 AH (922). Celebrated since 2011 in the Republic of Tatarstan by decision of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan.

November

1.11.2017 (1 Safar 1439) - the beginning of the month of Safar, on the 26th day of which the Prophet Muhammad and his companions were forced to move from their hometown of Mecca to Medina (Yathrib).

Note: every Friday is Juma (meeting day) - a visit by devout Muslims to a mosque for joint prayer (namaz). This is a day of rest for Muslims around the world. It coincides with many events in the history of the Islamic religion: on Friday the Prophet Muhammad and his cousin Ali were born, on Friday the Prophet and his companions moved from Mecca to Medina.

Dear brothers and sisters, by the grace of Allah, with the onset of evening prayer (Maghrib) on March 28, 2017, the blessed month of Rajab begins, and therefore, we publish answers to frequently asked questions:

Dua read at the beginning of the month of Rajab;

Fasting on the first three days of the month of Rajab;

Celebrating the night of Raghaib - is this a reliable practice? ..

and the like.
1) Dua read at the beginning of the month of Rajab

Question:

We know that there is a dua that is recited at the beginning of the month of Rajab, but some people believe that it is not authentic and reciting it is an innovation. Which will be correct?

Answer:

Anas ibn Malik narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) recited the following dua when the month of Rajab began:

اَللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَناَ فِيْ رَجَبٍَ وَشَعْبانَ وَبَلّغْنَا رَمَضَانْ

Allahumma barik lana fi Rajaba wa Shabana wa baligna Ramadan

O Allah, bless us during (the months of) Rajab and Sha'ban and help us achieve Ramadan.

(Shu'abul Iman, hadith 3534, Ibni Sunni, hadith 660, Mukhtasar Zawaid Bazzar, hadith 662, also see Al-Adhkar, hadith 549

Hadith is considered weak, but it can be followed. To say that this dua is an innovation is an extreme.

Imam Nawawi (rahimahullah) said that this hadith has some weakness (Al-Adhkar, hadith 549).

Hafiz Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (rahimahullah) said that this hadith is suitable to prove the merits of this practice (reading dua before starting Rajab) (Lataif, p. 172).

Allama Muhammad Tahir al-Fatani (rahimahullah) says that this hadith is weak, but it can be followed in this case (Tazkiratul Mauduat, p. 117).

It should be said that weak hadiths, where this or that dua is given, can be practiced.

(Mustadrak Hakim, beginning of the chapter on dua and Nataijul Afkar by Hafiz Ibn Hajar, vol. 5, p. 291)

And Allah knows best.

2) Fasting on the first three days of the month of Rajab

Question:

Is the following hadith about the merits of fasting on the first three days of the month of Rajab authentic:

“The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Fasting on the first day of Rajab expiates the sins of three years, fasting on the second day expiates the sins of two years, and fasting on the third day expiates the sins of one year, then the sins of one month are expiated for each day of fasting.”

Answer:

Abu Muhammad al-Halla narrates this hadeeth with a very weak isnad, so this hadeeth should not be quoted.

(See Jamiu s-Saghir, hadith 5051, Faydul Qadir and At-Taysir bi sharkhil Jami as-Saghir. Also see Al-Mughyr of Ahmad Siddiq al-Ghumari).

However, Mullah Ali Qari (rahimahullah) writes that in general we should observe, if possible, an additional (nafil) fast in the month of Rajab.

(Al-Adab fi Rajab, p. 30)

And Allah knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Abasumar

3) Asking for forgiveness during Rajab

Question:

I recently received a message about a specific istighfar that should be recited during Rajab and Sha'ban. Is there any basis for this hadith:

“If someone recites the following istighfar seven times a day during Rajab and Sha'ban, Allah will inform the angels who record his deeds to tear up the book of his sins:

Astaghfirullah azimi llazi la ilaha illya huval hayyul kayyumu wa atubu ileikhi taubatan ‘abdin zalimi linafsihi la yamliki li nafsihi mautan bala khaitan wa la nushur.”

Answer:

The message you are asking about is given in some books without an isnad, so I cannot comment on its authenticity (see Al-Adab fi Rajab, p. 39).

Rajab is one of the four holy months of the Islamic calendar (ash-shukhur khurum), so a person should increase all forms of worship in this month, including reciting istighfar many times.

Mullah Ali Qari (rahimahullah) writes that his teachers repeatedly pronounced istighfar in Rajab (Al-Adab fi Rajab, p. 38).

And Allah knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Abasumar

4) Celebrating the night of Ragaib (the night of the first Friday of Rajab) - is this an authentic practice?

Question:

In many Muslim countries it is customary to celebrate the so-called. Ragaib Night or Night of Wish Fulfillment. It is believed that this is the night when the Prophet (PBUH) was conceived, so Allah gives the believers whatever they desire on this night for the sake of His beloved Prophet (PBUH). On this night, mosques remain open all night until dawn, and believers perform a special prayer, salatul-Ragaib. What can you say about this practice?

Answer:

The hadiths that talk about the merits of a special prayer on the night of Ragaib were declared fictitious by the majority of the muhaddiths of our ummah.

One should refrain from quoting these messages as well as from any special celebrations or acts of worship on this night. Hafiz Ibn Rajab (rahimahullah) writes:

“There is no evidence to support the performance of special acts of worship that should be performed on this night. The hadiths, which say about the special salatul-raghaib prayer, performed on the night of the first Friday of Rajab, are false and fictitious. These actions are considered bad innovation (bid'ah) according to most scholars. This practice (to celebrate this night) appeared for the first time in the fifth century...”(Lataiful Maarif, p.228).

Also see Tabinul Ajab of Hafiz Ibn Hajar, p. 7; Tazkiratul Mauduat allama of Muhammad Tahir al-Fatani, p. 116-117, Al-Masnu' Mulla Ali Qari, p.259, hadith 464, Al-Asarul Marfu'a Sheikh Abdul Hai Laqnavi, p.44 and 48; Raddul Mukhtar (Ibn Abidina), vol. 2, p. 26.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Abasumar

5) Are there any arguments that the night of Mi'raj falls on the 27th of Rajab?

Question:

Is there any evidence that the Night of Mi'raj falls on the 27th of the month of Rajab?

Answer:

The date of the 27th of Rajab is the most popular date for the night of Mi'raj and some scholars were of the opinion that the event took place on this night. However, in general, scholarly opinions differ regarding this date, so it cannot be said with certainty that Mi'raj occurred on this particular night.

Hafiz Ibn Hajar Askalani (rahimahullah) writes that he knows more than ten opinions regarding the date of Mi'raj. (Fathul Bari, vol. 7, pp. 254-255, hadith 3887).

One of the mufassirs (interpreters of the Koran), Al-Qurtubi (rahimahullah), preferred the opinion that Mi'raj occurred in the month of Rabiul-akhir. (Tafsir Qurtubi, vol. 5, p. 551).

Muhammad Shafi (rahimahullah) agreed with his opinion and said: “The Muhaddis did not settle on a specific date (Mi’raj), although the 27th of Rajab is the most well-known opinion.”(Ma'ariful Quran, vol. 5, p. 443, also see Syrat-i-Mustafa, vol. 1, p. 288).

Hafiz ibn Abdul Barr (rahimahullah) agreed that this happened in the month of Rajab, and Imam Nawawi agreed with his opinion in Ar-Rawda.

However, in his fatwas and commentaries on Sahih Muslim, Imam Nawawi preferred the month of Rabiul-akhir for this date, and sometimes was inclined to believe that it happened in Rabiul-awwal.

From the above it is clear that scientists were not inclined to any specific date. This is confirmed by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani in his book “Islamic Months”.

My teacher Sheikh, Muhaddith Fadlul Rahman Azami (hafizahullah) writes in a short article on the topic of Miraj:

"The fact of the matter is that it is impossible to establish any definitive date for the night of Mi'raj."
And Allah knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Abasumar

6) Are there any arguments for a special celebration of Mi’raj night?

Question:

I have a question about Mi’raj: is there any evidence from the Koran or Hadith that this event happened on the 27th of the month of Rajab? Are there any acts of worship that are advisable to perform on this night?

Answer:

Most Muslims believe that the Prophet (PBUH) ascended to heaven on the 27th night of the month of Rajab. There are several reports that support this opinion, but there are also other reports that indicate other dates. So we have no definite information about what time this night took place.

Az-Zurqani (rahimahullah) comes five different opinions about what month Mi'raj could have occurred: these are the months of Rabiul-Avwal, Rabiul-akhyr, Rajab, Ramadan and Shawwal. Muhaddis Abdul-Haq Dehlavi (rahimahullah) notes that most scholars believe that most likely Mi'raj took place in the month of Ramadan or Rabiul-Awwal.

The fact that scholars do not agree on a specific date for this event indicates that there are no special acts of worship that need to be performed on this particular night. If there was any special merit in performing some ibadat on this night, then, of course, the companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) conveyed messages about this to us. The Sahabah (may Allah be pleased with them all) kept all the details of the life of our beloved Prophet (PBUH), so that it would be transmitted from them about some special practice of worship that should be performed on this night (if such a practice existed). If someone wants to spend this night in worship, he can perform any ibadat, which is desirable to do on any night: perform additional prayers, read the Koran, dhikr, make dua, etc. However, this should not be done with the belief that there will be some special reward for performing ibadah on this night.

Finally, since people often gather in mosques on this night, imams and scholars should use this time to encourage people to do good and warn against evil, explaining the correct opinion about this night.

(Fatawa Mahmudiyya, 3/283-285, Faruqiya), (Islamic months, 49-63, Maarif).

And Allah knows best.

Sajid ibn Shabbir, student of Darul-ifta.

Tested and approved by Mufti Ibrahim Desai.

7) Are there any arguments for the desirability of fasting on the 27th Rajab?

Question:

Is there any evidence that it is advisable to fast on the 27th of Rajab?

Answer:

Hadith scholars are unanimous that there are no hadiths that confirm the advisability of fasting on any special day in the month of Rajab.

There are several hadiths that confirm the general virtue of fasting on any day of the month of Rajab, since Rajab is one of the four holy months. Any ibadat performed in one of these months (Rajab, Dhul-Qada, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram) will be more valuable.

(Tabiynul Ajab, p. 7-11, Lataiful Maarif, p. 228, Al-Adab fi Rajab, p. 25).

In light of the above, it should be noted that a person, insha Allah, will be rewarded for fasting on any day of Rajab, but one should not assume that there will be any special reward for fasting on the 27th of Rajab.

One of my teachers, Sheikh al-Hadith Fadlul Rahman Azami (hafizahullah) wrote in an article about Miraj:

“As for fasting in the month of Rajab: there are no reliable hadiths that confirm the merits of fasting on any of its days. However, there are several fictitious or extremely weak hadiths that talk about the virtues of fasting Rajab. Allama Suyuty (rahimahullah) wrote down such hadiths and pointed out their weakness.

And Allah Ta'ala knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Muhammad Abasumar

8) Hadith about easing the position of the believer in the month of Rajab

Question:

Please check the following hadith:

“Whoever alleviates the suffering of a Muslim in the month of Rajab, Allah will grant him a palace in paradise.”

Answer:

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) called the text of this hadith fictitious. So the hadeeth cannot be cited.

(See Tabiinul Ajab ‘Hafiz Ibn Hajar, p. 27, hadith: 12)

And Allah Almighty knows best

9) Fictional hadith about the month of Rajab

Question:

Is the following hadith authentic:

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“Rajab is the month in which Allah multiplies good deeds. Therefore, one who fasts for one day during Rajab is like one who fasted for a whole year; and for the one who fasts for seven days, the seven gates of Hell are closed; and for the one who fasts for eight days, the eight gates of Paradise are opened to him; and whoever fasts for ten days will receive whatever he asks of Allah. And about the one who fasts fifteen days in it, there will be a voice from heaven: “Truly, you have been forgiven for everything that you did (bad) in the past, so increase your good deeds.” During Rajab, Allah brought Nuh (peace be upon him) into the ark for six months, the last of which was on the day of 'Ashura, when it (the ark) stopped on Mount Judi, and Nuh fasted along with everyone who was with him, and even the animals (kept a fast on this day) in gratitude to Allah...”

Answer:

Imam Tabarani (rahimahullah) and other muhaddis recorded this message.

(Al-Mujamul Kabir, hadith 5538)

Imam Bayhaki (rahimahullah) denied the authenticity of this hadith. Hafiz Zahabi (rahimahullah) classified the hadith as fictitious. So you cannot refer to this hadith.

And Allah knows best.

Answered by: Mufti Suhail Motala

Checked by: Mufti Muhammad Abasumar