Blessed Month of Rajab

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Assalamu Alaikum wa RahmatuAllahi wa Barakatu

The Blessed Month of Rajab is now upon us. You know what that means? It means next month is Shaban and then after that...Ramadan!

So, what's so special about these three months?

It has bee mentioned by Abu’l Fath ibn Abi’l-Fawaris in his ‘Amali’ (dictations and transmissions) and Allama Suyuti has also mentioned in his Jami Saghir from Hasan Basri that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Rajab is the month of Allah. Shaban is my month. Ramadhan is the month of my ummah (followers).”

Sunni Sister has some links related to Rajab here. It's never too early to start preparing for Ramadan. This is also the month that our blessed Prophet (saws) made Isra and Miraj.

Please post anything you come across during this blessed month that you've found insightful or helpful related to Rajab, Isra and Miraj and preparing for Ramadan.

Edited July 27, 2006 by rahma

[Bosco 1]

Not about Rajab, but there is a lecture that I saw.... I think it was at the Zaytuna website, about preparing for Ramadan. Found it http://www.zaytuna.org/video/movies/TaqwaInRamadan_High.mov I love the running analogy.

Our local mosque has not been updating their website, but this is an old newsletter about Israa' and Mi'raj

http://www.annurmd.com/nasiha/newletter4.doc

Assalamu Alaikum wa RahmatuAllahi wa Barakatu

The Blessed Month of Rajab is now upon us. You know what that means? It means next month is Shaban and then after that...Ramadan!

So, what's so special about these three months?

It has bee mentioned by Abu’l Fath ibn Abi’l-Fawaris in his ‘Amali’ (dictations and transmissions) and Allama Suyuti has also mentioned in his Jami Saghir from Hasan Basri that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Rajab is the month of Allah. Shaban is my month. Ramadhan is the month of my ummah (followers).”

Sunni Sister has some links related to Rajab here. It's never too early to start preparing for Ramadan. This is also the month that our blessed Prophet (saws) made Isra and Miraj.

Please post anything you come across during this blessed month that you've found insightful or helpful related to Rajab, Isra and Miraj and preparing for Ramadan.

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Depending on how you site the moon, today may be the first day of Rajab.

When the Prophet (saws) sighted the moon of Rajab (two months before Ramadan) he used to pray to Allah in the following words:

اَللّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِى رَجَبَ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَان

Allahumma barik lana fi Rajab wa Sha’ban wa ballighna Ramadan

O Allah! Make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)

[Narrated by at-Tabarani and Ahmad]

[~Jackie~ 30]

Thank you for these posts.

Jackie

[Henia 11]

Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim

Waleikum Esalaam wa Rahmat Allah wa Baraketu...

Jazak Allah Kheiran Rahma for bringin up this subject. It has actually been in my thoughts lately.

Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic ( lunar )calendar. This month is thought to be one of the sacred months (Al-Ashhur-al-hurum) in which battles were prohibited in the days of the Prophet Muhammed (saw) It is also a prelude to the month of Ramadan, because Ramadan follows it after the intervening month of Sha'ban.

And the Prophet Muhammed (saw) saw the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words:

"O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."

It is generally believed that the great event of Mi'raj (ascension of the Prophet Muhammed (saw) to the heavens) took place in the night of 27th of Rajab.It is also not known in which year the event of Mi'raj took place. The history suggest a wide range between the fifth-year and the twelfth year after the Prophet Muhammed (saw) entered prophethood.The Prophet Muhammed (saw) traveled from Makkah to Baitul-Maqdis and from there he ascended the heavens through the miraculous power of Allah.

There are several forms of worship preformed in this month, but which are were found to be not apart of the Sunnah and are considered weak. (ei: distribution of bread, salaat al-Ragha'ib,umrah in the month of Rajab, Qurbani, Celebration of Lailatul Mi'raj) These baseless customs should completely be avoided by the true Muslims, as it is evident that such customs have crept into the Muslim society by their invention of ignorance but also the imitation of non-Muslims in their religious rituals.

However, being a prologue to the month of Ramadan, Ragab should be a time of preparation for Ramadan and where we pray Allah(swt) to make him reach inchallah the blessed month and to benefit from its unique merits.

[2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

Ramadan, is a blessed month of the year for all Muslims. It is a time for inner reflection/mediation, devotion to God, and self-control. Muslims think of it as a kind of "reboot" for their spirituality.

It is the third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam. Fasting has many benefits: the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. (due to the lack of satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to God) Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship, reading of the Quran, (not saying we shouldnt read the Quran at all time) giving charity (zakat), purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds. Fasting also humbles us and lets us experience what some in this Worls experience every day.And lets be thankful for the bountiful gifts Allah (swt) has given us and at the same time, reminds me to share it. Fasting also have health benefits like being able to break the cycle of bad habits and overindulgences. Every Muslim must fast, as long as they are physically able.Travelers and the sick are required to make-up days missed at a later time.

The last ten days of Ramadan are a time of special spiritual power as everyone tries to come closer to God through devotions and good deeds. The night on which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet, known as the Night of Power (Lailat ul-Qadr), is generally taken to be the 27th night of the month. The Quran states that this night is better than a thousand months. Therefore many Muslims (Submitters) spend the entire night in prayer.

[97:1] We revealed it (Quran) in the Night of Destiny.

[97:2] How awesome is the Night of Destiny!

[97:3] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months.

[97:4] The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command.

[97:5] Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.

I have looked it up in the USA Naval Observatory will begin on Sept 23, 2006 for all of the United States, inchallah. The last day of Ramadan will be October 22, 2006 . Night of Destiny, starts at the sunset of October 18, 2006..For further verification you should check your city's time.

The daily period of fasting starts at the breaking of dawn and ends at the setting of the sun. In between -- that is, during the dawn and daylight hours -- Muslims totally abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sex. The usual practice is to have a pre-fast meal (suhour) before dawn and a post-fast meal (iftar) after sunset. Since Ramadan is a special time, Muslims in many parts of the world prepare certain favorite foods during this month, and since Ramadan emphasizes community and since everyone eats dinner at the same time, Muslims often invite one another to share in the Ramadan evening meal.

Taking a solemn bath (Ghusl) on the night preceding Eid is highly recommended (Sunnat). This is a night of great sanctity and profound virtues, and should be preferably spent in worship and prayer to God.

It is quoted from the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) that "one who offers six Rakat prayers on this night reciting in each Rakat Sura 'Al-Hamd once and Sura 'Qul Huwallah five times God will pardon his sins".

The conception of Eid in Islam is not confined only to celebration extravagance, luxurious feasts, friendly handshakes and embraces. The Muslims should rather devote this day to the worship of God and should beseech Him to approve their virtuous deeds and forgive their sins. This is because the doors of God's pardon are kept open this day and His Blessings are bountiful.

Before offering Eid prayers it is recommended to have a breakfast of dates. The specified time of Eid prayer is between sunrise and the sun's initial decline (Zawal). If this prayer happens to be missed it cannot be offered late as 'Qaza'. Women are exempted from this prayer. The Prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr can be performed individually if one has missed the Jama'at.

It is 'Mustahab' (recommended) to offer Eid prayers with two Kutbas.

Takbir before Namaz-e-Eid:

"Allaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Laa Ilaaha Illallaah Wallaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Wa lillaahil Hamd. Alhamdulillah Alaa Maa Hadaanaa Walahu Shukr Alaa Maa Aulana."

The meaning of the above is:

Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest there is no one worthy of prayer but Allah, and Allah is Greatest; Allah is Greatest, and all Praise is for Allah. All Praise is for Allah, for that which He has guides us and for Him is thanks for what He has."

This prayer consists of two Rakats. Niyyat (Intention) should be in these words: "I resolve to offer two Rakats Namaz-e-Eid, Sunnat Qurbatan Ellallah". This should be followed by "Takbir" (Allah-Ho-Akber). In the first Rakat after Sura 'Al-Hamd', recite Sura 'Ala' or The Most High. Then five times Dua-e-Qunoot, followed by Ruku and then Sajda. Then up again for the second Rakat. In the second Rakat after Sura 'Al-Hamd recite Sura Shams and four times 'Dua-e-Qunoot'. After this the namaz should be completed like the Morning Prayer.

So I take this opportunity to invite you all to share your Ramadan and Eid stories and/or recipes....

Below are useful links that I know of....

http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/ramadan.html (Kaboose kids site)

http://www.submission.org/YES/child2.html (also another site for Muslim children)http://www.islamicity.com/Ramadan/ ( a wide database of resources)

http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/f/ramadan_faq.htm (Ramadan Q and A)

http://islam.about.com/od/ramadan/f/eid_fitr.htm ( Eid al Fitr info)

http://islamonline.net/english/eid/1424/index.shtml ( nice macroflash section called rebirth of the heart)

Wishing everyone a great day and praying everyone is reunited with their loved ones soon !!!!

Peace and Blessings,

Henia