This day symbolizes the start of the holiest month of the Islamic year, Rajab, out of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. This month has great importance in the Islamic calendar, and the next auspicious night of Shab-e-Meraj will take place on Thursday, February 02, 2025. As seen on this holy night, Muslims are encouraged to offer genuine prayers and supplication, mediation, and devotion to Allah by all Muslims across the globe.
Significance of Rajab in Islam
Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran. Allah (SWT) says:
“إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّهُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْرًۭا فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضَ مِنْهَآ أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌۭ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ
(Surah At-Tawbah: 36)
During this month, Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of worship, fasting, and increased supplication. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would supplicate at the start of Rajab:
“اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبَ وَشَعْبَانَ وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ.”
(O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and allow us to reach Ramadan.)
The Night of Shab-e-Meraj
Shab-e-Meraj or Laylatul Isra is the night the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) undertook his miraculous journey. On this night, the Prophet was transferred from Makkah’s Kaaba to the Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and then to the heavens.
Allah (SWT) mentions this event in the Quran:
سُبْحَـٰنَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَسْرَىٰ بِعَبْدِهِۦ لَيْلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْحَرَامِ إِلَى ٱلْمَسْجِدِ ٱلْأَقْصَا ٱلَّذِى بَـٰرَكْنَا حَوْلَهُۥ لِنُرِيَهُۥ مِنْ ءَايَـٰتِنَآ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ.
(Surah Al-Isra: 1)
During this night, the five daily prayers were prescribed, emphasizing the significance of Salah in a Muslim’s life.
How to Observe Shab-e-Meraj
Muslims honor this sacred night by engaging in various acts of worship:
- Offering Voluntary Prayers (Nawafil):
And seek closeness to Allah (SWT); special night prayers are encouraged. - Making Duas:
Take this chance to seek forgiveness, advice, and blessings. Recommended duas include:
“رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةًۭ وَفِى ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ حَسَنَةًۭ وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ.”
(Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.) (Surah Al-Baqarah: 201)
Another powerful supplication is:
“اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ.”
(O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being.)
3. Reciting the Quran:
Think of the verses of the Quran, especially those that describe Allah’s mercy and magnificence.
4. Fasting:
Fasting on the day of Shab-e-Meraj or any other day in the month of Rajab is very recommended, though not obligatory.
Shab-e Meraj: Spiritual Lessons
Shab-e Meraj is a reminder that Allah is omnipotent and infinitely merciful. It teaches Muslims to:
- Prioritize Salah: Here, the five daily prayers of this night are ordained to their importance.
- Seek Forgiveness: Shab-e-Meraj is a moment of feeling guilty for previous misdeeds and regaining trust.
- Strengthen Faith: Rocking these miraculous journeys strengthens belief in Allah’s Divine wisdom and power.
Rajab: A Month of Preparation
Rajab, the arrival of which is an invitation to do more devotion, charity, and acts of kindness before the arrival of Ramadan. It is time to gain this holy moment to reconnect with Allah and improve the self.
Please let Allah (SWT) guide us through Ramadhan and show us how to use Rajab. Ameen.