Key Takeaways
- Rajab is one of the four sacred months, as the Quran states that of the twelve months, four are sacred (Quran 9:36).
- Sahih al-Bukhari (3197) names the four: three in succession, Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram, and Rajab of Mudar, between Jumada al-Thaniyah and Sha'ban.
- Ibn Hajar wrote that there is no authentic hadith to serve as evidence for a specific virtue of fasting or praying at night in Rajab, as such.
- That does not stop anyone from doing good in a sacred month. It means specific rituals should not be attributed to the Prophet ﷺ without authentic evidence.
- For questions about voluntary worship in Rajab, ask your local imam.
Rajab is one of the four sacred months. The Quran says that of the twelve months, four are sacred (Quran 9:36), and Sahih al-Bukhari names Rajab as one of them. Beyond that, popular claims about specific rituals in Rajab lack authentic support.
What the Quran Says
"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred" (Quran 9:36, Sahih International).
Which Are the Four?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "The year is of twelve months, out of which four months are sacred: three are in succession, Dhul Qa'dah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab of Mudar, which comes between Jumada al-Thaniyah and Sha'ban" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3197).
What Is Not Established
Many popular claims are made about Rajab, such as specific prayers, fixed fasts, or rewards attached to particular nights. Ibn Hajar wrote that there is no authentic hadith to serve as evidence for a specific virtue of the month, or for fasting or praying at night in it. This is why scholars advise care about attributing specific rituals to the Prophet ﷺ.
The Date of the Isra and Mi'raj
The 27th of Rajab is often given as the date of the Isra and Mi'raj, but no authentic text fixes it. Read more in our article on the Isra and Mi'raj.
How to Use a Sacred Month Well
Sacred months are a good time to avoid wrongdoing and to increase good deeds. That is a general encouragement that applies to any worship you already know is established: keeping your prayers, reading the Quran, giving charity, and being kind. Where you have a question about a particular voluntary practice, ask your local imam.
Preparing for Ramadan
Rajab comes a few months before Ramadan, and many people use it to build good habits. If you would like to improve your reading, our Tajweed course and a free trial lesson are easy places to begin.