Rajab

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. The month has either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting or calculation of the new moon. Since the lunar calendar is approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar calendar each year, Rajab shifts through the seasons of the solar year.

Rajab is among the months known as 'sacred months' in Arab and Islamic tradition. It precedes Sha'ban and Ramadan, making it a period of preparation during which many people begin acts of worship.

Position in the calendar

The Islamic months in order are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi' al-awwal, Rabi' al-thani, Jumada al-awwal, Jumada al-thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah. Rajab thus falls in the middle of the Islamic year.

Sacred months

The four sacred months are Dhu al-Qi'dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. The first three are consecutive, while Rajab stands apart. In pre-Islamic Arab custom, warfare was suspended during these months, which enabled trade journeys and pilgrimage. Islam maintained recognition of the sanctity of these months.

Events and practices

Some Muslim communities commemorate Isra and Mi'raj on the 27th of Rajab—the night journey of the Prophet Muhammad. Scholars disagree on the exact date of this event and the scriptural basis for its observance. There are also customs of fasting and special prayers specific to the month, which Islamic scholars have evaluated differently.