The auspicious month of Rajab al-Murajjab and Laylat ar-Ragha’eb

By: Sayyid Ali Shahbaz
The start of the blessed month of Rajab, the first of the four sacred months. Its first day happens to be a very blessed occasion. It is the birthday of the Splitter and Spreader of Sciences, or to be more precise, Imam Muhammad al-Baqer (AS), the 5th Infallible Heir of Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
A famous statement of the Prophet reads: “Rajab is the great month of Allah. No other month equals it in sanctity and merit. During this month fighting against the infidels is prohibited. Indeed Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month, and Ramadhan is the month of my ummah. Surely, whoever fasts a day of Rajab secures Allah’s greatest pleasure, distances himself from the wrath of Allah, and one of the gates of hell is shut closed for him.”
As for his great-great-grandson, who was born in Medina on the first of this month in the year 57 AH – 46 years after his passing away – the Prophet has given us the tidings through his trusted companion, Jaber ibn Abdullah al-Ansari: “It will happen that you will live until you meet one of my children descended from (Imam) Husain (AS), called Muhammad (AS), who will split wide open Sciences (Baqer al-Uloum) of religion. When you meet him, convey my greeting to him.\"
You are certainly aware of Laylat-ar-Ragha’eb, the night on which the hearts of the faithful are turned towards God and His unceasing showers of mercy. Let us mention its prime observation, since it happens to fall this year on the 1st of Rajab itself, that is, tomorrow.
The First Friday Eve of Rajab is called Laylat al-Ragha’eb and an observance has been narrated from Prophet Muhammad (SAWA) for this night along with its great merits. Among the virtues of this observance is expiation of many sins. It is mentioned that when someone who has offered this prayer dies, on the first night of his burial God Almighty sends the reward for it in the most beautiful of forms, with a bright and gracious face, to greet him. Speaking in an eloquent manner, it says to him, “My friend, congratulations for having been delivered from every hardship and suffering.” He asks: “Who are you? By God, I have never seen a more beautiful face, never heard a sweeter speech, nor smelled a better fragrance than yours!” It says to him: “I am the reward of the prayer you offered on such and such a night of such and such a month in such and such a year. I have come tonight to fulfill my debt to you, to keep you company in your solitude, and to relieve you of your loneliness. When the Trumpet is sounded I will shade you on the Plain of Resurrection. So rejoice, for you will not be missing your Lord’s grace!”
As for the manner of its performance, it consists of keeping fast on the first Thursday of this month. After nightfall and between the Maghreb and Isha Prayers, a twelve-rak’ah prayer is performed in six parts – every two rak’ahs with a salaam. In each rak’ah, Surah al-Hamd is recited once, Surah al-Qadr three times and Surah Towhid twelve times. After completing the prayer say 70 times: “Allahumma Salle ala Muhammadin-in-Nabi∙yil-ummî, wa ala alehi (O Allah, bless Muhammad, the Ummi Prophet, and his Progeny)”. Then making prostration, say 70 times “Subhuhun Quddusun, Rabbul mala’ekati var-ruh (You are Glorious and Holy O Lord of the angels and the Spirit).” Then rising from prostration, say 70 times “Rabbigh∙fir varham, wa tajawaz amma ta’lam, innaka antal Ali∙yul al-‘Azam (Lord, forgive me and have mercy on me! Excuse what You know; indeed You are the Most High and the Greatest). Then again make prostration and say 70 times: “Subbuhun, Quddusun Rabbul- mala’ekati var-ruh”. Thereafter, mention your request which will be granted, God willing.