Month 7 of the Hijri calendar

Rajab: the Sacred Month Before Sha‘ban and Ramadan

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in which wrongdoing is especially serious (Qur’an 9:36). Its name comes from “tarjib”, to honour, because the Arabs respected it.

Worship in Rajab

As a sacred month, Rajab is a time to avoid sins and increase good deeds. Fasting in the sacred months is recommended in general; the scholars note, however, that no authentic hadith singles out a particular day of Rajab for fasting or a special prayer for it.

The Night Journey

The Isra’ and Mi‘raj, the Night Journey of the Prophet ﷺ from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascension through the heavens, is established in the Qur’an (17:1) and the hadith. It was then that the five daily prayers were prescribed. Many Muslims remember it on the 27th of Rajab, the most widely cited date, although historians give other dates as well.

When does Rajab start?

Hijri yearFirst dayLast dayDays
1446 AHWednesday 1 January 202530 January 202530
1447 AHSunday 21 December 202519 January 202630
1448 AHThursday 10 December 20268 January 202730
1449 AHMonday 29 November 202728 December 202730
1450 AHSaturday 18 November 202816 December 202829
1451 AHThursday 8 November 20296 December 202929
1452 AHMonday 28 October 203026 November 203030

Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).

Occasions in Rajab

Rajab: questions

When does Rajab 1448 start?

On 10 December 2026; it ends on 8 January 2027 after 30 days, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.

When does Rajab 1449 start?

On 29 November 2027, and it lasts 30 days.

Is Rajab a sacred month?

Yes. Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Qur’an (9:36), in which wrongdoing is especially serious.

Which months come before and after Rajab?

Jumada al-Akhirah comes before it and Sha‘ban after it.