Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The lexical definition of the classical Arabic verb rajaba is "to respect" which could also mean "be awe or be in fear", of which Rajab is a derivative. This month is regarded as one of the four sacred months in Islam in which battles are prohibited. The pre-Islamic Arabs also considered warfare blasphemous during the four months. Muslims believe Rajab is the month in which ‘Alī ibn Abī Tālib, the first Imam of Shia Muslims and fourth Caliph of Sunni Muslims, was born. Rajab is also the month during which Isra' Mi'raj of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, took place. Rajab and Shaʿbān are a prelude to the holy month of Ramaḍān.
Timing
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the lunar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, Rajab migrates throughout the seasons. The estimated start and end dates for Rajab, based on the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia, are:
6 Rajab: Many Sufi followers of the Chishti tariqa celebrate the anniversary of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti
7 Rajab: Twelvers observe the Festival of Imam Musa al-Kazim in dedication of Musā' al-Kādhim. This is so as to avoid missing celebrating the birth of the 7th Imam which took place Safar. In, on the 7th day is celebrated the birth of 7th Imam.
22 Rajab, Koonday is organized by people friendly towards the Imams of the Ahlul Bayt or Shias among Shias of South Asia. It is an occasion for Shias to discuss Allah and the Ahlul Bayt and to strengthen ties among the community with love and compassion.
The name of Rajab literally designated to the meaning respected, regarded, and admired. It seems that the word is originally a Semitic one. There are different points about the numeration of the days of the month. Some believe that the month is 29 days and others believe that the month is 30 days. There are two important events during the month, namely the birthday of Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Muhammad's first revelation in Shia tradition. Just as the month honored before the appearance of Islam, the dignity of that is regarded by the very religion of Islam. Also during the month referred to the forbidding of war. There are also other names for the Rajab, such as Rajab Al-Morrajjab, Rajab Al-Asab.
For Shia
believe that there are many virtues of the month. According to some narrations, the month belongs to Ali while Shaban is for Muhammad. Musa al-Kadhim has narrated that the Rajab is like a river in heaven which is whiter and sweeter than honey.
