In an interview with Hawzah News Agency, Hojatoleslam Syed Ibrahim Khalil Razavi said Rajab occupies a unique and exalted position in the Islamic calendar, serving as a time for believers to reassess their conduct, strengthen their relationship with God, and embark on a path of conscious spiritual development.
Rajab: A Sacred Month for Self-Reflection
Highlighting the sanctity of Rajab, Razavi noted that the month is explicitly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an as one of the four sacred months during which the avoidance of sin, injustice, and transgression carries heightened significance. He cited verse 36 of Surah At-Tawbah, which underscores the inviolability of these months and calls on believers not to wrong themselves during them.
“This Qur’anic directive makes Rajab a special period for self-discipline, moral refinement, and purification of the soul,” he said, adding that the sacred nature of the month elevates personal responsibility and ethical awareness among Muslims.
‘Rajab Is the Month of God’
Referring to a well-known prophetic narration, the Bangladeshi cleric recalled the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Rajab is the month of God, Shaban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my nation.” While noting scholarly discussions regarding the chain of transmission, Razavi emphasized that the narration has been widely accepted in the context of the virtues of deeds and reflects the profound spiritual status of Rajab.
“This narration highlights the special connection between Rajab and Divine mercy,” he said, describing the month as a gateway to spiritual elevation and a prelude to the peak of worship in Ramadan.
Rajab in the Teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT)
Razavi also pointed to the prominent place of Rajab in the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), where it is portrayed as a month of spiritual training and inner purification. Citing a narration from Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (PBUH), he referred to the description of a river in Paradise named “Rajab,” said to be whiter than milk and sweeter than honey—symbolizing the divine reward awaiting those who honor the sanctity of the month.
“These narrations reflect the immense spiritual value of Rajab and encourage believers to make full use of its blessings,” he said.
The Birth of Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH)
The head of the Bangladesh Ulema Council further noted that the beginning of Rajab coincides with the birth anniversary of Imam Muhammad Baqir (PBUH), the fifth Shiite Imam, known as “Baqir al-‘Olum” (the splitter of knowledge). He described this coincidence as deeply symbolic, linking Rajab not only to spirituality but also to knowledge, intellectual awakening, and the dissemination of authentic Islamic teachings.
“Imam Baqir (PBUH) played a foundational role in explaining the Qur’an, developing Islamic jurisprudence, and consolidating the intellectual legacy of the Ahl al-Bayt,” Razavi said, adding that his birth at the start of Rajab reinforces the month’s scientific and spiritual dimensions.
A Month of Repentance, Forgiveness, and Prayer
Describing Rajab as a season of repentance and sincere return to God, Razavi cited prophetic traditions encouraging abundant supplication and seeking forgiveness during the month. He referred to a hadith urging believers to increase their pleas for forgiveness in Rajab, reminding them of God’s infinite mercy.
He emphasized the practical aspects of reviving the month, including frequent recitation of istighfar, recommended fasting, and the performance of special supplications such as the Rajabiyah prayer after daily prayers. “These acts play a vital role in purifying the soul, strengthening servitude to God, and cultivating spiritual awareness,” he said.
The Virtue of Fasting in Rajab
Razavi concluded by underlining the importance of recommended fasting during Rajab, describing it as a powerful means of self-discipline and spiritual preparation. He noted that even a single day of fasting in this month carries great reward, as it helps restrain worldly desires and prepares the heart to receive the light of piety.
“If Rajab is properly understood and sincerely observed,” he said, “it can become a turning point in personal reform and spiritual readiness, enabling believers to fully benefit from the blessings of Shaban and the transformative month of Ramadan.”
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