Shafaqna English- The Month of Rajab: The Month of Unity with God, a single-volume work by Iranian Author Asghar Taherzadeh, published by Al-Mizan Cultural Group explores the spiritual status of Rajab as “the Month of God” and its role in shaping a lasting religious identity through repentance. Here is a short selection of the book translated by Shafaqna English.
The Month of Rajab, the Month of Unity With God
Rajab: A Factor in Shaping the Human Being’s Hereafter
Let us recall a narration stating that on the Day of Resurrection, at the place of gathering (the Mahshar), in absolute solitude, a call will be made: “Where are the Rajabīs (those who belong to Rajab)?”
Meaning: Where are those who during the Month of Rajab formed a special closeness with their God and did not allow the Month of Rajab to pass by easily and heedlessly?
It is therefore clear that through the practices of the Month of Rajab, a special kind of personality is formed within a person. In other words, becoming Rajabī brings about a kind of ontological existence and a distinct identity for the human being. In the world of the Hereafter where realities are unveiled; this particular personality will manifest itself.
Being “Rajabī” is not a simple, conventional or merely nominal matter like labeling people with names that have no real connection to their true being. Regarding the greatness of the Month of Rajab, the Messenger of God (PBUH) said: “Rajab is the great Month of God; no month equals it in sanctity and merit before God.
Even in the time of ignorance (Jāhiliyyah), people respected the Month of Rajab, and Islam further emphasized its greatness.” Then he said: “Indeed, Rajab is the Month of God, Sha‘bān is my month, and Ramadhan is the Month of my Ummah (community).”
A Special Form of Seeking Forgiveness
In the continuation of the narration that angel conveys God’s words: “I forgive whoever seeks My Forgiveness.” It is clear that seeking forgiveness in the Month of Rajab is a special form of seeking forgiveness. Generally, one of the principal invocations of this month is Istighfār (repentance) and it has been prescribed in various forms none of this is arbitrary.
For example, in one form of Istighfār, the word “Rabbi” (my Lord) is not used. Instead, it is recommended that every day one says seventy times in the morning and seventy times in the evening: “Astaghfirullāha wa Atūbu Ilayh” (I seek forgiveness from God and I turn to God in repentance).
This is because, by placing oneself in the embrace of the Lord of the Month of Rajab, one no longer uses the word “Rabbi”; rather, one’s attention and repentance are directed toward “Allah (SWT).”
You have surely noticed that “Allah (SWT)” represents the station that encompasses all Divine Names. Thus, by prescribing this invocation, they intend the heart to be directed toward Allah (SWT). Similarly, when “Rabbi” is used in invocations, the intention is to direct the heart toward the station of Divine Lordship (Rubūbiyyah).
Therefore, these forms of remembrance are deliberate and purposeful. They should be recited exactly as transmitted in the narrations, and one should strive to cultivate the corresponding inner states, so that God willing the extraordinary results of these invocations may be granted.