FIRST CHAPTER: IMPORTANCE THE MONTH OF RAJAB & IT’S AAMAL
IMPORTANCE THE MONTH OF RAJAB & IT’S AAMAL
Be it known to you that in addition to the months of Sha’ban and Ramadan, the month of Rajabenjoys a great honor, as cited in many narrations that have also conveyed the merits of this month. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is reported as saying, “Verily, Rajab is the Great Month of Allah. No other month can be as sacredand virtuous as this month. To fight against the polytheists during this month is forbidden. Most certainly, Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my people. Therefore, if one observes fasting on one day of this month, he will bindingly win the Grand Pleasure of Almighty Allah, will be taken away from His ire, and the gates of Hellfire will be closed in his face.”
Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kazim (a.s.) is also reported to have said, “If one observes fasting on one day in Rajab, Hellfire will go away from him a distance of one year walking. One who fasts three days will bindingly win Paradise.”
The Imam (a.s.) is also reported as saying, “Rajab is (the name of) a river in Paradise that is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. Hence, if one fasts even a single day in Rajab, Almighty Allah will allow him to drink from that river.”
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) has reported the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as saying: Rajab is the month of imploring for forgiveness for my people; so, you should implore forgiveness repeatedly in this month much more than you do in other months, for Almighty Allah is forgiving and merciful. This month is described as the advantageous month, because mercy is poured on my people during it so heavily. You should thus repeat very much the following imploration prayer:
استغفر اللّه و اساله التّوبة
In a considerable form of narration, Ibn Baabwayh has quoted Salim as saying: I once visited Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) in the last days of Rabaj. When his eyes turned towards me, he asked, “Have you fasted on any day in this month, Salim?”
“No, I have not,” answered I.
“You have missed great reward,” said the Imam (a.s.). “Such a great reward that none can ever grant except Almighty Allah. Verily, this month has been given precedence to the other months by Almighty Allah Who has also given its sanctity a great consideration and will have certainly honored those who observe fasting during it.”
I then said, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, what if I fast on the rest days of Rajab, will I then be awarded anything of the rewards dedicated to those fasting in it?”
Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) answered, “Listen, Salim! If one observes fasting on the last day of this month, this will secure him against the agonies of death, the horror of the resurrection, and the grave chastisement. As for one who observes fasting on the last two days of this month, this will give him permission to pass the Discriminating Bridge (sirat) peacefully. As for one who observes fasting on the last three days of the month, one shall be secured on the Grand Horror Day against all the horrors and hardships thereon and shall be also granted release from Hellfire.”
Finally, be it known to you that to observe fasting during the month of Rajab wholly brings about great favors. However, it has been narrated that one who is incapable of fasting during the month of Rajab may repeat the following supplicatory prayer instead one hundred times each day in Rajab:
سُبْحَانَ الْاِلَهِ الْجَلِيلِ سُبْحَانَ مَنْ لا يَنْبَغِي التَّسْبِيحُ اِلا لَهُ سُبْحَانَ الْاَعَزِّ الْاَكْرَمِ سُبْحَانَ مَنْ لَبِسَ الْعِزَّ وَ هُوَ لَهُ چاَهْلٌ
The recommended devotional acts of Rajab are divided into two parts: general and particular. The general acts are those advisedly said or done each day in the month without distinction.
GENERAL AAMAL IN RAJAB
First: It is advisable to say the following supplicatory prayer each day in Rajab. It has been narrated that Imam Zayn al-’Abidin (a.s.) used to say this supplicatory prayer on the first day of Rajab while he was imprisoned:
يَا مَنْ يَمْلِكُ حَوَائِجَ السَّائِلِينَ وَ يَعْلَمُ ضَمِيرَ الصَّامِتِينَ لِكُلِّ مَسْاَلَةٍ مِنْكَ سَمْعٌ حَاضِرٌ وَ جَوَابٌ عَتِيدٌ اللّٰهُمَّ وَ مَوَاعِيدُكَ الصَّادِقَةُ وَ اَيَادِيكَ الْفَاضِلَةُ وَ رَحْمَتُكَ الْوَاسِعَةُ فَاَسْاَلُكَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْ تَقْضِيَ حَوَائِجِي لِلدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ اِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
IMPORTANCE THE MONTH OF RAJAB & IT’S AAMAL
Be it known to you that in addition to the months of Sha’ban and Ramadan, the month of Rajabenjoys a great honor, as cited in many narrations that have also conveyed the merits of this month. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is reported as saying, “Verily, Rajab is the Great Month of Allah. No other month can be as sacredand virtuous as this month. To fight against the polytheists during this month is forbidden. Most certainly, Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my people. Therefore, if one observes fasting on one day of this month, he will bindingly win the Grand Pleasure of Almighty Allah, will be taken away from His ire, and the gates of Hellfire will be closed in his face.”
Imam Musa ibn Ja’far al-Kazim (a.s.) is also reported to have said, “If one observes fasting on one day in Rajab, Hellfire will go away from him a distance of one year walking. One who fasts three days will bindingly win Paradise.”
The Imam (a.s.) is also reported as saying, “Rajab is (the name of) a river in Paradise that is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. Hence, if one fasts even a single day in Rajab, Almighty Allah will allow him to drink from that river.”
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) has reported the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as saying: Rajab is the month of imploring for forgiveness for my people; so, you should implore forgiveness repeatedly in this month much more than you do in other months, for Almighty Allah is forgiving and merciful. This month is described as the advantageous month, because mercy is poured on my people during it so heavily. You should thus repeat very much the following imploration prayer:
استغفر اللّه و اساله التّوبة
In a considerable form of narration, Ibn Baabwayh has quoted Salim as saying: I once visited Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) in the last days of Rabaj. When his eyes turned towards me, he asked, “Have you fasted on any day in this month, Salim?”
“No, I have not,” answered I.
“You have missed great reward,” said the Imam (a.s.). “Such a great reward that none can ever grant except Almighty Allah. Verily, this month has been given precedence to the other months by Almighty Allah Who has also given its sanctity a great consideration and will have certainly honored those who observe fasting during it.”
I then said, “O son of Allah’s Messenger, what if I fast on the rest days of Rajab, will I then be awarded anything of the rewards dedicated to those fasting in it?”
Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) answered, “Listen, Salim! If one observes fasting on the last day of this month, this will secure him against the agonies of death, the horror of the resurrection, and the grave chastisement. As for one who observes fasting on the last two days of this month, this will give him permission to pass the Discriminating Bridge (sirat) peacefully. As for one who observes fasting on the last three days of the month, one shall be secured on the Grand Horror Day against all the horrors and hardships thereon and shall be also granted release from Hellfire.”
Finally, be it known to you that to observe fasting during the month of Rajab wholly brings about great favors. However, it has been narrated that one who is incapable of fasting during the month of Rajab may repeat the following supplicatory prayer instead one hundred times each day in Rajab:
سُبْحَانَ الْاِلَهِ الْجَلِيلِ سُبْحَانَ مَنْ لا يَنْبَغِي التَّسْبِيحُ اِلا لَهُ سُبْحَانَ الْاَعَزِّ الْاَكْرَمِ سُبْحَانَ مَنْ لَبِسَ الْعِزَّ وَ هُوَ لَهُ چاَهْلٌ
The recommended devotional acts of Rajab are divided into two parts: general and particular. The general acts are those advisedly said or done each day in the month without distinction.
DAILY SUPPLICATIONS OF RAJAB
Second: It is recommended to say the following supplicatory prayer that Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) used to say everyday in Rajab:
خَابَ الْوَافِدُونَ عَلَى غَيْرِكَ وَ خَسِرَ الْمُتَعَرِّضُونَ اِلا لَكَ وَ ضَاعَ الْمُلِمُّونَ اِلا بِكَ وَ اَجْدَبَ الْمُنْتَجِعُونَ اِلا مَنِ انْتَجَعَ فَضْلَكَ بَابُكَ مَفْتُوحٌ لِلرَّاغِبِينَ وَ خَيْرُكَ مَبْذُولٌ لِلطَّالِبِينَ وَ فَضْلُكَ مُبَاحٌ لِلسَّائِلِينَ وَ نَيْلُكَ مُتَاحٌ لِلْآمِلِينَ وَ رِزْقُكَ مَبْسُوطٌ لِمَنْ عَصَاكَ وَ حِلْمُكَ مُعْتَرِضٌ لِمَنْ نَاوَاكَ عَادَتُكَ الْاِحْسَانُ اِلَى الْمُسِيئِينَ وَ سَبِيلُكَ الْاِبْقَاءُ عَلَى الْمُعْتَدِينَ اللّٰهُمَّ فَاهْدِنِي هُدَى الْمُهْتَدِينَ وَ ارْزُقْنِي اجْتِهَادَ الْمُجْتَهِدِينَ وَ لا تَجْعَلْنِي مِنَ الْغَافِلِينَ الْمُبْعَدِينَ وَ اغْفِرْ لِي يَوْمَ الدِّينِ .
Third: In his book of al-Misbah, Shaykh al-Tusi mentions that al-Mu’alla ibn Khunays has reported Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) as saying, “In Rajab, you may say the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ صَبْرَ الشَّاكِرِينَ لَكَ وَ عَمَلَ الْخَائِفِينَ مِنْكَ وَ يَقِينَ الْعَابِدِينَ لَكَ اللّٰهُمَّ اَنْتَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ وَ اَنَا عَبْدُكَ الْبَائِسُ الْفَقِيرُ اَنْتَ الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ وَ اَنَا الْعَبْدُ الذَّلِيلُ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ وَ امْنُنْ بِغِنَاكَ عَلَى فَقْرِي وَ بِحِلْمِكَ عَلَى جَهْلِي وَ بِقُوَّتِكَ عَلَى ضَعْفِي يَا قَوِيُّ يَا عَزِيزُ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ الْاَوْصِيَاءِ الْمَرْضِيِّينَ وَ اكْفِنِي مَا اَهَمَّنِي مِنْ اَمْرِ الدُّنْيَا وَ الْآخِرَةِ يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ .
The previously mentioned supplicatory prayer has been also mentioned by Sayyid Ibn Tawus al-Hasani in his book of Iqbal al-A’mal. According to the narration, this supplicatory prayer is the most comprehensive and it is advisable to repeat it any time.
Fourth: Shaykh al-Tusi has also mentioned that the following supplicatory prayer is advisedly repeated each day in Rajab:
اللّٰهُمَّ يَا ذَا الْمِنَنِ السَّابِغَةِ وَ الْآلاءِ الْوَازِعَةِ وَ الرَّحْمَةِ الْوَاسِعَةِ وَ الْقُدْرَةِ الْجَامِعَةِ وَ النِّعَمِ الْجَسِيمَةِ وَ الْمَوَاهِبِ الْعَظِيمَةِ وَ الْاَيَادِي الْجَمِيلَةِ وَ الْعَطَايَا الْجَزِيلَةِ يَا مَنْ لا يُنْعَتُ بِتَمْثِيلٍ وَ لا يُمَثَّلُ بِنَظِيرٍ وَ لا يُغْلَبُ بِظَهِيرٍ يَا مَنْ خَلَقَ فَرَزَقَ وَ اَلْهَمَ فَاَنْطَقَ وَ ابْتَدَعَ فَشَرَعَ وَ عَلا فَارْتَفَعَ وَ قَدَّرَ فَاَحْسَنَ وَ صَوَّرَ فَاَتْقَنَ وَ احْتَجَّ فَاَبْلَغَ وَ اَنْعَمَ فَاَسْبَغَ وَ اَعْطَى فَاَجْزَلَ وَ مَنَحَ فَاَفْضَلَ يَا مَنْ سَمَا فِي الْعِزِّ فَفَاتَ نَوَاظِرَ [خَوَاطِرَ] الْاَبْصَارِ وَ دَنَا فِي اللُّطْفِ فَجَازَ هَوَاجِسَ الْاَفْكَارِ يَا مَنْ تَوَحَّدَ بِالْمُلْكِ فَلا نِدَّ لَهُ فِي مَلَكُوتِ سُلْطَانِهِ وَ تَفَرَّدَ بِالْآلاءِ وَ الْكِبْرِيَاءِ فَلا ضِدَّ لَهُ فِي جَبَرُوتِ شَأْنِهِ يَا مَنْ حَارَتْ فِي كِبْرِيَاءِ هَيْبَتِهِ دَقَائِقُ لَطَائِفِ الْاَوْهَامِ وَ انْحَسَرَتْ دُونَ اِدْرَاكِ عَظَمَتِهِ خَطَائِفُ اَبْصَارِ الْاَنَامِ يَا مَنْ عَنَتِ الْوُجُوهُ لِهَيْبَتِهِ، وَ خَضَعَتِ الرِّقَابُ لِعَظَمَتِهِ وَ وَجِلَتِ الْقُلُوبُ مِنْ خِيفَتِهِ اَسْاَلُكَ بِهَذِهِ الْمِدْحَةِ الَّتِي لا تَنْبَغِي اِلا لَكَ وَ بِمَا وَاَيْتَ بِهِ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ لِدَاعِيكَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَ بِمَا ضَمِنْتَ الْاِجَابَةَ فِيهِ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ لِلدَّاعِينَ يَا اَسْمَعَ السَّامِعِينَ وَ اَبْصَرَ النَّاظِرِينَ وَ اَسْرَعَ الْحَاسِبِينَ يَا ذَا الْقُوَّةِ الْمَتِينَ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ خَاتَمِ النَّبِيِّينَ وَ عَلَى اَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ وَ اقْسِمْ لِي فِي شَهْرِنَا هٰذَا خَيْرَ مَا قَسَمْتَ وَ احْتِمْ لِي فِي قَضَائِكَ خَيْرَ مَا حَتَمْتَ وَ اخْتِمْ لِي بِالسَّعَادَةِ فِيمَنْ خَتَمْتَ وَ اَحْيِنِي مَا اَحْيَيْتَنِي مَوْفُورا وَ اَمِتْنِي مَسْرُورا وَ مَغْفُورا وَ تَوَلَّ اَنْتَ نَجَاتِي مِنْ مُسَاءَلَةِ الْبَرْزَخِ وَ ادْرَأْ عَنِّي مُنْكَرا وَ نَكِيرا وَ اَرِ عَيْنِي مُبَشِّرا وَ بَشِيرا وَ اجْعَلْ لِي اِلَى رِضْوَانِكَ وَ جِنَانِكَ [جَنَّاتِكَ] مَصِيرا وَ عَيْشا قَرِيرا وَ مُلْكا كَبِيرا وَ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ كَثِيرا.
This supplicatory prayer is also advisably said in Masjid Sa’sa’ah.
Fifth: Shaykh al-Tusi has narrated that the following holy Signatureof Imam al-Mahdi(a.s.) was conveyed to the grand Shaykh Abu-Ja’far Muhammad ibn ‘Uthman ibn Sa’id:
On each day in Rajab, you may say the following supplicatory prayer:
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ بِمَعَانِي جَمِيعِ مَا يَدْعُوكَ بِهِ وُلاةُ اَمْرِكَ الْمَأْمُونُونَ عَلَى سِرِّكَ الْمُسْتَبْشِرُونَ بِاَمْرِكَ الْوَاصِفُونَ لِقُدْرَتِكَ الْمُعْلِنُونَ لِعَظَمَتِكَ اَسْاَلُكَ بِمَا نَطَقَ فِيهِمْ مِنْ مَشِيَّتِكَ فَجَعَلْتَهُمْ مَعَادِنَ لِكَلِمَاتِكَ وَ اَرْكَانا لِتَوْحِيدِكَ وَ آيَاتِكَ وَ مَقَامَاتِكَ الَّتِي لا تَعْطِيلَ لَهَا فِي كُلِّ مَكَانٍ يَعْرِفُكَ بِهَا مَنْ عَرَفَكَ لا فَرْقَ بَيْنَكَ وَ بَيْنَهَا اِلا اَنَّهُمْ عِبَادُكَ وَ خَلْقُكَ فَتْقُهَا وَ رَتْقُهَا بِيَدِكَ بَدْؤُهَا مِنْكَ وَ عَوْدُهَا اِلَيْكَ اَعْضَادٌ وَ اَشْهَادٌ وَ مُنَاةٌ وَ اَذْوَادٌ وَ حَفَظَةٌ وَ رُوَّادٌ فَبِهِمْ مَلَأْتَ سَمَاءَكَ وَ اَرْضَكَ حَتَّى ظَهَرَ اَنْ لا اِلَهَ اِلا اَنْتَ فَبِذَلِكَ اَسْاَلُكَ وَ بِمَوَاقِعِ الْعِزِّ مِنْ رَحْمَتِكَ وَ بِمَقَامَاتِكَ وَ عَلامَاتِكَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ وَ اَنْ تَزِيدَنِي اِيمَانا وَ تَثْبِيتا يَا بَاطِنا فِي ظُهُورِهِ وَ ظَاهِرا فِي بُطُونِهِ وَ مَكْنُونِهِ يَا مُفَرِّقا بَيْنَ النُّورِ وَ الدَّيْجُورِ يَا مَوْصُوفا بِغَيْرِ كُنْهٍ وَ مَعْرُوفا بِغَيْرِ شِبْهٍ حَادَّ كُلِّ مَحْدُودٍ وَ شَاهِدَ كُلِّ مَشْهُودٍ وَ مُوجِدَ كُلِّ مَوْجُودٍ وَ مُحْصِيَ كُلِّ مَعْدُودٍ وَ فَاقِدَ كُلِّ مَفْقُودٍ، لَيْسَ دُونَكَ مِنْ مَعْبُودٍ اَهْلَ الْكِبْرِيَاءِ وَ الْجُودِ يَا مَنْ لا يُكَيَّفُ بِكَيْفٍ وَ لا يُؤَيَّنُ بِاَيْنٍ يَا مُحْتَجِبا عَنْ كُلِّ عَيْنٍ يَا دَيْمُومُ يَا قَيُّومُ وَ عَالِمَ كُلِّ مَعْلُومٍ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ وَ عَلَى عِبَادِكَ الْمُنْتَجَبِينَ وَ بَشَرِكَ الْمُحْتَجِبِينَ وَ مَلائِكَتِكَ الْمُقَرَّبِينَ وَ الْبُهْمِ الصَّافِّينَ الْحَافِّينَ وَ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي شَهْرِنَا هٰذَا الْمُرَجَّبِ الْمُكَرَّمِ وَ مَا بَعْدَهُ مِنَ الْاَشْهُرِ الْحُرُمِ وَ اَسْبِغْ عَلَيْنَا فِيهِ النِّعَمَ وَ اَجْزِلْ لَنَا فِيهِ الْقِسَمَ وَ اَبْرِرْ لَنَا فِيهِ الْقَسَمَ بِاسْمِكَ الْاَعْظَمِ الْاَعْظَمِ الْاَجَلِّ الْاَكْرَمِ الَّذِي وَضَعْتَهُ عَلَى النَّهَارِ فَاَضَاءَ وَ عَلَى اللَّيْلِ فَاَظْلَمَ وَ اغْفِرْ لَنَا مَا تَعْلَمُ مِنَّا وَ مَا لا نَعْلَمُ وَ اعْصِمْنَا مِنَ الذُّنُوبِ خَيْرَ الْعِصَمِ وَ اكْفِنَا كَوَافِيَ قَدَرِكَ وَ امْنُنْ عَلَيْنَا بِحُسْنِ نَظَرِكَ وَ لا تَكِلْنَا اِلَى غَيْرِكَ وَ لا تَمْنَعْنَا مِنْ خَيْرِكَ وَ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيمَا كَتَبْتَهُ لَنَا مِنْ اَعْمَارِنَا وَ اَصْلِحْ لَنَا خَبِيئَةَ اَسْرَارِنَا وَ اَعْطِنَا مِنْكَ الْاَمَانَ وَ اسْتَعْمِلْنَا بِحُسْنِ الْاِيمَانِ وَ بَلِّغْنَا شَهْرَ الصِّيَامِ وَ مَا بَعْدَهُ مِنَ الْاَيَّامِ وَ الْاَعْوَامِ يَا ذَا الْجَلالِ وَ الْاِكْرَامِ .
Sixth: Shaykh al-Tusi has also narrated that a document signed by Imam al-Mahdi(a.s.) was received by Shaykh Abu’l-Qasim, Imam al-Mahdi’s representative, comprising that the following supplicatory prayer would be recommendably said in the month of Rajab:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ بِالْمَوْلُودَيْنِ فِي رَجَبٍ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ الثَّانِي وَ ابْنِهِ عَلِيِّ بْنِ مُحَمَّدٍ الْمُنْتَجَبِ وَ اَتَقَرَّبُ بِهِمَا اِلَيْكَ خَيْرَ الْقُرَبِ يَا مَنْ اِلَيْهِ الْمَعْرُوفُ طُلِبَ وَ فِيمَا لَدَيْهِ رُغِبَ اَسْاَلُكَ سُؤَالَ مُقْتَرِفٍ مُذْنِبٍ قَدْ اَوْبَقَتْهُ ذُنُوبُهُ وَ اَوْثَقَتْهُ عُيُوبُهُ فَطَالَ عَلَى الْخَطَايَا دُءُوبُهُ وَ مِنَ الرَّزَايَا خُطُوبُهُ يَسْاَلُكَ التَّوْبَةَ وَ حُسْنَ الْاَوْبَةِ وَ النُّزُوعَ عَنِ الْحَوْبَةِ وَ مِنَ النَّارِ فَكَاكَ رَقَبَتِهِ وَ الْعَفْوَ عَمَّا فِي رِبْقَتِهِ فَاَنْتَ مَوْلايَ اَعْظَمُ اَمَلِهِ وَ ثِقَتِهِ [ثِقَتُهُ] اللّٰهُمَّ وَ اَسْاَلُكَ بِمَسَائِلِكَ الشَّرِيفَةِ وَ وَسَائِلِكَ الْمُنِيفَةِ اَنْ تَتَغَمَّدَنِي فِي هٰذَا الشَّهْرِ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِنْكَ وَاسِعَةٍ وَ نِعْمَةٍ وَازِعَةٍ وَ نَفْسٍ بِمَا رَزَقْتَهَا قَانِعَةٍ اِلَى نُزُولِ الْحَافِرَةِ وَ مَحَلِّ الْآخِرَةِ وَ مَا هِيَ اِلَيْهِ صَائِرَةٌ
ZIYARAH RAJABIYAH (الحمد الله الذی اشهدنا)
Shaykh al-Tusi has also reported the following words from Abu’l-Qasim ibn Ruh, the Private Representative of Imam al-Mahdi(a.s.): “In Rajab, you may visit any of the shrines (of the Holy Infallibles) that are possible for you to visit, and say the following supplicatory prayer therein:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي اَشْهَدَنَا مَشْهَدَ اَوْلِيَائِهِ فِي رَجَبٍ وَ اَوْجَبَ عَلَيْنَا مِنْ حَقِّهِمْ مَا قَدْ وَجَبَ وَ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ الْمُنْتَجَبِ وَ عَلَى اَوْصِيَائِهِ الْحُجُبِ اللّٰهُمَّ فَكَمَا اَشْهَدْتَنَا مَشْهَدَهُمْ [مَشَاهِدَهُمْ] فَاَنْجِزْ لَنَا مَوْعِدَهُمْ وَ اَوْرِدْنَا مَوْرِدَهُمْ غَيْرَ مُحَلَّئِينَ عَنْ وِرْدٍ فِي دَارِ الْمُقَامَةِ وَ الْخُلْدِ وَ السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ اِنِّي [قَدْ] قَصَدْتُكُمْ وَ اعْتَمَدْتُكُمْ بِمَسْاَلَتِي وَ حَاجَتِي وَ هِيَ فَكَاكُ رَقَبَتِي مِنَ النَّارِ وَ الْمَقَرُّ مَعَكُمْ فِي دَارِ الْقَرَارِ مَعَ شِيعَتِكُمُ الْاَبْرَارِ وَ السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ اَنَا سَائِلُكُمْ وَ آمِلُكُمْ فِيمَا اِلَيْكُمُ التَّفْوِيضُ وَ عَلَيْكُمُ التَّعْوِيضُ فَبِكُمْ يُجْبَرُ الْمَهِيضُ وَ يُشْفَى الْمَرِيضُ ، وَ مَا تَزْدَادُ الْاَرْحَامُ وَ مَا تَغِيضُ اِنِّي بِسِرِّكُمْ مُؤْمِنٌ [مُؤَمِّمٌ] وَ لِقَوْلِكُمْ مُسَلِّمٌ وَ عَلَى اللّٰهِ بِكُمْ مُقْسِمٌ فِي رَجْعِي بِحَوَائِجِي وَ قَضَائِهَا وَ اِمْضَائِهَا وَ اِنْجَاحِهَا وَ اِبْرَاحِهَا [اِيزَاحِهَا] وَ بِشُئُونِي لَدَيْكُمْ وَ صَلاحِهَا وَ السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ سَلامَ مُوَدِّعٍ وَ لَكُمْ حَوَائِجَهُ مُودِعٍ [مُودِعٌ] يَسْاَلُ اللّٰهَ اِلَيْكُمُ الْمَرْجِعَ وَ سَعْيَهُ [سَعْيُهُ] اِلَيْكُمْ غَيْرَ [غَيْرُ] مُنْقَطِعٍ وَ اَنْ يَرْجِعَنِي مِنْ حَضْرَتِكُمْ خَيْرَ مَرْجِعٍ اِلَى جَنَابٍ مُمْرِعٍ وَ خَفْضِ عَيْشٍ مُوَسَّعٍ وَ دَعَةٍ وَ مَهَلٍ اِلَى حِينِ [خَيْرِ] الْاَجَلِ وَ خَيْرِ مَصِيرٍ وَ مَحَلٍّ فِي النَّعِيمِ الْاَزَلِ وَ الْعَيْشِ الْمُقْتَبَلِ وَ دَوَامِ الْاُكُلِ وَ شُرْبِ الرَّحِيقِ وَ السَّلْسَلِ [السَّلْسَبِيلِ] وَ عَلٍّ وَ نَهَلٍ لا سَاَمَ مِنْهُ وَ لا مَلَلَ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ وَ تَحِيَّاتُهُ عَلَيْكُمْ حَتَّى الْعَوْدِ اِلَى حَضْرَتِكُمْ وَ الْفَوْزِ فِي كَرَّتِكُمْ وَ الْحَشْرِ فِي زُمْرَتِكُمْ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَ صَلَوَاتُهُ وَ تَحِيَّاتُهُ وَ هُوَ حَسْبُنَا وَ نِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
MISCELLANEOUS AAMAL FOR THE MONTH OF RAJAB
Sayyid Ibn Tawus has narrated that Muhammad ibn Dhakwan – known as al-Sajjad due to his remarkable, time-consuming prostration during which he used to weep so heavily that he lost his sight – asked Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.), saying, “May Allah accept me as ransom for you! We are now in Rajab; I therefore please you to teach me a supplicatory prayer due to which Almighty Allah may help me.” Hence, the Imam (a.s.) asked him to write down the following:
In the Name of Allah, the All-Beneficent the All-Merciful. You may say the following (supplicatory prayer) each day in Rajab; in mornings, evenings, and after each of the obligatory prayers:
يَا مَنْ اَرْجُوهُ لِكُلِّ خَيْرٍ وَ آمَنُ سَخَطَهُ عِنْدَ [مِنْ] كُلِّ شَرٍّ يَا مَنْ يُعْطِي الْكَثِيرَ بِالْقَلِيلِ يَا مَنْ يُعْطِي مَنْ سَاَلَهُ يَا مَنْ يُعْطِي مَنْ لَمْ يَسْاَلْهُ وَ مَنْ لَمْ يَعْرِفْهُ تَحَنُّنا مِنْهُ وَ رَحْمَةً اَعْطِنِي بِمَسْاَلَتِي اِيَّاكَ جَمِيعَ خَيْرِ الدُّنْيَا وَ جَمِيعَ خَيْرِ الْآخِرَةِ وَ اصْرِفْ عَنِّي بِمَسْاَلَتِي اِيَّاكَ جَمِيعَ شَرِّ الدُّنْيَا وَ [جَمِيعَ] شَرِّ الْآخِرَةِ فَاِنَّهُ غَيْرُ مَنْقُوصٍ مَا اَعْطَيْتَ وَ زِدْنِي مِنْ فَضْلِكَ يَا كَرِيمُ .
The narrator then added that Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) then grasped his beard with his left hand, while saying this supplicatory prayer, and moved ceaselessly the forefinger of his right hand. He then added:
يَا ذَا الْجَلالِ وَ الْاِكْرَامِ يَا ذَا النَّعْمَاءِ وَ الْجُودِ يَا ذَا الْمَنِّ وَ الطَّوْلِ حَرِّمْ شَيْبَتِي عَلَى النَّارِ
Ninth: The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is reported as saying: Whoever repeats the following imploration for forgiveness one hundred times in Rajab and immediately gives alms after it, Almighty Allah will conclude his life with mercy and forgiveness. Also, whoever repeats it four hundred times, will be given the reward of one hundred martyrs:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ الَّذِي لا اِلَهَ اِلا هُوَ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ وَ اَتُوبُ اِلَيْهِ
Tenth: The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is also reported to have said: Whoever repeats this litany one thousand times in Rajab, Almighty Allah will decide for him one hundred thousand rewards and award him one hundred houses in Paradise:
لا اِلَهَ اِلا اللّٰهُ
Eleventh: A Hadith reads that whoever repeats the following imploration for forgiveness seventy times in the morning and seventy times in the evening on each day in Rajab, will be admitted by Almighty Allah if he dies in Rajab and Hellfire will not touch him on account of the blessings of Rajab:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ وَ اَتُوبُ اِلَيْهِ
After this imploration is repeated seventy times, it is recommended to raise the hands towards the sky and say:
اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَ تُبْ عَلَيَّ
Twelfth: It is recommended to implore Almighty Allah for forgiveness in the following form one thousand times in Rajab so that He will forgive:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ ذَا الْجَلالِ وَ الْاِكْرَامِ مِنْ جَمِيعِ الذُّنُوبِ وَ الْآثَامِ
Thirteenth: In his book entitled Iqbal al-A’mal, Sayyid Ibn Tawus has mentioned great rewards for those who repeat Surah al-Tawheed ten thousand, one thousand, or one hundred times in Rajab. Likewise, he has narrated that one who recites this Surah(of al-Tawheed) one hundred times on Fridays in Rajab will enjoy, on the Resurrection Day, light that draws him towards Paradise.
Fourteenth: Sayyid Ibn Tawus has also narrated that one who fasts on a day in Rajab and offers a four-unit prayer in the first unit of which he repeats Ayah al-Kursi one hundred times and in the second, Surah al-Tawheed two hundred times, will not depart life before he sees (in sleep) his place in Paradise or someone else sees it on behalf of him.
Fifteenth: Sayyid Ibn Tawus has also reported from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that if one offer a four-unit prayer on Friday in Rajab between the obligatory Zohr and Asr Prayers in each unit of which Surah al-Faatehah is recited once, Ayah al-Kursi repeated seven times, and Surah al-Tawheed five times; and then the following imploration for forgiveness repeated ten times – if one offers this prayer, Almighty Allah will decide for him since the day on which he offered this prayer and up to the day of his death one thousand rewards a day, a city built with ruby in Paradise for each verse (of the Holy Qur’an) he recites, a palace built with white pearls in Paradise for each letter he recites from the Holy Qur’an, Paradisiacal Women, ultimate pleasure, inclusion with the (true) worshippers, seal his life with happiness and forgiveness… etc. The supplicatory is as follows:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ الَّذِي لا اِلَهَ اِلا هُوَ وَ اَسْاَلُهُ التَّوْبَةَ
Sixteenth: It is recommended to fast on three days in the month of Rajab: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It has been narrated that whoever fasts on these three days in one of the Sacred Months will be awarded with the reward of nine hundred year worship.
Seventeenth: It is recommended to offer a sixty-unit prayer in Rajab. Each night, it is recommended to offer two units of this prayer in the first unit of which Surah al-Faatehah is recited once, Surah al-Kafirun (No. 109) repeated three times, and Surah al-Tawheed recited one time. After the accomplishment of the two prayer units, it is recommended to raise the hands towards the sky and say the following:
لا اِلَهَ اِلا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَ يُمِيتُ وَ هُوَ حَيٌّ لا يَمُوتُ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ وَ هُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ وَ اِلَيْهِ الْمَصِيرُ وَ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلا بِاللّٰهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ النَّبِيِّ الْاُمِّيِّ وَ آلِهِ.
It is also recommended to pass one’s hand over the face while uttering the last statement. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is reported to have said that if one offers this prayer and says this supplicatory prayer, Almighty Allah will respond to his needs and award him the reward of sixth times of Hajj and ‘Umrah (ritual pilgrimage).
Eighteenth: It has been also narrated that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said, “One who recites Surah al-Tawheed one hundred times at one night in Rajab will be decided to have fasted for one hundred years for the sake of Almighty Allah Who will also decide for him one hundred palaces (in Paradise) in the vicinity of one of the Prophets.”
Nineteenth: The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is also reported as saying that Almighty Allah will forgive all the sins of those who offer a ten unit prayer, at one night in Rajab, reciting in each unit Surah al-Faatehah once and repeating Surah al-Tawheed three times.
Twentieth: In Zad al-Ma’ad, ‘Allamah al-Majlisi has mentioned that Imam AliAmeer al-Momineen(a.s.) reported the following from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.): If one repeats the following Quranic chapters, litanies, and supplicatory prayers three times each day and each night in the months of Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan, he will have all his sins forgiven even if they are as many as and as much as raindrops, tree leaves, sea foam… etc:
(1) Surah al-Faatehah, (2) Ayah al-Kursi, (3) Surah al-Kafirun, (4) Surah al-Tawheed, (5) Surah al-Falaq, (6) Surah al-Nas, (7) the following litany:
سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَ لا اِلَهَ اِلا اللّٰهُ وَ اللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ وَ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلا بِاللّٰهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ
(8) the following invocation of blessings:
اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ
(9) the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ
(10) the following imploration for forgiveness, yet four hundred times:
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ وَ اَتُوبُ اِلَيْهِ
‘Allamah al-Majlisi has also mentioned that it is traditional to repeat the following litany one thousand times each night in Rajab:
لا اله الاّ اللّه
(A) FIRST NIGHT OF FRIDAY (LAYLAT AL RAGHAIB)
Be it known to you that the first Friday night in Rajab is called Laylat al-Ragha’ib (Night of Desires). It is reported that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) used to practice a (recommendable) rite that brings about remarkable rewards at this night, which is a prayer with a special formula. As is mentioned by Sayyid Ibn Tawus in Iqbal al-A’mal and ‘Allamah al-Majlisi in Ijazat Bani-Zuhrah, the rewards of one who offers this prayer are (1) a great number of his sins are forgiven, (2) on the first night in the grave, Almighty Allah sends him the reward of this prayer in the form of a life form with happy mien and fluency to say to him, “Good tidings, darling! You have escaped all hardships.” The offerer of this prayer will then ask, “Who are you? Indeed, I have never seen such s good-looking face, I have never heard such fluent words, and I have never smelled such nice scent.” He will be answered, “I am the reward of the prayer you offered at so-and-so night in so-and-so month in so-and-so year at the town of so-and-so. I am here now to give you your due, entertain you in your loneliness, and save you from this cheerless situation. When the Trumpet shall be blown (declaring the Resurrection Day), I will cast a shadow over your head in the Resurrection Court. So, be happy, for you shall never be deprived of goodness.”
The description of this prayer, however, is as follows:
One should observe fasting on the first Thursday in Rajab. Between the Maghrib (sunset) and Isha’ (evening) Prayers, one should offer a twelve unit prayer each couple of which is separated by Taslim (i.e. the concluding part of a ritual prayer). In each unit, one should recite Surah al-Faatehah once, Surah al-Qadr three times, and Surah al-Tawheed twelve times. After accomplishing the prayer, one should repeat the following invocation of blessings seventy times:
اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ النَّبِيِّ الْاُمِّيِّ وَ عَلَى آلِهِ [وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ] .
Then, one should prostrate himself and repeat this litany seventy times:
سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّ الْمَلائِكَةِ وَ الرُّوحِ
Then, one should raise the head from prostration and repeat this supplicatory prayer seventy times:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَ ارْحَمْ وَ تَجَاوَزْ عَمَّا تَعْلَمُ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْعَلِيُّ الْاَعْظَمُ
One should then prostrate himself again and repeat the same litany seventy times:
سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّ الْمَلائِكَةِ وَ الرُّوحِ
Then, one may pray Almighty Allah for granting one’s needs, for they will be surely granted, God willing.
Finally, it is highly advisable to visit the Holy Shrine of Imam al-Rida(a.s.) in Rajab, since it enjoys a special rank in this month. Similarly, to go on ‘Umrah in Rajab also brings about a great reward. In this respect, it has been narrated that ‘Umrah comes directly after the ritual Hajj in the amount of rewarding. Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-’Abidin(a.s.) is also reported to have gone on ‘Umrah in Rabaj. In addition to offering prayers near the Holy Ka’bah, the Imam (a.s.) used to prostrate himself before Almighty Allah too much, day and night, and used to say the following words while prostrating:
عَظُمَ الذَّنْبُ مِنْ عَبْدِكَ فَلْيَحْسُنِ الْعَفْوُ مِنْ عِنْدِكَ
(B) FIRST NIGHT OF RAJAB
A number of rites have been reported to be advisably said or done at the first night in Rajab, which is a holy night. These rites are as follows:
First: At the sight of the new moon, it is recommended to say the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْاَمْنِ وَ الْاِيمَانِ وَ السَّلامَةِ وَ الْاِسْلامِ رَبِّي وَ رَبُّكَ اللّٰهُ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ .
It has been also reported that when his eyes fell on the new moon of Rajab, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) used to say the following:
اللّٰهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنَا شَهْرَ رَمَضَانَ وَ اَعِنَّا عَلَى الصِّيَامِ وَ الْقِيَامِ وَ حِفْظِ اللِّسَانِ وَ غَضِّ الْبَصَرِ وَ لا تَجْعَلْ حَظَّنَا مِنْهُ الْجُوعَ وَ الْعَطَشَ .
Second: It is highly advisable to bathe oneself at the first night of Rajab. In this respect, some scholars have reported the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) as saying, “Whoever receives the month of Rajab and bathes himself in the first, middle, and last of it, will be released from all of his sins to return as pure as the day of his birth.”
Third: It is recommended to visit the shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.).
Fourth: It is recommended to offer, after the obligatory Maghrib Prayer, a twenty unit prayer and to recite in each unit Surah al-Faatehah once and Surah al-Tawheed once, and to separate between each couple of units with Taslim. Whoever offers this prayer, his family members, property, sons, and he will be kept saved from harm, rescued against the grave torture, and pass the Sirat as swiftly as lightning without being called to account.
Fifth: After the Isha’ Prayer, it is recommended to offer a two unit prayer in the first unit of which Surah al-Faatehah should be recited once, Surah al-Inshirah (No. 94) recited once, and Surah al-Tawheed recited three times. In the second unit, Surahs al-Faatehah, al-Inshirah, al-Tawheed, al-Falaq, and al-Nas should be recited once each. After Taslim, the following litany should be repeated thirty times:
لا اله الاّ اللّه
Similarly, SWALAWAT on Holy Prophet and their Progeny should be repeated thirty times:
The reward of this prayer is that whoever offers it, will have all his sins forgiven and will return as sin-free as the day of his birth.
Sixth: It is recommended to offer a thirty unit prayer in each unit Surah al-Faatehah is recited once, Surah al-Kafirun (No. 109) recited once, and Surah al-Tawheed repeated three times.
Seventh: Referring to the recommended rites at the first night of Rajab, Shaykh al-Tusi has mentioned, in his book of Misbah al-Mutahajjid, that Abu’l-Bukhtari Wahab ibn Wahab has narrated on the authority of Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) on the authority of his father (a.s.) on the authority of his grandfather (a.s.) who said that Imam Ali(a.s.) used to devote himself to acts of worship in an exclusive way at four nights, (1) the first night of Rajab, (2) the middle night (i.e. fifteen) of Sha’ban, (3) the ‘Id al-Fitr Night (i.e. the first night of Shawwal), and (4) the Nahr Night (the tenth of Dhu’l-Hijjah).
Imam Abu-Ja’far II (a.s.) is reported to have recommended saying this the following supplicatory prayer at the first night of Rajab after the Isha’ Prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ بِاَنَّكَ مَلِكٌ وَ اَنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُقْتَدِرٌ وَ اَنَّكَ مَا تَشَاءُ مِنْ اَمْرٍ يَكُونُ اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَتَوَجَّهُ اِلَيْكَ بِنَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدٍ نَبِيِّ الرَّحْمَةِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ يَا مُحَمَّدُ يَا رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ اِنِّي اَتَوَجَّهُ بِكَ اِلَى اللّٰهِ رَبِّكَ وَ رَبِّي لِيُنْجِحَ [لِي] بِكَ طَلِبَتِي اللّٰهُمَّ بِنَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ الْاَئِمَّةِ مِنْ اَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلَيْهِمْ اَنْجِحْ طَلِبَتِي
You may then mention your requests.
Ali ibn Hadid has narrated that Imam Musa ibn Ja’far (a.s.) used to say the following supplicatory prayer while prostrating after the accomplishment of the Night Prayer (Salat al-Layl):
لَكَ الْمَحْمَدَةُ اِنْ اَطَعْتُكَ وَ لَكَ الْحُجَّةُ اِنْ عَصَيْتُكَ لا صُنْعَ لِي وَ لا لِغَيْرِي فِي اِحْسَانٍ اِلا بِكَ يَا كَائِنُ [كَائِنا] قَبْلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَ يَا مُكَوِّنَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ اِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَدِيلَةِ عِنْدَ الْمَوْتِ وَ مِنْ شَرِّ الْمَرْجِعِ فِي الْقُبُورِ وَ مِنَ النَّدَامَةِ يَوْمَ الْآزِفَةِ فَاَسْاَلُكَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْ تَجْعَلَ عَيْشِي عِيشَةً نَقِيَّةً وَ مِيتَتِي مِيتَةً سَوِيَّةً وَ مُنْقَلَبِي مُنْقَلَبا كَرِيما غَيْرَ مُخْزٍ وَ لا فَاضِحٍ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ الْاَئِمَّةِ يَنَابِيعِ الْحِكْمَةِ ، وَ اُولِي النِّعْمَةِ وَ مَعَادِنِ الْعِصْمَةِ وَ اعْصِمْنِي بِهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ سُوءٍ وَ لا تَأْخُذْنِي عَلَى غِرَّةٍ وَ لا عَلَى غَفْلَةٍ وَ لا تَجْعَلْ عَوَاقِبَ اَعْمَالِي حَسْرَةً وَ ارْضَ عَنِّي فَاِنَّ مَغْفِرَتَكَ لِلظَّالِمِينَ وَ اَنَا مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ اللّٰهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي مَا لا يَضُرُّكَ وَ اَعْطِنِي مَا لا يَنْقُصُكَ فَاِنَّكَ الْوَسِيعُ رَحْمَتُهُ الْبَدِيعُ حِكْمَتُهُ وَ اَعْطِنِي السَّعَةَ وَ الدَّعَةَ وَ الْاَمْنَ وَ الصِّحَّةَ وَ الْبُخُوعَ وَ الْقُنُوعَ وَ الشُّكْرَ وَ الْمُعَافَاةَ وَ التَّقْوَى وَ الصَّبْرَ وَ الصِّدْقَ عَلَيْكَ وَ عَلَى اَوْلِيَائِكَ وَ الْيُسْرَ وَ الشُّكْرَ وَ اعْمُمْ بِذَلِكَ يَا رَبِّ اَهْلِي وَ وَلَدِي وَ اِخْوَانِي فِيكَ وَ مَنْ اَحْبَبْتُ وَ اَحَبَّنِي وَ وَلَدْتُ وَ وَلَدَنِي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ.
Ibn Ashyam says: It is advisable to say this supplicatory prayer after offering the eight-unit salat al-Layl (Night Prayer) and before offering the three-unit salat al-witr. Immediately after offering this prayer, it is recommended to say this supplicatory prayer while sitting:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ الَّذِي لا تَنْفَدُ خَزَائِنُهُ وَ لا يَخَافُ آمِنُهُ رَبِّ اِنِ ارْتَكَبْتُ الْمَعَاصِيَ فَذَلِكَ ثِقَةٌ [ثِقَةً] مِنِّي بِكَرَمِكَ اِنَّكَ تَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِكَ وَ تَعْفُو عَنْ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ وَ تَغْفِرُ الزَّلَلَ وَ اِنَّكَ [فَاِنَّكَ] مُجِيبٌ لِدَاعِيكَ وَ مِنْهُ قَرِيبٌ وَ اَنَا تَائِبٌ اِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْخَطَايَا وَ رَاغِبٌ اِلَيْكَ فِي تَوْفِيرِ حَظِّي مِنَ الْعَطَايَا يَا خَالِقَ الْبَرَايَا يَا مُنْقِذِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَدِيدَةٍ [شِدَّةٍ] يَا مُجِيرِي مِنْ كُلِّ مَحْذُورٍ وَفِّرْ عَلَيَّ السُّرُورَ وَ اكْفِنِي شَرَّ عَوَاقِبِ الْاُمُورِ [فَاِنَّكَ] فَاَنْتَ اللّٰهُ عَلَى نَعْمَائِكَ وَ جَزِيلِ عَطَائِكَ مَشْكُورٌ وَ لِكُلِّ خَيْرٍ مَذْخُورٌ .
It is worth mentioning that our scholars have mentioned special prayers to be offered at each night in Rajab. Yet, it takes a long time to mentioned these prayers.
(C) FIRST DAY OF RAJAB
The first day of Rajab is a holy day on which there are several rites to be advisably done:
First: It is advisable to observe fasting on this day. According to narrations, Prophet Noah (a.s.) embarked on the Ark on such a day; he therefore ordered his companions to observe fasting. Hence, whoever observes fasting on this day, Hellfire will move away from him for a distance of one year walking.
Second: Bathing oneself is also advisable on this day.
Third: It is also recommended to visit the tomb of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) on this day. Shaykh al-Tusi has narrated on the authority of Bashir al-Dahhan that Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) said, “Whoever visits (Imam) al-Husayn ibn Ali(a.s.) on the first day of Rajab, Almighty Allah will forgive him all his sins.”
Fourth: It is recommended to say the long supplicatory prayer, particularized for this day and mentioned in the book of Iqbal al-A’mal.
(D) FIFTEENTH OF RAJAB (NAMAZ E SALMAN)
Fifth: It is recommended to begin with offering the famous Salat Salman (The Prayer of Salman al-Farisi), which consists of thirty units. On the first of Rajab, it is advisable to offer ten units of this prayer separating each couple with a Taslim. In each unit, one should recite Surah al-Faatehah one time, Surah al-Tawheed three times, and Surah al-Kafirun three times. After Taslim, it is recommended to raise the hands up and say the following litany:
لا اِلَهَ اِلا اللّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَ يُمِيتُ وَ هُوَ حَيٌّ لا يَمُوتُ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ وَ هُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
The following litany should be said thereafter:
اللّٰهُمَّ لا مَانِعَ لِمَا اَعْطَيْتَ وَ لا مُعْطِيَ لِمَا مَنَعْتَ وَ لا يَنْفَعُ ذَا الْجَدِّ مِنْكَ الْجَدُّ
Then, one should pass the hands over the face.
Other ten units of this prayer should be offered on the fifteenth (i.e. middle) of Rajab in the very aforementioned form and litanies. However, the following litany should be added after the first one:
اِلَها وَاحِدا اَحَدا فَرْدا صَمَدا لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ صَاحِبَةً وَ لا وَلَدا
The last ten units of this prayer should be offered on the last day of Rajab in this very form; rather, the following litany is added after the first one:
وَ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِهِ الطَّاهِرِينَ وَ لا حَوْلَ وَ لا قُوَّةَ اِلا بِاللّٰهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ.
Then, one should pass the hands over the face and submit his requests.
This greatly advantageous prayer must not be neglected. However, Salman has another prayer, to be offered on this day, which consists of ten units in each of which Surah al-Faatehah should be recited once and Surah al-Tawheed three times. This prayer brings about a great reward; it achieves forgiveness of all sins, protects against the grave torture and the chastisement on the Resurrection Day, and saves from leprosy, elephantiasis, and pleurisy.
Sayyid Ibn Tawus has also mentioned, in his book of Iqbal al-A’mal, another prayer that is offered on the first of Rajab.
According to some narrations, Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) was born on the first of Rajab, AH 57. Yet, I believe that his birth was on the third of Safar.
THE SECOND OF RAJAB
According to some narrations, Imam Ali al-Hadi al-Naqi(a.s.) was born on the second of Rajab, AH 212. He departed life on the third of Rajab, AH 254, in Surra-man-Ra’a (currently Samarra’, Iraq).
THE TENTH OF RAJAB
On the word of Ibn ‘Ayyash, Imam Muhammad al-Jawad al-Taqi(a.s.) was born on the tenth of Rajab.
(E) THIRTEENTH OF RAJAB
It is recommended to offer a certain prayer on each of the White Nights (i.e. the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth nights of each Arabic month) in Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan. At the thirteenth night of Rajab, it is recommended to offer a prayer consisting of two units at each of which it is advisable to recite Surah al-Faatehah once and Surahs Yasin (No. 36), al-Mulk (No. 67), and al-Tawheed.
A similar prayer, yet with four units and Taslim after each two units, should be offered at the fourteenth night. Also, a similar prayer, yet with six units and Taslimafter each two units, should be offered at the fifteenth night. In this respect, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) is reported as saying, “Whoever offers these prayers, will be awarded the merits of these three months (namely, Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan) and will have all his sins forgiven, except polytheism.
The thirteenth of Rajab is the fist of the White Days on which it is recommended to observe fasting, according to narrations, so as to win an abundant reward. As for those who intend to recite the famous supplicatory prayer known as Dua Ummi-Dawud, they may begin with observing fasting on this day.
Famously, Imam Ali ibn Abi-TalibAmeer al-Momineen(a.s.) was born on the thirteenth of Rajab inside the Holy Ka’bah thirty years before the Elephant Year.
(F) FIFTEENTH OF RAJAB
According to narrations, there are many rites to be advisably performed at the fifteenth (i.e. middle) night of Rajab:
First: Bathing is an advisable act at this night.
Second: As said by ‘Allamah al-Majlisi, It is recommended to spend this whole night with acts of worship.
Third: It is recommended to visit the holy shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) at this night.
Fourth: It is also recommended to offer the six-unit prayer previously mentioned within the rites of the thirteenth night.
Fifth: It is recommended to offer a prayer consisting of thirty units in each of which one should recite Surah al-Faatehah one time and Surah al-Tawheed ten times. Sayyid Ibn Tawus has reported this prayer from the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) with an abundant reward.
Sixth: It is recommended to offer another prayer consisting of twelve units in each of which Surahs of al-Faatehah, al-Tawheed, al-Falaq, al-Nas, al-Qadr, and Ayah al-Kursi should be recited four times EACH. After accomplishing the prayer, one should repeat the following litany four times:
اللّٰهُ اللّٰهُ رَبِّي لا اُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئا وَ لا اَتَّخِذُ مِنْ دُونِهِ وَلِيّا
One may then submit his requests.
Sayyid Ibn Tawus has narrated this prayer in this form from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) although Shaykh al-Tusi, in Misbah al-Mutahajjid, has mentioned that Dawud ibn Sarhan narrated that Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) said the following:
On the fifteenth night of Rajab, you may offer a twelve-unit prayer in each unit of which you may recite Surah al-Faatehah and any other Surah. When you finish, you may recite Surah al-Faatehah, al-Falaq, al-Nas, al-Tawheed, and Ayah al-Kursi each four times. After that, you may repeat the following litany four times:
سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَ لا اِلَهَ اِلا اللّٰهُ وَ اللّٰهُ اَكْبَرُ
Then, you may say the following:
اللّٰهُ اللّٰهُ رَبِّي لا اُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئا وَ مَا شَاءَ اللّٰهُ لا قُوَّةَ اِلا بِاللّٰهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيمِ.
The same prayer may be offered at the twenty-seventh night of Rajab.
THE FIFTEENTH OF RAJAB
On this blessed day, the following rites may be advisably done:
First: It is recommended to bathe oneself on this day.
Second: It is also recommended to visit the holy shrine of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.) on this day. In this respect, it has been narrated that Abu-Basir asked Imam al-Rida(a.s.) about the best times of visiting Imam al-Husayn’s tomb. The Imam (a.s.) answered, “These are the fifteenth of Rajab and the fifteenth of Sha’ban.”
Third: It is recommended to offer the famous Salat Salman prayer in the form which has been previously mentioned within the rites of the first day of Rajab.
Fourth: One may offer a four-unit prayer after the accomplishment of which, one may extend the hands and say the following supplicatory prayer:
اللّٰهُمَّ يَا مُذِلَّ كُلِّ جَبَّارٍ وَ يَا مُعِزَّ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اَنْتَ كَهْفِي حِينَ تُعْيِينِي الْمَذَاهِبُ وَ اَنْتَ بَارِئُ خَلْقِي رَحْمَةً بِي وَ قَدْ كُنْتَ عَنْ خَلْقِي غَنِيّا وَ لَوْ لا رَحْمَتُكَ لَكُنْتُ مِنَ الْهَالِكِينَ وَ اَنْتَ مُؤَيِّدِي بِالنَّصْرِ عَلَى اَعْدَائِي وَ لَوْ لا نَصْرُكَ اِيَّايَ لَكُنْتُ مِنَ الْمَفْضُوحِينَ يَا مُرْسِلَ الرَّحْمَةِ مِنْ مَعَادِنِهَا وَ مُنْشِئَ الْبَرَكَةِ مِنْ مَوَاضِعِهَا يَا مَنْ خَصَّ نَفْسَهُ بِالشُّمُوخِ وَ الرِّفْعَةِ فَاَوْلِيَاؤُهُ بِعِزِّهِ يَتَعَزَّزُونَ وَ يَا مَنْ وَضَعَتْ لَهُ الْمُلُوكُ نِيرَ الْمَذَلَّةِ عَلَى اَعْنَاقِهِمْ فَهُمْ مِنْ سَطَوَاتِهِ خَائِفُونَ اَسْاَلُكَ بِكَيْنُونِيَّتِكَ الَّتِي اشْتَقَقْتَهَا مِنْ كِبْرِيَائِكَ وَ اَسْاَلُكَ بِكِبْرِيَائِكَ الَّتِي اشْتَقَقْتَهَا مِنْ عِزَّتِكَ وَ اَسْاَلُكَ بِعِزَّتِكَ الَّتِي اسْتَوَيْتَ بِهَا عَلَى عَرْشِكَ فَخَلَقْتَ بِهَا جَمِيعَ خَلْقِكَ فَهُمْ لَكَ مُذْعِنُونَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَهْلِ بَيْتِهِ.
According to a narration, Any aggrieved person who says this supplicatory prayer will have his grief released by Almighty Allah