Maximizing the holy month of Rajab: What is Laylat al Raghaib and how should we prepare?

The blessed month of Rajab is upon us.

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) and the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) have numerous narrations outlining the excellence of this month. Accordingly, there are also numerous recommended acts to take part in this month to worship Allah (swt) and seek forgiveness from Him for previous errs.  

One parable often drawn for the month of Rajab and Sha’baan is that the two are a warmup for our body and souls to prepare for the blessed month of Ramadhan. If we were going to embark on a marathon two months from now, certainly we would be preparing in advance. Therefore, Rajab and Sha’baan are the time to train and prepare ourselves physically and spiritually for the journey ahead! 

While Rajab, as a month in general, is highly regarded, there are specific dates within the month for specific recommended acts emphasizing those holy days. One of these is Laylat al Raghaib, the night of the first Friday of the month, which in 2021 falls on February 18 2021.  

But what is the benefit of Laylat al Raghaib?  

On this holy night a special prayer is recommended to be completed between the Maghrib and Isha prayers. It entails 12 units that are broken down into six sets of two units each. In each unit it is recommended to recite Surah al Fatihah (1) once, Surah al Qadr (97) three times and Surah al Ikhlaas (112) twelve times.  

Following which there are a few special duas to be recited:  

Recite 70 times: 

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ ٱلنَّبِيِّ ٱلامِّيِّ وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ 

Allahumma s’ale a’laa muh’ammadin nabiyyil ummi wa a’laa aaleh. 
O Allah send blessings on Muhammad, the Ummi Prophet, and on his descendants. 

Then go into prostration and recite 70 times: 

سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّ ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةِ وَٱلرُّوحِ 

subbuh’un quddoos rabbul malaaaekate war-rooh’ 

Holy and most Holy is the Lord of the Angels and spirits. 

Then sit up and recite 70 times: 

رَبِّ ٱغْفِرْ وَٱرْحَمْ وَتَجَاوَزْ عَمَّا تَعْلَمُ إنَّكَ انْتَ ٱلْعَلِيُّ ٱلاعْظَمُ 

rabbighfir war-ham watajaawaz a’mma ta’lamo innaka antal a’liyyul a’zam 

O Lord! Forgive, have mercy and be indulgent about that which Thou knows well, verily Thou art Sublime, Mighty. 

Then go into a final prostration and repeat 70 times: 

سُبُّوحٌ قُدُّوسٌ رَبُّ ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةِ وَٱلرُّوحِ 

subbooh’un quddoos rabbul malaaekate war-rooh  

Holy and most Holy is the Lord of the Angels and spirits. 

It is reported that this prayer brings about forgiveness from sins. Additionally, it is said that on our first night in the grave this prayer will visit us and help provide cheer in that lonely state.  

Coincidentally, the night of the seventh of Rajab is also a recommended night to complete acts of worship, which in North America this year also falls on February 18^th! The following prayer is therefore also recommended:  

A four-unit prayer, prayed in two sets of two, each involving Surah al Fatihah (1) once, Surah al Ikhlaas (112) three times, Surah al Falaq (113) once and Surah al Nas (114) once.  

Following this prayer there are also special short duas to be recited which can be found here. 

Evidently, the benefits of tonight, February 18^th 2021, are great. On this blessed night and the nights that are coming throughout this month and those to come, we hope that all those who are in need have their duas answered. We pray that Allah (swt) provides food to all those who are hungry, water to those who are thirsty and answers the prayers of all those living in difficulties. 

To give a sadaqah in this blessed month and support those in need please donate today at zahrafoundation.ca/donate

For more information on recommended acts in the month of Rajab please visit duas.org