Bid‘ahs practiced in the month of Rajab

[Umm Mohammad]

Part No. 11; Page No. 427

Q: Some people single out the month of Rajab for offering some acts of worship like performing Salat-ul-Ragha’ib (Prayer for great bestowals or wishes) or celebrating a certain night of this month. Is there any proof in the Shari‘ah (Islamic Law) to support such practices? May Allah reward you with the best!

A: It is an act of Bid‘ah (innovation in religion) to single out the month of Rajab for offering Salat-ul-Ragha’ib or for celebrating the 27th night, which people believe to have been the night when Isra’ (Night Journey) and Mi‘raj (Ascension to Heaven) took place. These are invented practices that have no basis in Shari‘ah. Muslim inquiring scholars have warned against them and scholars have reiterated that Salat-ul-Ragha’ib, which is offered on the first Friday night of Rajab, is an act of Bid‘ah (innovation in religion). It is also an act of Bid‘ah to celebrate the 27th night of Rajab in the belief that this was the Night of Isra’ and Mi‘raj. There is no proof in the Shari‘ah to support these practices. There is no report specifying the exact night when Isra’ and Mi‘raj took place. Even if such a night had been specified, it still would not be permissible to celebrate it as neither the Prophet (peace be upon him) nor any of his Sahabah (Companions) or Rightly-Guided Caliphs (may Allah be pleased with them all) are known to have celebrated this night. If celebrating it was Sunnah (an act following the example of the Prophet), they would have preceded us in doing it.

(Part No. 11; Page No. 428)

Certainly, all goodness lies in following in their footsteps and adhering to their way of life. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: (And the foremost to embrace Islâm of the Muhâjirûn (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansâr (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhâjirûn) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allâh is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success). It was authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: (Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected). (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) The Prophet (peace be upon him) is also reported to have said: (Anyone who does an action which is not in accordance with this matter of ours (Islam) will have it rejected). (Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih [Authentic Hadith Book]) It was the Prophet’s habit to repeat the following words in his Khutbahs (sermons): (Ama Ba‘d (Now then), the best of speech is the Book of Allah, the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the most evil of matters are those which are newly-invented (in religion), and every Bid‘ah is a Dalalah (deviation from the right). (Narrated by Muslim)

It is the duty of all Muslims to follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), hold steadfastly to it, and enjoin one another to follow it, and to avoid falling in all Bid‘ahs, acting upon the Saying of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He): (Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety) In another Ayah Allah (may He be Praised) also states:

(Part No. 11; Page No. 429)

(By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). The Prophet (peace be upon him) is also reported to have said: ‘Religion is sincerity.’ They said, ‘To whom, O Messenger of Allah?’ He (peace be upon him) answered, ‘To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and the Imams (leaders) of Muslims and their common people.’) (Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih)

There is nothing wrong, however, with performing ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) in the month of Rajab. It was authentically reported in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e., Al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) performed (Umrah in Rajab). It was the custom of the Salaf (righteous predecessors) to perform ‘Umrah in Rajab as has been stated by Al-Hafizh ibn Rajab (may Allah be merciful to him) in his book "Al-Lata’if" on the authority of ‘Umar, his son and ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with them all). Ibn Sirin also reported that this was the regular practice of the Salaf. May Allah grant us success!

Source: http://www.alifta.net/ - Fatwas of Ibn Baz