The Virtues of Fasting in Rajab

Fasting in the month of Rajab holds a special place in many Muslim hearts. But what does Islam actually say about it? Let’s look at the authentic narrations, scholarly opinions, and the spiritual significance of fasting during this sacred month.

Is There a Specific Virtue for Fasting in Rajab?

No authentic hadith has been reported that singles out fasting in Rajab as having a unique reward. Scholars such as Ibn Hajar mention that no sahih (authentic) narration exists about the virtue of Rajab itself or fasting it specifically.

However, fasting in Rajab falls under the general encouragement of fasting in the sacred months (الأشهر الحرم), which include Rajab. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“صُمْ من الحُرُم واترك”
“Fast from the sacred months and leave (some days).”
— Reported by Abu Dawud, Hasan by Al-Albani

Thus, fasting during Rajab is praiseworthy, not because of Rajab specifically, but because it is one of the sacred months.

Scholarly Opinions on Fasting in Rajab

Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi’i Schools

• They agree it is recommended (mustahabb) to fast during the sacred months.
• The Hanafis specifically recommend fasting Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Hanbali School

• They consider fasting the month of Muharram the most emphasized among sacred months.
• Some Hanbali scholars discouraged singling out Rajab entirely for fasting based on a weak hadith that forbids fasting Rajab alone, to avoid resembling pre-Islamic practices.

Solution: You can fast some days and leave others, or fast an additional month like Sha‘ban.

Fasting the First Day of Rajab

All narrations specifically encouraging fasting on the first day of Rajab are weak or fabricated. Imam Al-Shawkani stated that singling out the first Thursday of Rajab for fasting or special acts of worship is an innovation.[^6]

Understanding the Month of Rajab

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“إنَّ الزَّمانَ قَدِ اسْتَدارَ كَهَيْئَتِهِ يَومَ خَلَقَ اللَّهُ السَّمَواتِ والأرْضَ، السَّنَةُ اثْنا عَشَرَ شَهْرًا، مِنْها أرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ، ثَلاثَةٌ مُتَوالِياتٌ: ذُو القَعْدَةِ، وذُو الحِجَّةِ، والْمُحَرَّمُ، ورَجَبٌ شَهْرُ مُضَرَ الذي بيْنَ جُمادَى وشَعْبانَ”
“Time has come back to its original state as it was the day Allah created the heavens and the earth. The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months—Dhul-Qa‘dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram—and Rajab of Mudar which is between Jumada and Sha‘ban.”
— [Sahih Muslim 1679]

Other Names of Rajab:

• Rajab: Derived from tarjeeb (تعظيم), meaning honor.
• Asamm (الأصم): The Silent Month – because battles were not fought in it.
• Asabb (الأصب): The Month of Mercy – because blessings are “poured” during it.
• Mudar: Named after the tribe of Mudar that honored and preserved its sanctity.

Rajab is also considered the month of “planting seeds,” Sha‘ban as “watering,” and Ramadan as the “harvest.” This metaphor encourages Muslims to start repentance and good deeds early so they can fully benefit from Ramadan.

Key Takeaways

• No authentic hadith specifies a unique virtue for fasting Rajab alone.
• Fasting in Rajab is recommended as part of fasting during sacred months.
• Avoid singling out specific days (like the first Thursday) without evidence.
• Rajab is a time to spiritually prepare for Ramadan through repentance and voluntary worship.

Join our online Quran classes

If learning about the months of Islam inspires you to deepen your faith, consider joining our one-on-one online Quran classes. You can learn Tajweed, Tafseer, and Hadith at your own pace — perfect preparation for Ramadan.