Rajab 2025: Observing the Crescent and Seeking blessings
The Islamic lunar month of Rajab holds notable spiritual importance for muslims worldwide.Considered one of the sacred “forbidden months,” it’s a time of increased prayer, supplication, and reflection. The first night of Rajab,in particular,is believed to be a time when prayers are especially answered. This is supported by the hadith, as recounted by Ibn Omar: “Five nights in which supplications are not rejected: Friday night, and the first night of Rajab, and the night of the middle of Sha`ban, and the night of Eid, and the night of sacrifice.” This sentiment is further echoed in the Quran: “And your Lord said, ‘Call upon Me, I will respond to you.’” with the upcoming Rajab in 2025, many are eagerly awaiting the official announcement of the new moon sighting.
Determining the Start of Rajab 2025
The sighting of the new crescent moon is crucial in determining the start of Rajab. The Egyptian Fatwa House, a respected authority on Islamic jurisprudence, will play a key role in this process. The official crescent sighting is scheduled for tuesday, December 31, 2024 (Jumada al-Akhira 29, 1446 AH), immediately following the Maghrib prayer. If the crescent is sighted, Wednesday, January 1, 2025, will mark the beginning of Rajab 1446 AH. If not, the month of jumada al-Akhira will extend to Wednesday, with Rajab commencing on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Prayers and Supplications for the New Year
The first night of Rajab is a time for spiritual reflection and heartfelt supplications.Many Muslims offer special prayers, seeking blessings and guidance. The following are examples of customary supplications:
O God, Lord of the seven heavens and Lord of the Great Throne, our Lord and Lord of all things, You are the Manifest, and there is nothing above You, and You are the inward, and there is nothing below You. Reveal the Torah, the Gospel, and the Criterion, so separate love and intentions. I seek refuge in You from the evil of everything. You take its forelock. You are the First, so there is no There was one thing before you, and you are the last, and there is nothing after you. Pay off our debt and free us from poverty.
Oh God, in the month of Rajab, fulfill for us our hopes that were challenging to achieve with the laws of the world, for nothing on earth or in heaven is impossible for you.
Oh God, I ask you for patience at the time of judgment, for the homes of the martyrs, for the lives of happy people, for victory over the enemies, and for the company of the prophets.
Oh God, grant me useful knowledge, ample sustenance, and a cure for every illness. Oh God,make us rich with your lawful sustenance from the forbidden,and with your grace from those other than you.
These prayers reflect the hopes and aspirations of many Muslims entering this significant month, seeking divine guidance and blessings in the new year.
