Eve of 1st Rajab: 4 Amazing Things to Do!

Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim. As-salamu 'alaykum wa rahmatu Allah. There are some nights of the year that worship in them is multiplied in reward many, many folds. How do we know? Not only did the Holy Prophet and his family emphasizes on them, but they spent those nights in true devotion as well. One of those nights is the eve of the first of Rajab. Imam Ali 'alayhi as-salam, for example, paid special attention to the night of the first of Rajab as one of the four nights he liked throughout the year.

Rajab is the commencement of the months of spirituality, proximity to Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala and forgiveness. It's referred to as 'The Month of Allah'. This might be our last Rajab, so we must make sure that we use this glorious opportunity. Here are four important deeds for us to do as recommended by the Ahl ul-Bayt alayhum as-salam.

Number one: ghusl. It is narrated that the Holy Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa alihi wa sallam, said 'Whomsoever performs ghusl in the beginning of Rajab as well as the middle and end of the month, their sins will be forgiven.' Whilst doing the ghusl, have intention of cleansing your soul too i.e. a fresh, clean start for your heart in these great months.

Two: Ziyarah of Imam Husayn 'alayhi as-salam. There is a special Ziyarat for the Holy third Imam on a night like this. Narrations from the Ahl ul-Bayt inform us of the merit of remembering him and the martyrs of Karbala, pledging our allegiance. Pray also, that we get the chance to perform Ziyarah in Karbala soon, In Shaa Allah.

Number three: seeking genuine and honest tawbah. Let's spend a few minutes on the eve of the first of Rajab talking to Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala. Let's sit down, write down the sins and perhaps shed a few tears. These are special nights and the Holy Prophet is narrated to have said, that on such a night Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala sends an angel called A'ddai who calls "'Where are the ones seeking Allah?' Rajab is called 'Al-Asab' meaning 'Where the Rahmah of God is poured.' Open your heart and allow the blessings to engulf it.

Number four: there is a special Salah for the night of the first of Rajab. It should only take about ten minutes. It's as follows: two rak'ah salah after the Isha prayers. In the first ruk'ah, Surah al-Fatiha is followed by a recitation of Chapter 94, Surah Alam Nashrah, and three times Surah Ikhlas, Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad. In the second ruk'ah, the same as the first ruk'ah, but also to recite Surah Al-Falaq as well as Surah An-Naas afterwards. Upon completion, to recite 'La ilaha illa Allah' 30 times as well as Salawat 30 times. The narrations tell us that Allah Subhana wa Ta'ala will forgive the sins thereafter.

In addition, spending the night in Du'a and Qur'an recitation and continuously seeking Istighfar is highly recommended. Don't forget to give Sadaqah as well. May the Almighty Subhana wa Ta'ala accept our deeds and grant us all tawfiq, to make a positive change during the Holy Month of Rajab.