NO SPECIFIC FAST IN RAJAB

 FAJR REMINDER: NO SPECIFIC FAST IN RAJAB

By: Umm ‘Affān

Rajab 2, 1447 (23-December-2025)

In every Lunar month, there are certain recommended fasts, like those on Mondays, Thursdays, and the 13th, 14th, and 15th days. However, it is inappropriate to single out specific days or the entire month of Rajab for fasting or any other type of worship.

There is no authentic Ṣaḥiḥ Ḥadīth from the Prophet (ﷺ) that discusses the merits of Rajab, aside from its status as one of the sacred months. Shaykh Al-Islām Ibn Taymiyyah (Raḥimahullāh) noted: “As for fasting in Rajab in particular, the Aḥadīth concerning that are all Da’īf (weak), and in fact Mawdū’ (fabricated). The scholars do not rely on any of them. They are not among the Da’īf Aḥadīth which have been narrated concerning virtues; rather, most of them are fabricated and false.” [Majmū‘ al-Fatāwā 25/290]

Ibn Ḥajar (Raḥimahullāh) also stated: “There has not been narrated concerning the virtue of the month of Rajab, nor fasting the entire month, nor fasting some specific days in this month, nor performing any Ṣalāh in any specific night, an authentic Ḥadīth that is worthy to support (these claims).” [Tabyīn al-ʻajab bimā warada fī faḍli Rajab p.9 & 10]

When Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymīn (Raḥimahullāh) was asked about fasting on the twenty-seventh day of Rajab and praying during its night, he replied: “Fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer is a Bid’ah (innovation), and every Bid’ah is a going astray.” [Majmū‘ al-Fatāwā 20/440]

Additionally, the belief in performing ‘Umrah during Rajab is also unfounded. There is no evidence that Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) performed ‘Umrah in Rajab; this was denied by Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha), who stated: “The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) never performed ‘Umrah in Rajab.” [Sunan Ibn Mājah 2998]

Shaykh al-‘Uthaymīn (Raḥimahullāh) further clarified: “And performing 'Umrah in the month of Ḥajj is better than performing 'Umrah in Rajab because the Messenger (ﷺ) made 'Umrah in the months of Ḥajj; in any case, I do not know of a single clear proof which proves that making 'Umrah in Rajab is Mustahhab (recommended).” [Liqā'at Al-Bāb Al-Maftūḥ 217]

Regarding the concept of “Aged Fasting” (“Àwẹ̀ Arúgbó” in Yoruba culture) during Rajab, this too lacks any basis in Islām. In Islām, the elderly are exempt from obligatory fasting (like Ramaḍān) and are required to perform Fidyah (that is, feed the poor). Allāh states: “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man, etc.), they have (the choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day).” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 184]

If they are exempted from the obligatory fast, should they be burdened with another that is unfounded?

I beseech Allāh to grant us sound understanding and guide us in actions that please Him. Aameen.