Important Events in Rajab: Isra and Mi’raj, Tabuk and Salahuddin’s Jerusalem
Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the four sacred months (Surah at-Tawbah 9:36; Sahih al-Bukhari 3197) and the start of the run-up to Ramadan. In 2026, Rajab 1448 AH is expected to begin around 10–11 December. See our Rajab, Shab-e-Meraj and Shab-e-Barat 2027 dates.
Rajab events at a glance
| Date | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Rajab | First Hijrah: a group of companions migrates to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) under the protection of the Najashi | 5th year of prophethood (c. 615 CE) |
| 13 Rajab (according to many reports) | Birth of Sayyiduna Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) in Makkah | c. 600 CE |
| 27 Rajab (most widely observed) | Isra and Mi’raj: the Night Journey to Jerusalem and ascent to the heavens; the five daily prayers are given | Before Hijrah (date debated) |
| Rajab | Expedition of Tabuk, the Prophet’s last military expedition | 9 AH (630 CE) |
| 27 Rajab | Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi peacefully returns Jerusalem to Muslim rule | 583 AH (2 October 1187 CE) |
The first Hijrah to Abyssinia
Facing persecution in Makkah, a small group of Muslims, including Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) and his wife Ruqayyah (RA), the Prophet’s daughter, migrated to Abyssinia, where the Christian king, the Najashi (Negus), was known for justice. According to Ibn Sa’d, this was in Rajab of the fifth year of prophethood. A larger group followed later, led by Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (RA).
Isra and Mi’raj
The Night Journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa and the ascent through the heavens is described in Surah al-Isra 17:1 and Surah an-Najm 53:13–18. On this journey the five daily prayers were made obligatory (Sahih al-Bukhari 349). The 27th of Rajab is the most widely observed date, although historians have given other dates.
The expedition of Tabuk (9 AH)
In Rajab 9 AH, in intense summer heat and a time of hardship, the Prophet ﷺ led about 30,000 companions north to Tabuk to face a reported Byzantine threat. No battle took place, but several tribes made treaties with the Muslims. Sayyiduna Uthman (RA) famously equipped a large part of the army with his own wealth. The expedition is the setting of much of Surah at-Tawbah and of the story of Ka’b ibn Malik (RA), whose repentance was accepted (Sahih al-Bukhari 4418).
27 Rajab 583 AH: Salahuddin returns Jerusalem
Three months after his victory at Hattin, Sultan Salahuddin Ayyubi accepted the surrender of Jerusalem on 27 Rajab 583 AH (2 October 1187 CE), 88 years after the Crusaders had taken it. Unlike the massacre of 1099, he allowed the inhabitants to leave safely on payment of a ransom, freed many who could not pay, and restored Masjid al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock to Muslim worship. The date fell on the anniversary traditionally observed for the Isra and Mi’raj.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Rajab a sacred month?
Allah made four months sacred (Surah at-Tawbah 9:36), and the Prophet ﷺ named them as Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab (Sahih al-Bukhari 3197). In these months good deeds weigh more and sins are more serious.
When did Salahuddin conquer Jerusalem?
Salahuddin Ayyubi took Jerusalem on 27 Rajab 583 AH, which was Friday, 2 October 1187 CE, after the Battle of Hattin.
Related: Rajab, Shab-e-Meraj and Shab-e-Barat 2027 · Events in Sha’ban · Events in Jumada al-Akhirah
Sources: Quran 9:36, 17:1, 53:13–18; Sahih al-Bukhari 349, 3197, 4418 (via sunnah.com); Ibn Sa’d, al-Tabaqat; Britannica – Saladin. Some dates follow the most commonly accepted opinion.