Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The lexical definition of Rajaba is “to respect”, of which Rajab is a derivative.

This month is regarded as one of the four sacred months in Islam in which battles are prohibited. The month is also a prelude to the Holy month of Ramadan, which follows after the intervening month of Sha’ban.

When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words: “O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings).”

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the lunar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, Rajab migrates throughout the seasons.

The Astronomical New Moon (conjunction) will take place on Thursday April 7, 2016 at 11:23 UT. However, there is no possibility of moonsighting, except a small chance in the Pacific Ocean.

Yet, on Friday April 8, 2016 the moon can be easily seen in the whole world except New Zealand.

This means that the beginning of the month of Rajab in the Muslim world shall begin on Friday the 8th of April.

Check the following astronomical maps of moon sightseeing to discover the beginning of Rajab month of the Hijri Year 1437 at your location.