Islamic months
Rajab 1448 (2026-2027): dates, sacred month and meaning
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months. Rajab 1448 is expected to begin on 10 December 2026, and Rajab 1449 on 29 November 2027.
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months in which fighting is forbidden. Rajab 1448 is expected to run from 10 December 2026 to 8 January 2027. Many Muslims remember the Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj) on 27 Rajab, though scholars differ on the date and on how to mark it.
When is Rajab 2027?
Most of Rajab 1448 falls in December 2026 and January 2027. It is expected to begin on 10 December 2026. Rajab 1449 is expected to begin on 29 November 2027. The month starts when the new moon is sighted, so all dates here are expected and can shift by a day.
| Islamic year | Expected first day | Expected last day | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1448 AH (ahead) | 10 December 2026 (expected) | 8 January 2027 (expected) | Starts in about 10 weeks |
| 1449 AH | 29 November 2027 (expected) | 28 December 2027 (expected) | Next year |
| Day | Expected date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Rajab 1448 | 10 December 2026 | The sacred month begins |
| 27 Rajab 1448 | 5 January 2027 | Traditional date of Isra and Mi’raj (scholars differ on the exact date) |
| 1 Sha’ban 1448 | 9 January 2027 | Month before Ramadan begins |
In Kenya the sighting is announced by local mosques and Muslim councils on the evening of 29 Jumada al-Thani. Dates further ahead are less certain. See the Islamic calendar 2027.
What is Rajab in the Islamic calendar?
Rajab is the seventh of the twelve Islamic months. It comes after Jumada al-Thani and before Sha’ban, and then Ramadan. It lasts 29 or 30 days.
Rajab is one of the four sacred months, called the “haram” months. The other three are Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram. The Arabic word “Rajab” is linked to the idea of respect or honour, which fits its sacred status. See all months on the Islamic months page.
Why is Rajab important?
Rajab is important because the Qur’an says there are four sacred months among the twelve (Qur’an 9:36), and the Prophet (peace be upon him) named Rajab as one of them. In these months fighting was forbidden, and Muslims are told to take extra care not to wrong themselves by sin.
Scholars say that good deeds are especially valued and wrongdoing is more serious in the sacred months. Rajab also comes just before Sha’ban and Ramadan, so many Muslims use it as a first step in preparing for Ramadan.
Many popular claims are made about special rewards for fasting or praying on certain days of Rajab. Scholars differ on how strong these reports are. Stick to acts that are clearly established, and ask your imam about the rest.
What events happen in Rajab?
Rajab has no fixed festival or obligatory act. The best known event linked to it is Isra and Mi’raj, the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and his ascent through the heavens. It is the night on which the five daily prayers were given.
Many communities remember it on 27 Rajab, which is expected to be about 5 January 2027. Scholars do not agree on the exact date, and they also differ on whether to hold special events for it. Some mark the night with talks, others do not mark it at all. Please follow the guidance of a trusted scholar. Everyone agrees on the lesson: hold fast to the five daily prayers.
What can Muslims do in Rajab?
Focus on acts that are well established.
- Avoid sin. This is the main reminder of the sacred months.
- Keep your five daily prayers and learn how to pray if you are new.
- Fast voluntarily. Fasting in the sacred months is encouraged in general, and the usual fasts on Mondays, Thursdays and the 13th, 14th and 15th of the month are open to all. Scholars differ on fasting the whole of Rajab, so ask a scholar.
- Make up missed fasts from last Ramadan, so that you enter the next one free of debt.
- Read Qur’an and make dhikr a little every day.
- Give charity and help family and neighbours.
Do not fix special prayers or rituals to Rajab unless you have clear guidance from a scholar you trust.
How can I give charity in Rajab with Islamic Relief Kenya?
Charity is rewarded in every month, and giving in a sacred month is a good intention. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).
Give Sadaqah at donate.islamic-relief.or.ke or by Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210, with the fund name as the account. Learn more in Sadaqah in Islam.
Frequently asked questions
When does Rajab 2027 start?
Rajab 1448 is expected to start on 10 December 2026 and end on 8 January 2027. Rajab 1449 is expected to start on 29 November 2027. Moon sighting decides the final dates and may change them by one day.
Is Rajab a sacred month?
Yes. Rajab is one of the four sacred months in Islam, with Muharram, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hijjah. Fighting was forbidden in these months, and Muslims are told to take extra care to avoid sin.
What is the significance of Rajab?
Rajab is significant as a sacred month and as the month before Sha’ban and Ramadan. Many Muslims also remember Isra and Mi’raj in it. It is a time to avoid sin, pray, fast voluntarily and begin preparing for Ramadan.
When is Isra and Mi’raj in 2027?
The traditional date is 27 Rajab, expected on about 5 January 2027. Scholars differ on the exact date of the Night Journey and on whether to mark it. Ask your local imam how your community observes it.
Should I fast the whole month of Rajab?
Scholars differ. Fasting in the sacred months is encouraged in general, but some scholars advise against treating the whole of Rajab as a required or specially rewarded fast. Ask a trusted scholar, and keep to well known voluntary fasts.
Are there special prayers in Rajab?
There is no special prayer for Rajab that all scholars agree on. Some groups follow practices that others reject. Keep the five daily prayers and ask a trusted scholar before adopting any extra ritual.
What comes after Rajab?
Sha’ban comes after Rajab, then Ramadan. Sha’ban 1448 is expected to begin about 9 January 2027 and Ramadan about 8 February 2027, subject to moon sighting.
How can I give in Rajab in Kenya?
You can give Sadaqah through the Islamic Relief Kenya donate page or by Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210, using the fund name as the account name. Charity is rewarded in every month.
Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
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