2026 Calendar

Rajab 2026

Rajab is one of the four sacred months and the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. It contains the birth of Imam Ali and the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) of Prophet Muhammad.

Last updated: February 22, 2026

Summary

Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2026, it contains 12 significant Shia Islamic events. Rajab is one of the four sacred months and the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. It contains the birth of Imam Ali and the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) of Prophet Muhammad.

  • •12 significant events in Rajab
  • •4 commemorations
  • •5 celebrations
  • •Seventh month of the Islamic calendar
  • •All dates in Hijri and Gregorian formats

All Events in Rajab 2026

1Raj
Celebration

Birth of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as)

The Fifth Imam, Muhammad Ibn ‘Ali al-Baqir (as), born in Madina on 1st Rajab 57 Hijri and died on 7th Zilhijja 114 Hijri at age 57, led a 19-year Imamate. Fulfilling a prophecy, he was recognized by Jabir ibn Abdullah. He opened schools teaching Qur’an and Hadith, earning the title Baqir for his knowledge. He advised on Islamic currency, regained Fadak under Umer Ibn Abdul Aziz, and faced harassment from Hisham, demonstrating archery skills. His schools trained 25,000 students and produced 400 Hadith books. Poisoned by Ummayads, he was succeeded by Ja’far Sadiq (as).

≈ Dec 21, 2025

2Raj
Celebration

Birth of Imam Ali al-Hadi (as)

Imam al-Hadi (a.s.), born in 212 AH in Medina to Imam al-Jawad (a.s.) and a bondmaid mother, inherited a noble lineage from prophethood and Imamate. Named Ali with epithets like al-Naqi and al-Hadi, he displayed early genius, piety, and knowledge, astonishing teachers and earning reverence from Muslims, Alawids, and even Christians. Raised in a virtuous family, he embodied high morals, asceticism, and jurisprudence, as praised by historians for his honor, wisdom, and infallibility.

≈ Dec 22, 2025

3Raj
Commemoration

Martyrdom of Imam Ali al-Hadi (as)

Imam al-Hadi (a.s.), born in 212 AH in Medina to Imam al-Jawad (a.s.) and a bondmaid mother, inherited a noble lineage from prophethood and Imamate. Named Ali with epithets like al-Naqi and al-Hadi, he displayed early genius, piety, and knowledge, astonishing teachers and earning reverence from Muslims, Alawids, and even Christians. Raised in a virtuous family, he embodied high morals, asceticism, and jurisprudence, as praised by historians for his honor, wisdom, and infallibility.

≈ Dec 23, 2025

10Raj
Celebration

Birth of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (as)

Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (a.s.), the ninth Shia Imam, descended from the noble Prophet's family through his father, Imam Ali ar-Ridha (a.s.), and a virtuous bondmaid mother whose name historians dispute (e.g., al-Khayzuran or Sukaynah). Born on 19 Ramadan 195 AH in Medina, he was raised in the house of imamate, displaying early intelligence and genius that astonished scholars. Epithets like al-Jawad (generous) and al-Taqiy (pious) reflect his virtues, praised by his father and contemporaries for knowledge, piety, and generosity.

≈ Dec 30, 2025

12Raj
Event

Imam Ali (as) Establishes Kufa as Seat of Caliphate

In Rajab 36 A.H. (January 657), Ali transferred the Islamic capital from Medina to Kufa after victory in the Battle of the Camel, appointing Abdullah ibn Abbas as Basra's governor. Reasons included rewarding Kufa's support, protecting Medina from civil strife and desecration, its central administrative position, and monitoring Muawiya. Additional factors: preserving Medina's pure Islamic culture from alien influences, vice, and language corruption; presenting true egalitarian Islam; and ensuring security for holy cities like Medina and Makkah.

≈ Jan 1, 2026

13Raj
Celebration

Birth of Imam Ali (as)

Ali ibn Abi Talib was born on the 13th of Rajab in the 30th year of the Elephant (600 AD) inside the Kaaba in Makkah, to parents Abu Talib and Fatima bint Asad of the Hashim clan. His cousin Muhammad, aged 30, greeted and dedicated the infant to Allah, unlike other Arab children dedicated to idols. Ali never worshipped idols and was adopted by Muhammad at age five to be groomed for his destiny. Historians affirm his unique birth and life's full historical visibility, linking him inseparably to Islam's rise.

≈ Jan 2, 2026

15Raj
Event

Change of Qibla to the Kaaba

After the Prophet's migration to Medina, the qiblah changed from Bayt al-Maqdis to the Ka'bah in the 17th month, following divine command in Quran 2:144, amid Jewish opposition and mockery. This shift tested true believers (Quran 2:143), attracted Arabs by honoring the Ka'bah built by Ibrahim, and distanced Muslims from obstructive Jews, similar to replacing Ashura fasting with Ramadan. During noon prayer, Jibreel turned the Prophet precisely toward the Ka'bah, aligning exactly with modern coordinates—a scientific miracle without instruments.

≈ Jan 4, 2026

15Raj
Commemoration

Death of Zainab (as)

Historians debate Bibi Zaynab's death and burial: some say Medina's Jannatul Baqih, others Cairo on 14th Rajab 62 AH at Muslima Ibn Makhlid's house, or Damascus/Rawiya after illness en route to her husband. Overwhelmed by Karbala's tragedies—thirst, killings, captivity—she died heartbroken on 15th Rajab 62 AH, 17 months later. Reflections emphasize her steadfastness, critique insincere mourning in majalis, urge sincerity, lessons against tyranny, and Quranic insights on life's recorded deeds for judgment.

≈ Jan 4, 2026

24Raj
Event

Battle of Khaybar

The Battle of Khaybar occurred in the 7th year of Hijrah against the Jews who had amassed 10,000 warriors to attack Medina. Muslims, initially defeated over three days by warriors Marhab and Harith despite attacks led by Abu Bakr and Umar, faced difficulties as the Prophet suffered a migraine and Ali had sore eyes. The Prophet then cured Ali's eyes with saliva, gave him the flag, and Ali killed Marhab and Harith, uprooted the fort's gate as a shield, and conquered Khaybar with divine help.

≈ Jan 13, 2026

25Raj
Commemoration

Martyrdom of Imam Musa al-Khadim (as)

Imam Musa Al-Kadhim, born in 128 A.H. in Abwa’, son of Imam Ja’far Sadiq, served as the seventh Imam for 35 years until his martyrdom by poisoning in 183 A.H. in Baghdad’s prison at age 55, buried in Al-Kadhimiyn. Despite caliphal surveillance and imprisonment, he focused on worship, scholarship, teaching, and guiding followers. Traditions from Imam Sadiq confirm his imamate. Renowned for piety, knowledge, generosity, and tolerance, he aided the poor anonymously and exemplified forgiveness.

≈ Jan 14, 2026

26Raj
Commemoration

Death of Abu Talib (the prophets uncle)

The death of Abu Talib marked a painful loss for Prophet Muhammad and the Muslims after the end of the Quraysh blockade, depriving them of a key protector who had safeguarded the Prophet since childhood. Abu Talib's love stemmed from kinship and faith in Muhammad's prophethood, evident in acts like praying for rain, accompanying him to Syria, and defending him against assassination plots by Quraysh chiefs. His sacrifices, driven by belief in Islam, included risking his life and status; Imams later affirmed his sincere faith.

≈ Jan 15, 2026

27Raj
Celebration

Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad (s)

Prophethood began with Adam and culminated in Muhammad as the final prophet, delivering the message of monotheism and submission to God. Muhammad's life involved early hardships, revelation in the Cave of Hira, secret and open propagation of Islam in Mecca amid persecution, migration to Medina (Hijra), key battles like Badr, Uhud, Ahzab, and Khaybar, the peaceful conquest of Mecca, and the Farewell Pilgrimage where he appointed Ali as successor at Ghadir Khumm. Preparations for Imam Al-Mahdi's future arrival emphasize justice and guidance from the Ahl al-Bayt.

≈ Jan 16, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • 1Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic lunar calendar
  • 2There are 12 significant Shia Islamic events in Rajab 2026
  • 34 commemorations including solemn remembrances
  • 45 celebrations marking joyous occasions
  • 5All dates are provided in both Hijri and Gregorian formats for easy reference
  • 6Events can be added to your personal calendar (Google, Apple, Outlook)

Frequently Asked Questions

Rajab is one of the four sacred months and holds immense significance containing: Birthday of Imam Ali (AS) on the 13th, Mab'ath (beginning of Prophethood) on the 27th, birthdays of Imams Baqir, Jawad, and Hadi, and martyrdoms of Imams Hadi and Kadhim. It's called 'Shahr Allah' (Month of Allah).

Browse All Months in 2026

Rajab in Other Years