Ramadan 2026 in UAE: Muslims prepare for holy month as Rajab begins
As the sacred month of Rajab begins, Muslims across the UAE and around the world are focusing on spiritual preparation ahead of Ramadan 2026, with scholars urging increased general worship while cautioning against practices not supported by authentic Islamic teachings.
In a lecture broadcast live on Instagram, Sheikh Nasser Al Hammadi of Sharjah Islamic Affairs explained that Rajab is one of the four sacred months in the Islamic Hijri calendar. These months — Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab — are periods in which righteous deeds carry greater reward and wrongdoing is considered more severe.
Sheikh Al Hammadi noted that Rajab serves as an important spiritual foundation for the months that follow, particularly Sha’ban and Ramadan. “Rajab prepares Muslims for Sha’ban and Ramadan,” he said, likening the process to a farmer planting, nurturing and caring for crops before harvest.
While emphasising the sanctity of the month, the Sheikh clarified that there are no specific acts of worship prescribed exclusively for Rajab. Instead, Muslims are encouraged to increase general acts of obedience and devotion, as they would throughout the year, while being more mindful of the month’s significance.
He highlighted that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not fast an entire month outside of Ramadan, and even during Sha’ban, fasting was observed for most — but not all — of the month. Sheikh Al Hammadi also referenced historical guidance from Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), who discouraged fasting for the entire month of Rajab to prevent it from being perceived as equivalent to Ramadan.
At the same time, Sheikh Al Hammadi warned against assigning specific rituals or forms of worship to Rajab without clear evidence from the Quran or Sunnah. He cautioned against practices such as Salat Al-Raghaib or designating a special Umrah exclusively for Rajab, noting that introducing unverified religious practices contradicts Islamic principles.
“The foundation of worship in Islam is adherence to what has been legislated,” he said, urging Muslims to observe Rajab by following the established Sunnah without singling out or adding new acts of worship. He added that proper observance of the month lies in lawful devotion and spiritual mindfulness as Muslims prepare for the arrival of Ramadan.
