We are almost done with the holy month of Rajab al-Asab, which as I noted a few years ago is a herald for the impending arrival of Ramadan. Today is the 27th of Rajab, which means last night was the Night of Ascent (Laylatul Me’raj) and today is the Day of Elevation (Yawmul Ma’bath).

I’ve written about the Night of Ascent before – including a rather amusing anecdote about why Muslims owe a sincere debt to the Prophet Moses AS for lightening our daily prayer load 🙂

Today, the Day of Elevation, commemorates that Mohammed ibn Abdullah al-Mustafa SAW was elevated to Prophet of Allah. The angel Jibrail (Gabriel) came to Mohammed SAW in the cave of Hira with the first verses of revelation (Qur’an 96:1-8):

Recite in the name of your Lord who created;
Created man from a (mere) clot (of blood).
Recite, and your Lord is the most bountiful,
Who taught by the pen,
Taught man that which he knew not.

No! (but) indeed, man transgresses
Because he sees himself self-sufficient;
Indeed, to your Lord is the return.

To commemorate and honor the gift of the Revelation, muslims fast in the prayer that Allah also elevate our own station as we trod upon the straight path. Another name for today’s path is “Motius Sawalaat” (Answerer of Prayers) in supplication to Allah. Today, myself and my entire family, including children, will honor this fast and give thanks to Allah.

Reference: The fazilat of Rajab al-Asab reprinted with permission from Mumineen.org Archive, under Creative Commons License.