Ramadan 2026: Spiritual Prep in UAE Begins

Ramadan 2026 Approaches: Spiritual Preparation in the UAE with the Start of Rajab Month

For the Muslim community in the United Arab Emirates, the approach of Ramadan 2026 is not just a calendar event, but also a period for spiritual preparation. The arrival of the month of Rajab is particularly important during this time, as Muslims consider this month the beginning of inner purification, quietude, and the intensification of devotional practices. Local communities, mosques, and religious institutions place significant emphasis on preparing believers for the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin in the second half of February 2026.

The Significance of Rajab in the Islamic Calendar

Rajab is one of the holy months in the Islamic lunar calendar, considered a spiritually significant period by believers. This month is one of the "Al-Ashhur Al-Hurum" (the four sacred months), alongside Dhul Qa’dah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram. During these months, sins are deemed more serious, while good deeds carry greater rewards. According to Islamic teachings, it is a time when Muslims must pay special attention to maintaining moral and religious standards and avoiding sins.

Rajab is not only important in its own right but also prepares for the following months of Sha’ban and Ramadan. Traditionally, this is likened to the work of a farmer: first sowing seeds (Rajab), then watering and tending the plant (Sha’ban), and finally harvesting the crop (Ramadan). This gradual spiritual attunement helps believers participate in fasting, prayers, and self-reflection during Ramadan not just formally but with full hearts.

Recommended Practices During Rajab

Although there are no specific obligatory devotional practices prescribed for Rajab, Islamic scholars encourage believers to generally increase their piety. More precise execution of daily prayers, reading the Quran, giving charity, and performing good deeds are practices valuable throughout the year, but especially recommended during this holy month.

It is important to note, however, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not fast throughout the month of Rajab. Even during Sha’ban, which directly precedes Ramadan, he fasted most of the month, but not all of it. This indicates that while fasting any day is a pious act, excessive or irregular practices should be avoided.

Throughout Islamic history, one of the most renowned caliphs, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, also cautioned against fasting the entirety of Rajab, to prevent it from resembling Ramadan and creating new practices not rooted in Islam.

What to Avoid During Rajab

The greatest challenge during this period is for believers to avoid the mistake of introducing new practices not founded in religion. Islam strictly prohibits "bid’ah," or innovation, in religious life, especially if these innovations do not rely on the Quran or the Prophet's sunnah.

The religious authorities in the United Arab Emirates, including the Islamic Affairs Department of Sharjah, have repeatedly emphasized that no special prayers (such as "Salat Al-Raghaib") or Umrah pilgrimages unique to the month of Rajab should be performed, as these have no reliable religious basis.

Such practices, regardless of how good they may seem, can easily lead to distortions of the spirit of Islam. Therefore, learned religious leaders unanimously advise believers to adhere to what the Prophet taught and avoid deviating from it either intentionally or out of well-intentioned innovation.

Rajab as Spiritual Tuning for Ramadan

In the UAE, especially in cities like Dubai or Sharjah, the month of Rajab functions as an internal wake-up call for the Muslim community. Amid fast-paced city life, continuous work, and social expectations, this month offers believers a chance to pause, quiet themselves, and reconsider the spiritual direction of their lives.

Lectures held in mosques, community study circles, and social events all aim to ensure that Muslims are not only physically but mentally prepared for the challenges of Ramadan. This month is not just about fasting but also about self-discipline, forgiveness, compassion, and community solidarity.

Summary

The start of the month of Rajab is not just a calendar milestone in the Islamic world, but also a profound spiritual call. For the Muslim communities in the UAE, this period provides an opportunity to reconnect with their religious roots, strengthen their faith, and prepare for the spiritual heights of the month of Ramadan. It is crucial, however, to pursue this preparation along the lines of traditional Islamic teachings, avoiding arbitrary practices and remaining true to the Prophet's sunnah.

If approached and lived correctly, the month of Rajab is not only a time to seek divine grace but also an opportunity for inner transformation and renewal for every believer, whether in Dubai or any other part of the world.

(The article is based on a statement from the Sharjah Islamic Affairs.)