Why is the month of Rajab called Al-Ashomm? That is the Explanation and Wisdom of Ulama

darulmaarif.net – Indramayu, 22 December 2025 | 08.00 WIB

The month of Rajab is a special month in the Hijri calendar. Kyai and ulama have always reminded Muslims not to just miss this month. Apart from including forbidden monthRajab also has a special name, namely Syahrulloh al-Ashomm—the “deaf” month of Allah.

Then why is the month of Rajab mentioned? Al-Ashomm? What does “deaf” mean in this context? The following is the explanation as explained in the turats books which are usually studied in Islamic boarding schools.

In the Islamic tradition and long before the arrival of the message of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, the Arabs recognized four venerable months (الأشهر الحرم), namely Dzulqa’dah, Dzulhijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, all forms of warfare ceased.

Islam then came confirm this traditionit even gives it a deeper worship and spiritual dimension. Rajab is also a month whose honor is truly guarded.

Why is it called Al-Ashomm (The Deaf)?

Linguistically, Al-Ashomm (the deaf) means firedidn’t hear any sound. However, what is meant here is not physical deafness, but rather deaf to the sounds of war.

It is called that because:

• There was no sound of swords clashing
• There was no rattling of weapons
• There were no calls for war and no bloodshed

The month of Rajab seems to be “deaf” from the hustle and bustle of human conflict.

In the book Al-Hāwī al-Kabīr it is stated:

Al-Hawi al-Kabir, vol. 3, p. 474

Among them is the month of Rajab. It was narrated on the authority of the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, that he was asked:
Which fast is better after the month of Ramadan?
He answered: Allah’s month is the deafest month, and is narrated as the deafest month

Meaning: “This includes the month of Rajab. It is narrated that Rosululloh SAW was asked: ‘What is the most important fast after Ramadan?’ He answered: ‘Fasting in the month of Allah Al-Ashomm.’ And it is also reported that it is called Al-Ashabb.” (Al-Hāwī al-Kabīr, Juz III, [Darul Fikr: Beirut]Matter. 474)

Imam Abu ‘Ubaid-in the same book- explains the meaning of Al-Ashomm as follows:

It means Rajab, because Allah SWT bestowed mercy on him abundantly, and it is called Samam because Allah SWT forbade war at that time, so there was no mention of bloodshed at that time. No movement of weapons

Meaning: “What is meant is the month of Rajab, because Allah pours out His mercy abundantly in this month. And it is called Al-Ashomm because Allah forbids war in it, so that the sound of bloodshed and the movement of weapons cannot be heard.”

Explanation of the Meaning of Al-Ashomm According to Ulama

Priest Al-Farari for example in books Ash Shihah said:

More than one person has mentioned that the reason Arabs call Rajab deaf is because the sound of weapons or fighting movements cannot be heard in it. Al-Jawhari – may God have mercy on him – said in Al-Sihah: People in pre-Islamic times called Rajab the holy month of God.

Meaning: “It has been mentioned by quite a few scholars that the reason the Arabs called the month of Rajab al-Ashamm (the deaf) was because in that month there was no sound of weapons and no movement of war. Imam Al-Jauhari said in the book of Ash-Shihah: ‘The Arabs during the period of ignorance called the month of Rajab Syahrullah al-Ashamm (the month of Allah the deaf).'”

Temporary Al-Khalil bin Ahmad explain:

It is called that because there are no voices calling for help, no movements of resistance, or the sound of weapons being heard there, because it is one of the holy months. I’m done

Meaning: “The month of Rajab is so called because there are no voices of people asking for help due to war, there is no movement of war, and there is no clanging of weapons, because it is one of the haram months. That’s it.”

Priest Al-Munawi also confirmed in At-Taisir Syarh al-Jami’ ash-Shaghir:

Al-Manawi – may God have mercy on him – said in Al-Taysir bi Sharh Al-Jami’ Al-Saghir: (Rajab) and he was called a deaf man; Because there they stopped fighting there, so the sound of weapons was not heard there. I’m done

Meaning: “Imam l-Manāwī Rohimahulloh said in the book At-Taisīr bi Syarḥ al-Jāmi’ aṣ-Ṣaghīr: ‘(The month of) Rajab is also called al-Ashomm (the deaf), because in that month they refrain from fighting, so that the sound of weapons is not heard.’ Finished.”

The wisdom of the coming of the month of Rajab for Muslims

For Islamic boarding school circles, Rajab is the month broken hearted. If weapons are ordered to remain silent, then people’s words and hearts are more important to guard.

Rajab teaches us to:

• Holding on to anger
• Reduce debate and conflict
• Increase istighfar and read prayers
• Train yourself as a means of preparation to welcome the month of Ramadan

This month is the right time for soothe the soulclearing intentions, and improving relationships—both with Allah and fellow humans.

Called Al-Ashommnot because Rajab is empty of meaning, but precisely because it is filled with silent grace. In the midst of the silence of war, Allah opened the door to His great forgiveness and mercy.

So, let’s welcome the month of Rajab with santri morals: subduing the ego, calming the heart, and reviving charity. Hopefully we are among the servants who are able to “keep silent from sin”, so that we become more obedient to Allah SWT.

Hope it is useful. Wallohu a’lam.