(e) Thirteenth of Rajab

Text and Translation

It is recommended to offer a certain prayer on each of the White Nights (i.e. the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth nights of each Arabic month) in Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan. At the thirteenth night of Rajab, it is recommended to offer a prayer consisting of two units, at each of which recite [Surah al-Fatihah](A5) once and Surahs [Yasin](A40) (no. 36), [al-Mulk](A71) (no. 67), and [al-Tawheed](A116).

A similar prayer, yet with four units and taslim after each two units, should be offered at the fourteenth night. Also, a similar prayer, yet with six units and taslim after each two units, should be offered at the fifteenth night. In this respect, Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a) is reported as saying, "Whoever offers these prayers will be awarded the merits of these three months (namely, Rajab, Sha'ban, and Ramadan) and will have all his sins forgiven, except polytheism.

The thirteenth of Rajab is the first of the White Days, on which it is recommended to observe fasting, according to narrations, so as to win an abundant reward. As for those who intend to recite the famous supplicatory prayer known as Dua Umm-Dawud, they may begin with observing fasting on this day.

Famously, Imam Ali ibn Abi-Talib, Ameer al-Momineen (a), was born on the thirteenth of Rajab inside the Holy Ka'bah, thirty years after the Elephant Year.