Sha’ban: The Neglected Month

Muslims consider the month of Sha’ban, which is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, as a special month. The term “Shaban” has an Arabic origin and comes from the word “shu’bah,” meaning “separated” or “isolated”. While it is not as well-known as other Islamic months such as Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah. This month still holds great significance in the Islamic faith.

Hazrat Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrates that the Prophet(ﷺ) highly valued fasting during the month of Sha’ban and used to fast extensively during this month She remarked, “I never saw the Prophet(ﷺ) fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan, and I never saw him fasting in any month more than he did in the month of Sha’ban.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

Umm Salamah narrated:

That the Prophet(ﷺ) would not fast any month of the year in full except Shaban and he used to join it to Ramadan.

Sunan an-Nasa’i 2353

Therefore, Muslims fast during the month of Shaban, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). However, it is important to note that fasting in Shaban is not obligatory. Muslims are free to choose whether or not they want to fast during this month.

People may not give the month of Shaban the attention it deserves because it falls between two important months of worship, Rajab and Ramadan. Additionally, people may overlook Shaban due to their focus on preparing for Ramadan, which immediately follows Shaban. Therefore, Shaban is considered a neglected month.

However, we should note that although Muslims may consider Shaban a neglected month, it remains a sacred month in Islam. It provides an essential chance for them to engage in additional worship, seek forgiveness, and increase their good deeds.

Usama ibn Zaid narrated that:

“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah(ﷺ), I do not see you fasting any month as much as Sha’ban.’ He replied: ‘That is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are taken up to the Lord of the worlds, and I like that my deeds be taken up when I am fasting.

Sunan an-Nasa’i 2357

This Hadith teaches us that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) highly valued the month of Shaban. He(ﷺ) urged his followers to engage in extra worship and good deeds during this month. He stressed the importance of not neglecting this month as it falls between two crucial months of worship (Rajab and Ramadan). The Prophet(ﷺ) also indicated that Allah reviews our deeds during this month, making it an opportunity to increase one’s good deeds and seek forgiveness for sins.

Preparations for Ramadan in the month of Sha’ban

The month of Shaban is also a time of preparation for Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and worship. Many Muslims use the month of Sha’ban to engage in extra worship, such as reading the Quran and performing voluntary prayers, in order to prepare themselves physically and spiritually for Ramadan.

Overall, the month of Sha’ban is a time for spiritual reflection, renewal, and preparation. We must use this time to strengthen our relationship with Allah and seek forgiveness for our sins.