Sha’ban 1436
Sha’ban (شعبان) is the name of the (eighth) month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Shaban means “separation” or “dispersion,” because Arabs used to disperse in search of water or scatter for war during this month. Moreover, another saying is that it is derived from shaaba (branches out or emerges) i.e., it appears between the months of Rajab and Ramadan.
Fasting in Sha’ban
Shaban is the previous month to Ramzan, so, it’s time for preparation for fasting the whole month. Shaban is like an introduction to Ramadan and it has some things in common with Ramadan, such as fasting, reciting Quran and giving to charity. Our beloved Prophet(ﷺ) fast most of the days of this month and teach us to do so.
The most beloved of months for the Prophet ﷺ to fast in was Shaban.
(Abu Dawud)
Our beloved Prophet(ﷺ) used to fast in shaban more than any other month. It was narrated that Hazrat Aisha said:
The Prophet used to fast Shaban.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 2181
Another narration from her is:
The Prophet of Allah did not fast any month more than Sha’ban; he used to fast all of it, or most of it.
Sunan an-Nasa’i 2354
Fasting in Shaaban is like physical and mental training for fasting in Ramadan. Many people may experience difficulty when they start fast in Ramadan. But if they start fasting a few days in Shaaban, their bodies may get used to fasting. Moreover, in this way, one will not feel so lethargic and weak when Ramadan comes.
The month of Prophet(ﷺ)
Sha’ban is the second month of ‘Ibadah in order to make preparations for the grand and majestic month of Holy Ramadan. The Holy Prophet (ﷺ)has said, “Shaban is my month”. This is the month of asking for forgiveness of sins, giving alms & charity and fasting. The Holy Prophet (saw) used to observe fast during the whole month of Sha’ban. Imam Zaynul-Aabideen (A) has said, “Whosoever, in the love of the Prophet(ﷺ), wishes to seek nearness to Allah and receive His bounties, favours and rewards in this world and in the hereafter, must connect Sha’ban with Ramadhan in the matter of fasting and special prayers
The Prophet(ﷺ) said:
Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah.
Suyuti
This means that we should make more efforts during this month to get closer to Allah and the Prophet(ﷺ). We can learn more Sunnah and Seerah. Moreover, we must increase our knowledge of supplications he loved, the foods he ate, and people most beloved to him. This is time to increase our faith and good deeds. Routine set during these blessed days will lead a successful life ahead.
Deeds Raise to Allah in Shaban
In this virtuous month, our deeds are taken to Allah Almighty besides the daily presentation. According to narration from Usamah bin Zaid, he said:
I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Shaban. He said: ‘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
Events Occurred in Shaban
- 1st Sha’ban, birth of Zaynab bint Ali
- 2nd Sha’ban, birth of Nouman Bin Sabit (Abu Hanifa)
- 3rd Sha’ban, birth of Husayn ibn Ali
- 4th Sha’ban, birth of Abbas ibn Ali
- 5th Sha’ban, birth of Ali ibn Husayn
- 5th Sha’ban, death of Fizza, the hand-maiden of Fatimah(RA)
- 7th Sha’ban, birth of Qasim ibn Hasan
- 11th Sha’ban, birth of Ali al-Akbar ibn Husayn
- 11 Sha’ban 1293 AH, Abdulhamid II became caliph of the Ottoman Empire
- 21 Sha’ban, passing away of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
- 22 Sha’ban 1314 AH, death of Muhammad Usman Damani
