Daily Lesson 147
How to value Sha’baan
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Sha’ban is the 8th month of the Islamic calendar and holds great virtue. It is such a special Month that only Ramadhan holds more Virtue!
Facts about Sha’ban
Month Number:
8th Month of the Islamic calendar
Located:
Falls in between Rajab and Ramadhan
Significance:
1) Best and most virtuous month after Ramadhan
2) Month to prepare for Ramadhan
3) Month to fast
4) Contains Laylatul Baraa’ah
Let’s see what we can learn about this month and see what actions we can do:
Lesson 1 – A month for fasting
Our beloved Nabi ﷺ fasted abundantly during Sha’ban.
Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah رضي الله عنها reports that I never saw Nabi ﷺ fasting in any other month as much as he did in Sha’ban.’ (Sahih Bukhari)
Sayyidatuna Ā’ishah رضي الله عنها narrates, “Rasūlullāh ﷺ used to fast the (whole) month of Sha’bān except for a few days.” (An-Nasa’ī)
Lesson 2 – A month not to be neglected
Our beloved Nabi ﷺ told Sayyiduna Usama رضي الله عنه that many people neglect Sha’ban and our beloved Nabi ﷺ wanted to be sure he did not neglect it.
Sayyiduna Usāmah رضي الله عنه asked, “O Rasūlullāh ﷺ! I do not see you fasting in any month as much as in Sha’bān.” He replied, “It is a month people are negligent of between Rajab and Ramadhān. It is a month in which deeds are raised towards the Lord of the worlds. Therefore, I like my deeds to be raised whilst I am fasting.” (An-Nasa’ī)
Lesson 3 – Deeds presented before Allah Ta’ala
Our beloved Nabi ﷺ further told Sayyiduna Usama رضي الله عنه that in this month our deeds for the past year are presented before Allah Ta’ala.
Sayyiduna Usāmah رضي الله عنه asked, “O Rasūlullāh ﷺ! I do not see you fasting in any month as much as in Sha’bān.” He replied, “It is a month people are negligent of between Rajab and Ramadān. It is a month in which deeds are raised towards the Lord of the worlds. Therefore, I like my deeds to be raised whilst I am fasting.” (An-Nasa’ī)
Lesson 4 – The Night of forgiveness
On the 15th night of Sha’ban Allah Ta’ala’s mercies and blessings further, Increase and Allah Ta’ala forgives many of His servants.
Sayyiduna Abū Mūsā Al-Ash’arī رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said, “In the fifteenth night of Sha’bān, Allāh ta’ālā manifests and forgives all His creation except for the Mushrik (idolater) and the spiteful.” (Ibn Mājah)
Lesson 5 – Prepare for Ramadhan
Like with fasting, recitation of the Glorious Qur’an should increase as with other forms of ibadah/worship.
Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه says:
‘When Sha’ban would commence, the Muslims (Sahabah and Tabi’un) would dedicate themselves to the recital of the Quran.’
Some are reported to have discharged their Zakah too, in Sha’ban.
(Lataiful Ma’arif)
Hafiz Ibn Rajab Al-Hambaly رحمه الله writes:
‘Since Sha’ban is a prelude to Ramadan, Islam encourages certain deeds in this month, that are usually done in Ramadhan. Like fasting and Quran recital. This prepares the soul to welcome Ramadan, when it arrives, with open arms.’
(Lataiful Ma’arif)
Connection between Rajab, Sha’ban and Ramadhan
Shaykh Abu Bakr Balkhy رحمه الله says:
“Rajab is a month in which we plant the seeds of good. i.e, by increasing our ibadah. In Sha’ban we water them, to cultivate (and reap the rewards) in Ramadhan”
May Allah Ta’ala give us all the tawfeeq to act upon whatever has been explained. Ameen