Sha’ban– The Neglected Month is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, falling between Rajab and Ramadan. Despite its great significance, it is often overlooked as Muslims focus on the sacred months preceding it or prepare for Ramadan. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the virtues of Sha’ban and engaged in increased worship during this month. Understanding its importance can help Muslims maximize their spiritual growth and prepare effectively for the blessed month of Ramadan.
The Significance of Sha’ban
Sha’ban– The Neglected Month holds immense value in Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) referred to it as the neglected month, highlighting the tendency of people to disregard its significance. In a hadith, Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he asked the Prophet:
“O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month as much as in Sha’ban.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) 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 while I am fasting.”
(Narrated by An-Nasa’i)
This hadith signifies that Sha’ban is a crucial time for increasing good deeds and ensuring that one’s actions are recorded favorably before they are presented to Allah.
Key Events in Sha’ban
Sha’ban is associated with several historical and spiritual events, including:
1. The Change of the Qiblah
One of the most significant events that took place during Sha’ban– The Neglected Month was the change in the direction of the Qiblah. Initially, Muslims faced Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem while praying. However, Allah commanded them to turn towards the Kaaba in Makkah. This event symbolized the distinct identity of the Muslim Ummah and was a turning point in Islamic history.
2. Laylat al-Bara’ah (The Night of Forgiveness)
The 15th night of Sha’ban, known as Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Barat, is believed by many scholars to be a night of forgiveness and mercy. Various narrations suggest that on this night, Allah forgives the sins of believers, except for those who engage in shirk (associating partners with Allah) or harbor enmity in their hearts.
A hadith states:
“Allah, the Almighty, descends to the lowest heaven on the night of the middle of Sha’ban and forgives more people than the number of hairs on the sheep of Banu Kalb.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
While the authenticity of specific practices related to this night is debated among scholars, it remains a time when many Muslims engage in prayer, repentance, and seeking Allah’s mercy.
Fasting in Sha’ban
Fasting in Sha’ban is a well-established Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not observe voluntary fasting so frequently in any other month as he did in Sha’ban. He observed fasting throughout Sha’ban except for a few days.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
The wisdom behind fasting in Sha’ban includes:
- Preparation for Ramadan: Fasting in Sha’ban helps Muslims physically and spiritually prepare for the rigorous fasting of Ramadan.
- Increased acceptance of deeds: Since deeds are raised to Allah in Sha’ban, fasting at this time is a means of ensuring they are accepted.
- Attaining the love of Allah: Engaging in extra acts of worship, including fasting, brings a believer closer to Allah.
However, scholars discourage fasting on the last few days of Sha’ban unless it is a habitual fast. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not precede Ramadan with one or two fasts, unless a person is accustomed to fasting regularly.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
Acts of Worship in Sha’ban– The Neglected Month
Apart from fasting, there are various other ways to benefit from Sha’ban spiritually:
1. Increased Recitation of the Quran
Sha’ban– The Neglected Month is an ideal time to begin increasing Quran recitation in preparation for Ramadan. Many righteous predecessors, including Imam Ash-Shafi’i, would dedicate Sha’ban to intensifying their Quranic engagement.
2. Seeking Forgiveness and Repentance
Since Sha’ban is a month of preparing for Ramadan, believers should increase their repentance (Tawbah) and seek Allah’s forgiveness (Istighfar). The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged making frequent supplications and repenting sincerely.
3. Sending Salawat Upon the Prophet (peace be upon him)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of sending blessings upon him, especially on Fridays. Since Sha’ban is his beloved month, increasing Salawat can bring great rewards.
A hadith states:
“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold.” (Muslim)
4. Charity and Helping Others
Giving charity (Sadaqah) is highly virtuous at any time, but doing so in Sha’ban multiplies the rewards. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and his generosity increased in the months leading up to Ramadan.
Preparing for Ramadan in Sha’ban
Sha’ban serves as the perfect opportunity to prepare for Ramadan both spiritually and physically. Here are some key steps to take:
- Establish Consistency in Worship: Start praying extra Sunnah and Nafl prayers to strengthen your daily worship routine.
- Make Up Missed Fasts: Women who missed fasts due to menstruation and those who missed fasts for other reasons should make them up before Ramadan arrives.
- Set Goals for Ramadan: Use Sha’ban to outline your Quran recitation targets, dua lists, and personal development goals.
- Adjust Sleep and Eating Patterns: Gradually shifting your sleep and meal times to align with Ramadan’s schedule can make the transition smoother.
Conclusion
Sha’ban is a month filled with divine blessings, a time when deeds are raised to Allah, and an opportunity to prepare for Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) paid special attention to this month through fasting, prayer, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. As Muslims, we should revive the Sunnah by engaging in more worship, increasing acts of kindness, and making sincere efforts to purify our hearts before the arrival of Ramadan. May Allah grant us the ability to benefit from Sha’ban and enter Ramadan with a heart full of faith and sincerity. Ameen.