Sha’ban,which is the eighth month in the Islamic calendar, is a blessed and significant month in the lives of Muslims around the world. The month prepares people for Ramadan, carrying a multitude of virtues and blessings. Indeed, Prophet Muhammad attached much importance to it by encouraging more worship, acts of fasting, and seeking forgiveness in this month. This article attempts to look at the virtues of Sha’ban and how believers can maximize their benefits.
Sha’ban serves as a sort of bridge between the two blessed months of Rajab and Ramadan. This period gives a chance for Muslims to start preparing their minds, spirit, and body for the coming month of fasting. Observing additional prayers, fasting, and reciting the Qur’an are good exercises that instill discipline and devotion before Ramadan actually begins.
One of the most documented virtues of Shaban is fasting. A’ishah RA said that the Prophet SAW used to fast more in Sha’ban than in any other month, except Ramadan. The Prophet -peace be upon him- said:
"That is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the worlds, and I like that my deeds be lifted up while I am fasting."
Fasting in Sha’ban is a great way of spiritual cleansing and carries tremendous rewards. It is also a way to practice fasting before Ramadan, making it easier for believers to adjust to the upcoming month of obligatory fasting.
The 15th night of Sha’ban is considered a special night of divine mercy, also called Laylat al-Bara’ah, which means the Night of Forgiveness. Many scholars and traditions mention that on this night, Allah forgives His servants abundantly and writes the decree for the coming year. While acts of worship on this night are not obligatory, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, praying, and reciting Qur’an are recommended practices.
Sha’ban is a month for sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah. The Prophet advised increasing supplications and asking for forgiveness since Allah’s mercy is tremendous during this period.
It is related that the Prophet-Peace be upon him-called for an increase in the sending of salutations upon him in Sha’ban. Reading Salawat or blessings upon the Prophet carries tremendous rewards and helps in growing a person’s love for the Messenger of Allah.
A believer can try to make full benefit of Sha’ban through:
Increasing private fasts at least on every Monday and Thursday.
Praying more Nawafil prayers and extra Qur’an.
Making Istighfaar-seeking repentance-and repenting with sincerity.
Pray for yourselves, for family, and the whole Muslim Ummah.
Send frequent blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Charity and Good Deeds
Sha’ban is a blessed month, full of opportunities for spiritual growth and overall, your connection towards Allah. The Muslims, by emulating Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), can avail much from its blessings and prepare themselves to welcome the holy month of Ramadan. Whosoever utilizes this time through fasts, prayers, and prayers for Allah’s mercy will enter Ramadhan with a cleansed heart and an amplified level of attachment to Allah.
