Sha'ban: The Neglected Month
Welcome to Sha’ban - the last month before we reach Ramadan!
The month of Sha’ban is the 8th month in the Islamic calendar and is often neglected because it is overshadowed by the blessed months of Rajab and Ramadan. However, Sha’ban is considered one of the most virtuous months wherein we find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is reported that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast in the month of Shaban. This month is packed with opportunities to maximize our good deeds, seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and draw closer to His Messenger (SAW). Historically, momentous events also took place during Sha’ban which deserve to be commemorated.
Let’s take a look at the significance of this blessed month.
The actions of the people are presented to the Almighty
Aisha (RA) said that: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah fast for a complete month except for Ramadan, and I never saw him do more fasting in any month than he did in Sha`ban” (Al-Bukhari). In another Hadith it is written the last Prophet (saw) said: “People neglect this month which is between Rajab and Ramadan, in this month the actions of the people are presented to Allah; so I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting”. (Abu Dawood)
The above-mentioned hadiths show us the significance of maximizing our good deeds during the month of Sha'ban. By simply reading more Qur’an, praying voluntary prayers, and following the Sunnah of the Prophet by fasting more, you can strengthen your taqwa (consciousness of Allah) and establish good habits in time for Ramadan.
Besides fasting, there are a number of things you can do to maximize your good deeds.
Here's a list to get you started:
- Sign up to volunteer and make a positive impact on our community
- Resolve any pending conflicts/grudges in your life
- Spend more time with your family, especially the elderly
- Feed the poor and hungry (our Food4Kids program provides meals and vitamin supplements to orphan and needy children in Pakistan, Mali, Sudan and Niger, our general hunger fund is used to provide relief from the destructive impacts of hunger in struggling communities around the world)
- Give up your bad habits and those things which distract you and take you further away from Allah (SWT)
- Start saving your money for Sadaqah and make a plan on where and how you'll be spending it. "One of the best forms of Sadaqah is giving someone water to drink" [Ahmad]
The month of the Prophet (SAW)
This month we should be making an effort to be closer to the Prophet by following his Sunnah in word and deed so that his Sunnah becomes the path we follow for life.
We should also understand the high status to which Allah SWT has raised him for he is the best of mankind.
Abu Hurayrah said: "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, ' I will be the leader of mankind of the Day of Resurrection, the first whose grave will be opened, the first to intercede and the first to be asked to intercede.'" [Narrated by Muslim, 2278]
One of the ways we can follow the Sunnah of the last prophet (SAW) is by caring for orphans, a cause particularly loved by him.
Since Sha’ban is the month of the Prophet, it’s the perfect time to begin sponsoring an orphan. For less than $2 a day, you can sponsor an orphan in need and be among the people beloved to Allah’s Messenger.
Significant days - The 15th of Sha'ban
The 15th night of Sha'ban is special. According to Hadith of the Prophet (SAW), Allah SWT will say:
“is there any person repenting so that I forgive him, and any person seeking provision so that I provide for him, and any person with distress so that I relieve him, and so on until dawn.” (Ibn Majah)
On this virtuous night, we should make our preparations to pray throughout - from dusk till dawn, and fast the next day to earn maximum rewards from Allah SWT.
It is also regular practice to read Surah Ya-Sin and make special supplications for good health, protection and to increase our faith and bring us closer to Allah SWT.
This year the 15th night of Sha'ban falls on April 20th! We'll be posting again closer to the date with all the tips you'll need to make the most of this holy night, so remember to check our latest page as we approach the date.
