Sacred Month Of Shaban, A Prelude To Ramadan, Significance and Virtues

The holy month of Ramzan (Ramadan) is only a month away. Sha’ban, the eighth month of Islam’s Hijri or Lunar calendar and which precedes the month of fasting, is likely to begin on Friday. Sha’ban is one of the four sacred months in Islam in which battle is forbidden. Sha’ban was the most beloved month to Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) as it introduces Ramadan. The sacred month also has some things in common with Ramadan such as fasting, reciting of Qur’an and giving charity to needy people. 

Significance of Sha’ban

The Sha’ban is significant because on the 15th night of this month, Muslims believe that God ordered Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) to change the Qiblah, the direction towards which Muslims face when they pray, from Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to the Holy Kaabah in Mecca. 

The Prophet’s companions noticed that he used to observe fasting on most days during the month of Sha’aban as it is highly recommended compared to other Islamic months excluding Ramadan in which fasting the whole month is mandatory. The emphasis on fasting during the month of Sha’ban by the Prophet himself shows the significance of this special lunar month. 

Most fasted month after Ramadan

It is reported that Usamah ibn Zayd (the son of the Prophet’s servant) said, “O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Sha’ban.” To which Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) replied, “That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab (preceding month) and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the Worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.” (Al-Nasa’i).

Imam Al-Jawzi was once asked by a man, “Is it better for me to say ‘Glory be to Allah’ or to ask Him for forgiveness?” The imam replied, “The dirty robe is more in need of soap than perfume.”

We want both soap and perfume. Asking for forgiveness from Allah and from those whom we may have wronged is imperative for us to proceed through Shaban and Ramadan with purer, cleaner hearts.

Night vigil on Shab-e-Barat

During Mid-Sha’ban, Muslims all around the world celebrate Shab-e-Barat or Laylat al-Baraat or Nisfu Syaaban. The intervening night of 14th and 15th of Sha’ban is considered to be the holiest night after Shab-e-Qadr or Laylat al-Qadr of Ramadan. It is believed that on this night the destinies of all the people are written by Allah for the coming year while taking into account their past deeds. On Shab-e-Barat, night time vigil and special prayers are organised and Muslims visit graveyards to pray for their dead.