Significance of Sha’ban

 Certain Islamic months hold a greater status as compared to others and due to this these months are rendered to be very valuable by the Muslims. The eighth month of the Islamic calendar, Sha'ban is an important month in the life of a believer. Sha'ban comes immediately before the month of Ramadan and serves as a connection between the two sacred months of Ramadan and Rajab.

There is a range of reasons why Sha'ban holds great importance in Islam and Islamic parenting and why it is an anticipated month by the community (Ummah).

Let us understand this importance and how this month can be favorable for every Muslim.

Narrated by Aisha (RA), Ummul Mu'minin:

The month most liked by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for fasting was Sha'ban. He then joined it with Ramadan. {Sahih Al-Abani}

​Usamah bin Zaid (RA) said:

"I said: 'O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Shaban.' He said: '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 when I am fasting."' {Hasan}

​'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

The Prophet (ﷺ) did not observe voluntary Saum (fasting) so frequently during any other month as he did during Sha'ban. He observed Saum \\   throughout the month of Sha'ban. Another narration is: He (ﷺ) observed Saum during the whole month of Sha'ban except a few days. {Al- Bukhari & Muslim}

​A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not observe fast in any month of the year more than in the month of Sha'ban, and used to say: Do as many deeds as you are capable of doing, for Allah will not become weary (of giving you reward), but you would be tired (of doing good deeds); and he also said: The deed liked most by Allah is one to which the doer adheres constantly even if it is small. {Sahih Muslim.

Though fasting is made mandatory for the Muslims in the month of Ramadan, fasting in the month of Sha'ban is useful in several ways. Here's a look at how fasting during Sha'ban is considered important:

• Fasting in Sha'ban offers one the chance to begin their preparations for the month of Ramadan. For fasting, one has to get up early on Fajr time and spend the day without eating and drinking. This offers one a good idea of the effort it would be required to successfully spend the month of Ramadan.
• The recitation of the Quran is another type of useful worship. Once one is done performing the Salah, they should recite as much of the noble Quran as they can.
• During the month of Sha'ban, a lot of Muslim scholars and Imams consistently recite and read the noble Quran while fasting. This helps in getting prepared for fasting for the following month of Ramadan.

Thus, a practicing Muslim needs to value the month of Sha'ban as it is proven to be a special month according to the hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for fasting and carrying out good deeds in this valuable month can help one gain endless blessings from Allah.

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