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Shaban is a month that falls between the sacred month of Rajab and the fasting month of Ramadan.
Shaban is the eighth month of the Hijri calendar and is a highly blessed month. Imam Abu-Bakr al-Balkhi (Rahimu Allah) stated,
"Rajab is the month for planting, Shaban is the month for irrigating the crops, and Ramadan is the month for harvesting them."
Let’s explore the meaning, historical key events, and fasting in the month of Shaban, why is it neglected, and when will be Shaban 2025:
The name Sha‘ban is derived from the word tasha‘ub, which means "scattering," as tribes would disperse to conduct raids on others. Its plural forms are Sha‘aabeen or Sha‘baanaat.
Historically, it’s said that the people would often "scatter" or "disperse" during Sha'ban in search of water or provisions.
The month of Shaban is also thought to "branch out" or "extend" (sha'aba). It connects two significant months on the Islamic calendar, bridging the sacred month of Rajab with Ramadan, the month of Divine Revelation.
In 2025, Sha'ban is anticipated to start on January 31, depending on the moon's sighting. The month of Sha'ban may have either 29 or 30 days, based on the visibility of the moon's crescent.
The following are the key historical events that occurred in the month of Shaban:
After the holy month of Rajab, many people feel less motivated to fast and pray. They often neglect the significance of Shaban because they transition from a sacred month to the upcoming month of intense fasting, Ramadan.
Usama b. Zayd (RA) narrated,
“I asked the Prophet PBUH, ‘Why do you fast more in Sha'ban than in any other month?’ The Prophet PBUH replied, ‘This is a month that people neglect, lying between Rajab and Ramadan.
It is the month when one's deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, so I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.’”
(Sunan an-Nasa'i: 2357)
The above profound hadith reveals two important insights about the month of Sha'ban.
Firstly, it highlights that the spiritual significance of Shaban in Islam is overlooked by many Muslims. This suggests that the best times to seek Allah's pleasure are those moments when He is most likely to be forgotten.
A person striving for excellence will seize these neglected opportunities. They will compete for Allah’s pleasure while others remain heedless. This is why night prayers are particularly special; worship during these times demonstrates a true desire for Allah's approval.
The renowned scholar ibn al-Jawzi (d. 597/1201) emphasizes that such dedication is evidence of one's commitment to doing good.
Secondly, during Shaban, people’s deeds are presented to their Creator. Fasting serves as a beautifying seal or ribbon on that presentation. Therefore one should perform Good deeds when others are unlikely to engage in them.
As Ibn Rajab notes worship performed when others are generally heedless should ideally be kept discreet. These acts of Ihsan (excellence) should be executed in the best possible manner.
For instance, offering prayers late at night while most people are asleep is one such act. Another example is giving charity during difficult times. This includes sharing food during a famine or donating money when one is in need.
In a similar vein, the immense reward for remembering Allah upon entering the marketplace is noteworthy. This includes the promise of a million good deeds and the erasure of a million bad deeds.
Deeds are also presented to Allah (SWT) regularly—daily, and weekly:
Just as fasting in Sha'ban is neglected by many, so too is reading the Qur’an during this month. While we all want to read more of the Quran during Ramadan, Sha'ban is a time for us to get ready for that increased reading.
Some of the pious predecessors referred to Sha'ban as the month of the reciters. This is because a significant amount of the Qur’an is read during this time.
Salama b. Kuhayl al-Kufi (d. 121/739) was a notable figure from the early generation of believers known as ‘the Followers’ (tabien). He narrated that as Sha'ban approached, his community would make time to recite the Qur’an.
They declared, 'The Islamic month of Shaban is the month of reciters.’
Another narration states that when Sha'ban began, Amr ibn Qais would close his shop. He did this to dedicate himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.
Shaban is a month of preparation for Ramadan, a time to review the Qur’an.
Ibn Rajab (RA) stated,
“Fasting in Sha'ban is preferable to fasting during the Sacred Months, and the best voluntary fasts are those observed in the months closest to Ramadan, whether before or after.”
This indicates that the most rewarding time for non-obligatory fasting is in Shaban and Shawwal.
Ibn Rajab further explains:
“The significance of these fasts resembles that of al-Sunan al-Rawatib (sunnah prayers), which are performed before and after obligatory (fard) prayers and compensate for any shortcomings in the number of required prayers.
Similarly, the fasts observed before and after Ramadan hold greater merit. Just as al-Sunan al-Rawatib is superior to other types of voluntary prayers, the fasts in the months surrounding Ramadan hold a similar distinction. They are better than those performed at other times.”
It was narrated from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari the Prophet PBUH said,
“Allah observes the night of the 15th of Shaban and forgives all of His creation except for a polytheist or a person harboring enmity.”
Sunan Ibn Majah: 1390
Grade: (Daif) weak
The above hadith is weak and does not define that the prophet allowed ummah to do special worship on this night. Celebrating the 15th of Shaban in Islam is considered invalid by many scholars. This includes special worship, distributing sweets, cooking special meals, and lighting firecrackers.
There is no evidence in the authentic Sunnah to suggest that this night should be distinguished for acts of worship or specific customs.
Note: Many great scholars have written about the importance of observing the 15th of Sha'ban. While we should fill this night with worship, no specific acts have been mentioned by the Prophet PBUH to be singled out for this occasion.
Take a moment to reflect and envision yourself getting ready for a crucial match. To achieve success, you need to train, enhance your endurance, and build your stamina. We should utilize the month of Sha’ban as a training ground for the important challenge of Ramadan.
Shaban is that dependable friend who stands by you during the demanding times of preparation, cheering you on and wishing you success in Ramadan.
Why would we overlook or dismiss a friend who genuinely wants to see us reach our full potential?
All the practice sessions before Ramadan will set you up for success when it truly matters. In Ramadan, not only are the stakes elevated, but so are the rewards. Remember, if you fail to prepare, you are essentially preparing to fail.
Here are some actions you can take in the month of Sha'ban to get used to during Ramadan:
Imam ibn al-Jawzi Rahimu Allah was once asked,
"Is it better for me to make tasbih or to make istighfar?" He replied, "The dirty robe needs soap more than perfume."
"O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban, and grant us the ability to reach Ramadan!"
Note: While this dua is not authentically attributed to the Messenger of Allah, scholars recommend it as a general dua due to its meaningful essence.
In conclusion, the month of Shaban serves as a vital preparatory period for Muslims, rich in meaning and historical significance. Despite often being overlooked, it offers an opportunity for increased worship, fasting, and self-reflection.
It's crucial to recognize its importance in enhancing our spiritual readiness for Ramadan. By actively engaging in good deeds and seeking Allah's pleasure during this month, we can set a strong foundation for a fulfilling Ramadan, making the most of this precious time to elevate our devotion and commitment to our faith.
The month of Shaban is special because, as reported by Aisha RA, it was the month that Allah's Messenger PBUH preferred most for fasting, often linking it to Ramadan. This highlights its significance as a time for spiritual preparation and devotion in anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan.
In Islam, Shaban means "separation" or "to disperse," reflecting the practice of the pagan Arabs who would scatter in search of water during this month. This name signifies the period when communities would separate to find resources, marking its historical context in pre-Islamic times.
Muslims fast during Shaban because it is the month when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed the most voluntary fasts. Fasting in Shaban is significant as it helps purify the soul and prepares individuals spiritually for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Yes, Muslims can marry in Shaban. The distinguished Muslim scholar and well-known Da'iyah, Sheikh Abdel Khaliq Hasan Ash-Shareef, explains that in Islam, marriage is permissible in any month of the year. There is no particular preference for one month over another.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Raza (Islamic Theology)
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
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