…One Month Before RAMADAN
Many people around the world are always aware when Muslims start their Ramadan fast, but few people are aware of another important fast Muslims observe fasting during the course of the year. They call it Shaban and It is observed a month before Ramadan.
This year’s Shaban is already in progress as many conscious and devoted Muslims are presently fasting in the month which began on Sunday February 11, 2024. It is a fasting period, they don’t joke.
Shaban is observed in the 8th month of the Islamic calendar and the month that beckons the blessed month of Ramadan. It is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him) used to observe his voluntary fasts the most. Fasting in Shaban is very important to Muslims, and can help purify oneself and prepare for Ramadan. The month comes with a lot of benefits.
Sha’ban is the beloved month of the Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him). It’s an important month in preparation for Ramadan, and a month which hosts Shab-e-baraat, the 15th Sha’ban which according to a number of reputable Islamic scholars is one of the most sacred nights of the year. Muslims step up their act of worship by observing extra nawafil (night prayers), spending time and building bridges with loved ones, and generally increasing their dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
If you’re looking for a way to prepare for Ramadan and fulfil acts that are pleasing to Allah during the month in which deeds are raised, there’s no better way than following the example of our Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him) and fasting in Sha’ban.
Prophet Muhammad was reported to have said: “And whoever loves my Sunnah has loved me; and whoever loves me will be with me in Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]. As the month of the Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him), following his sunnah and fasting in Sha’ban is particularly important.
Many Muslims also fast in Sha’ban as a way of making up missed fasts from the previous Ramadan before the next Ramadan begins. Recommended fasting dates in the Sha’ban this fall between February 11- March 10, 2024 while Muslims are encouraged to fast on February 25 which equates the 15th day of Shaban. In between these days, Muslims can select days they want to observe their fasts in.
The Sunnah (tradition) of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him) is to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. As narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him) used to fast Monday and Thursday. When he asked the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him) why he fasted on these days, he replied by saying: “Indeed on Monday and Thursday, Allah forgives every Muslim, except the two who have animosity between them. Allah declares, leave them until they make up.” (Ibn Ma’jah)
It is Sunnah of the prophet to fast on the white days; 13th, 14th and 15th of Shaban. In Shaban, it’s even more important that we fast all three days if we are able to, since fasting in the days of Shaban is a beloved Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him). Many scholars agree that if we are not able to fast all three white days of Shaban, we should attempt to at least fast on the 15th day. The Prophet (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him) also recommended to fast on the 15th Sha’ban, as narrated in the following hadith: “When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban then spend the night in [Salah/’ibadah] and fast the [next] day.”-Ibn Majah. So, fasting on the 15th of Shaban is one of the most virtuous forms of worship, and is therefore recommended to gain Allah’s pleasure on this significant day.
You can fast on almost any day in Shaban, and earn great rewards. Muslims should avoid fasting on Fridays, unless they also fast the day before and after, Thursday and Saturday. “I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say, ‘None of you should fast on a Friday unless he fasts the day before or the day after.’” (Bukhari).
Knowing fully well the significance of fasting in Ramadan to Muslims, the month gives an opportunity to reset the physical, spiritual, and mental state of a Muslim while dedicating oneself to worship and the commandments of Allah (SWT). Like any task done well, it can need some training. That’s why Sha’ban is the perfect time for Muslims to prepare to achieve the mindfulness, awareness, and discipline over oneself that Ramadan has to offer.
Sha’ban is a month not many people are aware of despite being placed in between two of the four sacred months, Rajab and Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing of Allah Be Upon Him) regarded it a special month for preparing for Ramadan and the month has many benefits from which Muslims can tap from.
Shaban, no doubt, is a significant month for seeking forgiveness, implementing more sunnah in our lives, increasing worship and gaining closeness to Allah so that we can reap the rewards of Ramadan.
Additional information from Islamic-relief.org.uk
-Jamiu Abubakar
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