Shaban is a blessed month by virtue of the Prophet (saw), who said, ‘Rajab is the month of Allah, Shaban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah’. [Suyuti]
Many people overlook the benefits of Shaban as Ramadan approaches. Still, this month gives us a chance to increase our good deeds and strengthen our connection to the Prophet (saw). It is also when our deeds are presented to Allah (swt).
The Prophet (saw) often fasted more in Shaban and spent extra time in voluntary prayers and reading the Quran to earn more reward. He set an example for us to follow his Sunnah and build good habits before Ramadan.
This is a good time to reduce how much we eat and keep voluntary fasts. Many early Muslims would give their Zakat now so it could reach those in need by Ramadan.
People who are terminally ill and cannot fast in Ramadan would pay their Fidya during Shaban. This way, it could be used to feed a poor fasting person from the beginning of Ramadan.
A special night of forgiveness
Halfway through Shaban, there is an important night called Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Barat.
Scholars have different views about the importance of this night, but most agree it is authentic. The hadith about this night is meant to encourage good deeds like reading the Quran, praying, and fasting the next day, not to set Islamic rulings.
The Prophet ﷺ said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Shaban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancour for their fellow Muslims’. [Hadith – Ahmad]
This hadith highlights the main blessing of this special night, when mercy and forgiveness are given to the whole Ummah. That is why Muslims spend the night praying, remembering Allah ﷻ, and asking for forgiveness.
The Prophet ﷺ said that on this night, from sunset until dawn, Allah asks His servants, ′Is there anyone seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking provision from Me so I may provide for him? Is there anyone suffering so I may relieve his suffering? ′ [Hadith – Ibn Majah]
Fasting on the 13th to 15th of each Islamic month is part of the Sunnah, and there are many benefits to making it a habit. Doing this in Shaban is helpful because it prepares us for Ramadan.
Take advantage of this blessed month by sending Salawat on the Prophet ﷺ and getting ready for Ramadan. Shaban is important, and we should try to benefit from its blessings. It is a time when our actions are raised to Allah and a chance to prepare for Ramadan.