The month of Sha’ban

The month of Sha’ban is the eighth lunar month in the Islamic calendar, which is called the Hijri year. It was known by this name around the year 412 AD during the reign of Kilab bin Murra, the fifth grandfather of the Messenger, and the name of this month, like the rest of the Arab months, dates back to the pre-Islamic era. What is the month of Sha’ban? What does this imply? What are its features and events? Why was it called by this name?

The month of Sha’ban was named so because the Arabs used to fork out during it, i.e., they would disperse, seeking water, and it was said that they would join them in raids, and it was said because it was a people (i.e., it would appear between the months of Rajab and Ramadan, and they would gather Shabanat and Shaabain).

The most significant day in Sha’ban is the 15th, also known as Shab-e-baraat or Nisf Sha’ban.

The 15th of Sha’ban is the day in which many scholars believe that Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants, due to various narrations.

Deeds are taken up to Allah (SWT) regularly: daily, weekly, and annually:

1-Daily, after Fajr and ‘Asr prayer

2-Weekly on Mondays and Thursdays

3-Yearly, during the month of Sha’ban

It’s also a good time to incorporate beneficial habits and extra acts of ibaadah (worship), such as sadaqah (charity), daily du’a, tahhajud and nafl prayers (voluntary night prayers, and voluntary prayers respectfully), istaghfir (du’a for forgiveness), learning Quran and Quran recitation.

In addition, Al-Imam Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, mentioned the majority of scholars are inclined to the view that the 15th of Sha’ban is also the date when the changing of the Qiblah (direction of prayer) took place.

The Qiblah for Muslims in the earlier period of the Prophet’s time was initially facing the Baitul-Maqdis, the holy city where Masjid Al-Aqsa is located until Allah s.w.t. later revealed to His beloved Prophet s.a.w about 2 months after the Hijrah:

قَدْ نَرَىٰ تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِي السَّمَاءِ ۖ فَلَنُوَلِّيَنَّكَ قِبْلَةً تَرْضَاهَا ۚ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنتُمْ فَوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُ

“We have certainly seen the turning of your face, (O Muhammad), toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a qiblah with which you will be pleased. So, turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram. And wherever you (believers) are, turn your faces toward it (in prayer).”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:144)

Salaf and sha’ban:

• The Salaf may Allah be pleased with them considered Sha’ban is like an introduction to Ramadan and it has some things in common with Ramadan, such as fasting, reciting Quran, and giving charity.
• They considered fasting during the month of Shaban can serve as your training for Ramadan, both spiritually and physically.
• The recitation of the Holy Quran is another form of worship that the Salaf used to pay particular attention to in Sha’ban. The month of Sha’ban is the month of the Quran.

Salamah bin Suhayl used to say: “The month of Sha’ban is the month of reciters (of the Quran).” Habib bin Abi Thabit used to say when Sha’ban comes, “This is the month of reciters (of the Quran).” When Sha’ban comes, ‘Amr bin Qays al-Mala’i used to close his store and devote his time to reading the Quran.

And also, one of the most virtuous acts of reward is Sha’ban in Sadaqah, which is a means of our purification in preparation for Ramadan. As the month of the Prophet (PBUH), we should honor him and show our gratitude for his mercy in helping the poor and needy, or helping an orphan.