The
Islamic lunar calendar comprises of twelve months. Each month of the
Islamic calendar has its religious as well as historical significance,
however, there are a few months that hold a superior stature compared to
other months and because of this they are given more value and respect
by the Muslims. One of such months is the month of Sha'baan.
In Islamic calendar, Sha'baan is the eighth month which precedes the Holy month of Ramadaan. It is one of the most revered months for Muslims and Muslims all over the world give value to this month and have special affiliation with it. Literally, the word Sha'baan means branch. It can be said that Sha'baan branches off and leads to other good things. Sha'baan acts as a connection between the two blessed and sacred months of Rajab and Ramadaan. Despite this, the importance of Sha'baan is often neglected and ignored. The lines below discuss the element of fasting in the month of Sha'baan under the light of different Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (saws).
Fasting in Sha'baan
One of the major acts that Muslims across the world do in the month of Sha'baan is fasting. Although Ramadaan is the Holy month in which fasting is mandatory upon every Muslim, however, Muslims also fast in different days of Sha'baan to fulfill the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saws).
In Islamic calendar, Sha'baan is the eighth month which precedes the Holy month of Ramadaan. It is one of the most revered months for Muslims and Muslims all over the world give value to this month and have special affiliation with it. Literally, the word Sha'baan means branch. It can be said that Sha'baan branches off and leads to other good things. Sha'baan acts as a connection between the two blessed and sacred months of Rajab and Ramadaan. Despite this, the importance of Sha'baan is often neglected and ignored. The lines below discuss the element of fasting in the month of Sha'baan under the light of different Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (saws).
Fasting in Sha'baan
One of the major acts that Muslims across the world do in the month of Sha'baan is fasting. Although Ramadaan is the Holy month in which fasting is mandatory upon every Muslim, however, Muslims also fast in different days of Sha'baan to fulfill the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saws).
It is narrated from Usama ibn Zayd (ra) that he asked Prophet Muhammad (saws):
“I have never seen you offer fast in a month as you do in Sha'baan.”
To which, Prophet (saws) replied:
“It
is a month people disregard that is between Rajab and Ramadaan. In that
month deeds are presented to the Lord of the Worlds, so I like my deeds
to be presented while I am fasting.” [an-Nasa'i] This Hadith of Prophet (saws) gives the importance of fasting in the month of Sha'baan. Although Ramadaan is the month of fasting and it is compulsory for people to fast, however, Sha'baan is another month, which people must also consider for fasting. It is in this month that the deeds of a person are presented in front of Allah Almighty, therefore, it becomes more than helpful if the deeds are presented at such a time when a person is in the condition of fast.
Getting Ready for Ramadaan in Sha'baan
Though fasting is made obligatory in the month of Ramadan, but fasting in the month of Sha'baan is beneficial in numbers of other ways. Here is how fasting in the month of Sha'baan is considered an important:
- Fasting in Sha'baan gives you a chance to start preparing for the month of Ramadaan. For fasting, you will have to wake up early on Fajr time, and spending day without eating and drinking, will give you a clear idea of what it would take in order to successfully spend the blessed month of Ramadaan.
- In the month of Sha'baan, many Muslim scholars and others used to consistently recite and Read the Holy Quran along with fasting, which also helps in getting ready for fasting in the coming month of Ramadaan. The famous religious scholar Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq said: “In Rajab you sow the seeds, in Sha'baan you irrigate them and in Ramadan you reap the harvest.”
Thus, a practicing Muslim must value the month of Sha'baan as it is proven from the Ahadith of Prophet (saws) that this month is a special month and committing good deeds in this month carry special value and can help a Muslim gain countless blessings from Allah Almighty in addition to receiving pardon and forgiveness.
READ PREVIOUS ARTICLES FOR MORE DETAILS ON SHA'BAAN:
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