As we approach the month of Ramadan in a couple of weeks, it is important to reflect on the significance of the month of Sha'baan in order to reap its blessings. This month is often overlooked, yet it holds great value and serves as a preparatory phase for Ramadan, allowing believers to spiritually and physically ready themselves for the sacred month ahead.

The month of Sha'baan precedes the blessed month of Ramadan and is the eighth month of the twelve months in the Hijri calendar. It is a period of immense mercy and a time when believers have the opportunity to increase in worship, good deeds, and self-discipline.

Why is the Month Called Sha'baan?

It is said that the Arab tribes used to disperse in this month in search of pasture and water after ceasing hostilities in the month of Rajab (the seventh month of the lunar calendar).

(شهر رمضان في الجاهلية و الإسلام للكاتب أحمد المنزلاوي)

(Shahr Ramadan fi al-Jahiliyyah wa al-Islam by Ahmad al-Manzalawi)

The name Sha'baan is derived from the word Sha'b, meaning "gathering." It was named so because much goodness spreads in it, similar to Ramadan.

(عمدة القارئ في شرح صحيح البخاري،الجزء الحادي عشر للمؤرخ بدر الدين العيني) (Umdat al-Qari fi Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 11 by Badr al-Din al-Ayni)

The latter meaning of Sha'baan aligns with authentic Ahadith, as this is a time when many righteous deeds are encouraged and practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself. This month serves as a transition between the sacred month of Rajab and the fasting month of Ramadan, allowing believers to gradually increase in acts of worship such as fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.

It is also narrated in another authentic hadith that deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays:

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Deeds of people are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. So I like that my actions be presented while I am fasting." (At-Tirmidhi)

Fasting helps us develop God-consciousness and mindfulness of our actions. This is why the Prophet (ﷺ) frequently fasted on Mondays and Thursdays and in the month of Sha'baan. It is a means of purifying oneself, strengthening discipline, and attaining nearness to Allah.

It is as though, within the week, our deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, while within the year, they are presented in the month of Sha'baan.

A Blessed Opportunity

Sha'baan is a blessed month for us to increase our good deeds, strengthen our faith, and earn the pleasure of Allah. It also serves as a preparatory month for Ramadan. We are given a golden opportunity to prepare ourselves physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually for the blessed month ahead. This includes:

• Readying ourselves for Taraweeh and Tahajjud prayers.
• Preparing to abstain from food, drink, conjugal relations, inappropriate glances, vain talk, and all carnal desires.
• Developing a spirit of sacrifice, generosity, and caring for others.
• Making up for missed fasts from the previous Ramadan or giving fidya (expiation) if one was unable to fast due to illness or travel.
• Increasing in du'a, recitation of the Quran, and seeking forgiveness for past shortcomings.
• Strengthening family and community ties by engaging in acts of kindness, charity, and support.

This is also supported by an authentic hadith:

Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "One of us (women) would miss some fasts in Ramadan, and she would not be able to make them up until Sha'baan began." (Sunan an-Nasa’i)

The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged believers to engage in self-purification, charity, and increased acts of devotion during Sha'baan as a means of preparing for the transformative experience of Ramadan. The month serves as a spiritual training ground, helping Muslims build habits that will carry them through the upcoming month of fasting and beyond.

May Allah enable us to reap the blessings of Sha'baan as we prepare for Ramadan. Ameen.

By: Editorial Board.