Shaban, the eighth month in the Islamic calendar is a bridge to the holy month of Ramadan. As Muslims globally gear up for Ramadan fasting, they also anticipate blessings by observing fasting specifically on the 15th in the month of Shaban. Here is an overview of the significance of Shaban and the benefits you can have from this month of blessings.
What is Shaban?
The month of Shaban is considered a bridge to Ramadan. Precious for many reasons, this month is specifically important for the 15th Shaban, which is the night of forgiveness. Among the most virtuous acts, fasting in Shaban is the best source of earning immense rewards. Shaban is also counted as the time for the preparation for Ramadan which lets one rejuvenate faith by increasing Ibadah. For those wondering about what is Shaban, the following information will help understand the significance of this month.
Importance of Shaban
To comprehend the importance of Shaban, the following hadith reference is best to translate the significance:
Shaban was “of all the months, the one Allah’s Messenger preferred most for his fasting, and which he would then connect to Ramadan,” according to his wife Aisha, Allah be pleased with her (Abu Dawud).
Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) fasted more in Sha’ban rather than in any other Islamic month apart from Ramadan. In addition, Shaban is the month when Allah (SWT) directed Muslims to observe fasting in Ramadan.
The significance of Shaban lies with it falling in between Rajab and Ramadan, graded as the best time to gain special rewards for good deeds.
Fasting in Sha’ban – Why is it so Important?
The reason that our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) considered Fasting in Shaban most important can be analysed through this hadith reference:
On the authority of Usamah Bin Zaid (R.A) who said, ‘I said, “O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Shaban”. He (S.A.W) said,
“That is the month that people neglect, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which actions are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I love for my actions to be raised whilst I am fasting”’.
We as Muslims should take it as a reminder that we need to practice as many good deeds as possible in this sacred month, specifically fasting, so that our actions are also raised to the Almighty.
15th Shaban – The Night of Forgiveness
According to Islam, 15th Shaban is considered as one of the most precious nights of the year. Shab-e-Barat is known as the night of forgiveness.
Here is a reference of 15th of Shaban Hadith which highlights the significance of Shaban and this sacred night:
The Prophet (S.A.W) said, ′Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban 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’. [Ahmad]
In another reference, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:
“On the 15th of Shaban, from sunset until dawn, Allah (SWT) 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? ′” [Ibn Majah].
Shab-e-Barat Dua to Recite on 15th Shaban
Following is Shab-e-Barat duas to recite on the night of forgiveness:
“O Allah (SWT), I seek refuge in Your pleasure from Your anger and in Your forgiveness from Your punishment. I seek refuge in You from You. I cannot praise You enough. You are as You have praised Yourself.” (Sahih Muslim).
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa’fu annee
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me” [Qur’an 2:286].
رَبَّنَا لاَ تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا
Rabbanā lā tuākhidh’nā in nasīnā aw akh ta’na
“Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error” [Qur’an 2:286].
Multiply Your Rewards in Shaban 2024 and Prepare for Ramadan
In Shaban 2024, let’s commit to performing good deeds like extending charity during Ramadan to those in need, intensifying our Ibadah, and fasting to amplify our rewards to seek Allah’s forgiveness on Shab-e-Barat. Embracing this practice during this month can effectively prepare us for the forthcoming sacred month of Ramadan.
