Literally, the word Shaban means branch. It can be said that Shaban branches off and leads to other good things. Shaban acts as a connection between the two blessed and sacred months of Rajab and Ramadan. Despite this, the importance of Shaban is often neglected and ignored.
Once, when the Prophet (PBUH) was asked why he fasts so much during this month. The Prophet (PBUH) replied,
“It is a 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 while I am fasting.”
In this verse, “actions being raised” means that the actions are displayed to Allah during this month. This does not mean that Allah is unaware of our actions otherwise because Allah is the All-Knower and He sees and knows about everything. However, for Muslims this means that the month of Shaban is special because during this month Allah keeps a special tab on the actions of His believers. Also, if you worship Allah, pray regularly, read Quran and straighten out your deeds during this month, it is possible that Allah forgives all your previous wrongdoings.
Importance of Shaban
It is said that Shaban is the important to prepare for Ramadan. All Muslims are recommended to start preparing for Ramadan during Shaban. Muslims should use this month to prepare for fasting, praying and worshipping Allah. It is not recommended to begin fasting during the month of Ramadan without preparation. From a biological point of view as well it is important to be prepared before Ramadan begins. If Muslims prepare themselves for Ramadan beforehand, they will not feel tired and irritable from the lack of food and water during the day. It will allow them to adjust to the new routine very easily.
Also, for all those Muslims who have developed and acquired bad habits during the year, such as waking up late in the morning, it is essential to start quitting those habits. It will be useful when you try to wake up early in the morning to fast and pray to Allah Almighty.
Hazrat Ayesha, the wife of the Prophet (PBUH) said,
“I did not see him fasting in any month more than Sha`ban.”
She also said,
“The month which he loved to fast the most was Sha`ban.”
Upon being asked questions about this month, she said,
“In this month those who are destined to die are recorded for the Angel of Death. I love for my name to be recorded when I am fasting.”
Shaban and Its Rewards
Abu Hurayyah narrates,
“AbdulAziz ibn Muhammad said: Abbad ibn Kathir came to Medina and went to the assembly of al-Ala’. He caught hold of his hand and made him stand and said: O Allah, he narrates a tradition from his father on the authority of AbuHurayrah who reported the Apostle of Allah (peace_be_upon_him) as saying: When the middle of Sha’ban comes, do not fast. Al-Ala’ said: O Allah, my father narrated this tradition on the authority of AbuHurayrah from the Prophet (peace_be_upon_him).”
Conclusion
Therefore, earning rewards is the duty of Muslims themselves. It is best if they realize their duty and grab every opportunity that comes their way to earn rewards. Therefore, it is your duty to pray and fast and worship Allah during the month of Shaban. It is also your duty to learn Quran and understand its teachings and principles to be a good and true Muslim.
