Flanked By Rajab and Ramadan, the month of Sha’ban is often overlooked. This month is filled with important events such as the splitting of the moon and changing of the Qibla and is also packed with blessings and rewards that every Muslim should be aware of.
Except for the final few days of the month, it is said that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast most frequently in Shaban. The month of Shaban is the one that precedes the month of Ramadan. Between Rajab and Ramadan, two auspicious and revered months, Shaban serves as a bridge.
However, Sha’ban is packed with opportunities to maximize our good deeds and draw closer to the Prophet (saw) by sending Salawat (blessings) upon him. Historically, momentous events also took place during Sha’ban which deserves to be commemorated.
Our beloved Prophet (SAW) used to fast repeatedly in this month. Aisha (RA) said that: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah fast for a complete month except for Ramadan, and I never saw him do more fasting in any month than he did in Sha`ban” (Al-Bukhari).
When compared to other months, the Prophet (s.a.w.) intensified his acts of worship by fasting more in Sha’ban (other than Ramadan)
The Qiblah was changed on the 15th of Sha’ban
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 Revelation of the Ayah to Send Blessings on the Prophet
The famous verse commanding people to send blessings upon the Prophet was revealed in Sha’ban. It’s only right that such a verse is revealed in a month known as the month of the Prophet:
Most importantly, the significance of the 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) rests in the belief that Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants on this day. The 15th Sha’ban is also an opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and be forgiven for past and future sins, as well as one’s need being fulfilled if one turns to Allah.
As it is believed that all sins will be forgiven except those who have grudges or hatred in their hearts towards other Muslims. Therefore the night of the 15th Sha’ban is a good opportunity for communities to come together, ask forgiveness from one another and strengthen the ties of kinship.
Dua to be offered for forgiveness
اللَّهُمَّ أَعُوذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ وَبِمُعَافَاتِكَ مِنْ عُقُوبَتِكَ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ لاَ أُحْصِي ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ
“O ALLAH I SEEK REFUGE IN YOUR PLEASURE FROM YOU ANGER, AND IN YOUR FORGIVENESS FROM YOUR PUNISHMENT, AND I SEEK REFUGE IN YOU FROM YOU. I CANNOT PRAISE YOU ENOUGH. YOU ARE AS YOU HAVE PRAISED YOURSELF”.
