Meaning of Sha’ban: To branch.
Sha’ban is the eighth month in the Islamic calendar and is often forgotten about. It translates to ‘scattered’ or ‘dispersed’. The month reflects when the early Arab tribes would search for water in preparation for the heat of Ramadan. Today, Sha’ban is often used to prepare for Ramadan by building up good habits.
This month is in between the two special months of Rajab and Ramadan. Due to its placement, it sometimes can be neglected and overlooked. It is the month where Muslims must try to maintain good habits from Rajab. They should build up new good deeds to carry on into the special and holy month of Ramadan, making fulfilling their duty that little easier.
Sha’ban is the month in which our deeds are shown to Allah (SWT). We should try to increase our worship during this time to please Him and earn rewards. This Islamic month of Sha’ban doesn’t form one of the four sacred months. However, it was very significant to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in terms of worship (ibaadah) and it also offers Muslims key dates.
The month of Sha’ban in 2026 is expected to be around ten days earlier as it follows the Islamic lunar calendar. This means that next year Sha’ban will begin on 20 January and end on 18 February. These dates will vary depending on the sighting of the moon.
The month of Sha’ban has many reasons why it is so important. A massive reason is due to it being the month of the Prophet (PBUH). In this month, he would spend the majority of his time fasting.
The eighth month in the Islamic calendar was also the month where Allah (SWT) raised the deeds of his servants. Fasting and acts of worship in Sha’ban is a chance to be prepared and train the body, mind and soul for the holy month of Ramadan.
“The Messenger (PBUH) used to fast until we thought he would never break his fast, and not fast until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha’ban.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]
Sha’ban is a great time to begin useful and positive habits as well as extra acts of worship. Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah (charity), daily dua and nafl prayers (voluntary prayers), istaghfir (dua for forgiveness) and reciting the Qur’an.
The 15th night of Sha’ban, known as Shab-e-Barat, is said to be one of the greatest nights of the year. On this night, Allah (SWT) descends to the lowest heaven to forgive repenting Muslims. Therefore, we should try to seek the forgiveness of Allah (SWT) by making dua and dhikr.
In Lebanon, Iraq, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan, the month of Sha’ban and Shab-e-Barat are observed and celebrated by making dhikr and giving out sweets.
Many Muslims fast during Sha’ban to prepare for the obligatory fasts in the coming month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted regularly in Sha’ban, and it is highly encouraged for Muslims to voluntarily fast.
It can be hard to find the best way to prepare for Ramadan and please Allah (SWT) during the month of Sha’ban. A way that works very well for this is to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet (PBUH) and his fasting.
“And whoever loves my Sunnah has loved me; and whoever loves me will be with me in Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]
Following his Sunnah and fasting in Sha’ban is essential. The month of the Prophet (PBUH) can also be used as a way of making up missed fasts from the previous Ramadan. This ensures Muslims have fulfilled their obligation before the next Ramadan begins. Fasting during Sha’ban can be done throughout the whole month, particularly on Monday and Thursday as this is Sunnah. However, it is particularly special to do on the 4th February 2026 as this is expected to be the 15th Sha’ban.
There are many Islamic events in Sha’ban to celebrate the month and grow spiritually. The events are as little as deeds, like fasting and dua, to take up to Allah (SWT) regularly, daily and weekly. For every day in the month, these deeds are done after Fajr and ‘Asr prayer. Weekly they are done on Mondays and Thursdays. Muslims should celebrate by offering extra nafl prayers, spending time repairing relations and increasing their dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
Other Islamic events in Sha’ban occurred in the past, which makes the month significant. These are:
Giving charity during this month can ensure that you make the most of this month. Charity is very virtuous all year round, including in Sha’ban, and there are many forms of charity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
Also, The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
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