Meaning of Sha’ban: To branch.
Sha’ban is the eighth month in the Islamic calendar and translates to ‘scattered’ or ‘dispersed’, which refers to the early Arab tribes who would go searching for water to prepare 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, which sometimes means that it is neglected. Try to maintain good habits from Rajab and build up new good deeds to carry on into the special month of Ramadan.
Sha’ban is the month in which our deeds are shown to Allah (SWT), so we should try to increase our worship during this time.
Sha’ban 2023 will begin on 21 February and end on 22 March.
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 Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness 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 this month to prepare for the obligatory fasts in the coming month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) fasted regularly in Sha’ban: "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.” (Al-Bukhari)
Giving charity during this month can ensure that you make the most of this month. Giving 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)
In addition to this, The Prophet, upon him be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Donate to Muslim Aid this Sha’ban to save the lives of the poor and vulnerable, and to invest in your own afterlife.
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