The Month of Shaban
Shaban is from Shi’b, which means valley, as goodness and blessings descend in this month, that is why it is called Shaban. This month is the pathway for goodness and blessings in the same way in which a valley is the pathway on a mountain. (Mukashafa-tul-Quloob, p. 303)
Saying of prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ stated: “this month is called ‘Shaban’ as there is much good that branches out for those keeping fasts within it, to the extent that he reaches Paradise”. (Al-Tadween fi Akhbar Qazween, vol. 1, p. 153)
Sayyiduna Imam Rafi’i رحمتہ اللہ علیہ states: The meaning of this Hadith is that Muslims in the month of Sha’ban incline towards Zikr, good deeds, the recitation of the Holy Qur’anand they prepare for the month of Ramadan. (Al-Tadween fi Akhbar Qazween, vol. 1, p. 153) The ruling for the obligation of fasting in Ramadan-ul-Mubarak was revealed in Sha’ban-ulMu’azzam”. (Hadaiq-e-Awliya, vol. 2, p. 592)
Statement of Pious Predecessors رحمھم اللہ
- The Sahabi destined for Paradise, Sayyiduna Anas رضی اللہ عنہ states: When the month of Shaban arrives, Muslims become busy in reciting the Holy Qur’an and they give Zakat from their wealth so that the weak and poor also gain the strength for fasting. (Madha fi Sha’ban, p. 44)
- The great Taabi’i Sayyiduna Salamah Bin Kuhayl رحمتہ اللہ علیہ states: The month of Sha’ban is known as the month for reciters of the Holy Qur’an. Sayyiduna Habib Bin Abu Saabit رحمتہ اللہ علیہ stated upon the arriving of Sha’ban: This is the month of the Qaris (i.e. the reciters of the Quran). Sayyiduna Amr Bin Qays رحمتہ اللہ علیہ would close his shop upon the arrival of Sha’ban-ul-Mu’azzam, freeing himself for the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
How we spend it
- Dear brothers and sisters! Our pious predecessors رحمتہ اللہ علیہ spent this blessed month in worship, reciting the Holy Qur’an and practicing good deeds, whereas we continue sleeping in negligence. It is said about such negligent people: O those who transgress in blessed moments! Those who waste these moments and polluting them with bad deeds! How many bad deeds have you handed over to these blessed moments! (Translation of some Arabic poetry:)
1. Rajab has passed and you did not do any good deeds and now it is the blessed month of Sha’ban.
2. O those who remain uninformed of the rank of Sha’ban and waste these moments! Come to your senses and beware of destruction.
3. All pleasures will be seized from you very quickly and death will forcefully come to your home.
4. Cure your sins by means of true and sincere repentance as much as you can.
5. Make salvation from the fire of Hell your aim, as the best of criminals is he who attains cure for his sins.