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Islamic Months

Virtues of Sha’baan

 Sha’baan (), the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, is associated with various blessings and virtues. During this month, Muslims should be preparing for the great month of Ramadaan. It is said that when the month of Rajab began, the Prophet () would make the following prayer:

Oh Allâh! Bless us in Rajab and Sha’baan and cause us to reach Ramadaan. [Bayhaqi]

It is also reported that the Prophet () used to fast more during Sha’baan than any other month besides Ramadaan [Abu Dawood: Hadith 2425]. He also advised the Muslims to be diligent in sighting the moon of Sha’baan, in order to be sure about the beginning of Ramadaan. [Tirmidhi: Hadith 665]

 The fifteenth night of Sha’baan is a blessed occasion. Hadrat ‘Ali (Allâh be pleased with him) reported that Allâh’s Messenger () said: “When it is the fifteenth night of Sha’baan, observe prayer during the night and observe fast during the day; for Allâh, the Exalted and Glorious, descends to the heaven of the world as the sun sets and says: Is there anyone to seek forgiveness so that I should forgive him? Is there anyone to seek sustenance so that I should provide him? Is there anyone in trouble so that I may relieve him? And so on and so forth, until the dawn breaks.” [Ibn Mâjah]

 Hadrat ‘Â’ishah (Allâh be pleased with her) reported: I missed Allâh’s Messenger () during the night and found him in the graveyard of al-Baqî. He said: “Did you fear that Allâh and His Messenger would deal unjustly with you?” I said: Allâh’s Messenger, I thought that you had gone to some other wives of yours. He said: “Verily Allâh, the Exalted and Glorious, comes down to the heaven of the world in the middle night of Sha’baan and forgives sins even more abundant than the hair of the goats of Kalb. [Tirmidhi, who said that Bukhâri considered it weak]

 She also reported Allâh’s Messenger () as saying: “Do you know (how rewarding) is this night?” – meaning the fifteenth night of Sha’baan. She said: Allâh’s Messenger, what lies therein? Thereupon he said: “It is in this very night that the record is prepared of every human being who has to be born during the year and the record is prepared of every human being who has to die during the current year, and (it is during this night) that deeds (of the people) are lifted (to the heaven) and their provisions descend.” She further said: Allâh’s Messenger, there would be none who would be able to get into Paradise except because of the mercy of Allâh, the Exalted? Thereupon he said: “None would be able to get into Paradise except by the mercy of Allâh, the Exalted.” He said it three times. I said: Allâh’s Messenger, not even yourself? He placed his hand on the crown of his head and said: “Not even I, but for the fact that Allâh should wrap me in His Mercy.” He said this to her thrice. [Bayhaqi]

Hadrat Abû Mûsa Ash’ari (Allâh be pleased with him) reported Allâh’s Messenger () as saying: “Allâh, the Exalted and Glorious, looks down on the middle night of Sha’baan and forgives all His creation except a polytheist or one who is hostile.” [Ibn Mâjah] 

These ahâdîth may be found in Mishkaat-ul-Masâbîh, Chapter on Qiyâm-e-Ramadân.

Notes:

   The descending of Allâh does not mean that He climbs down from the upper heaven to the lower heavens somehow, as He is Omnipresent. What this implies is that His Mercy comes comparatively nearer to the human-beings during that night and they can very easily avail themselves of it if they care to do so by begging pardon of their sins from Him. [Commentary on translation of Mishkaat by Abdul Hameed Siddiqi]

   Among some ignorant Muslims, the tradition of lighting lights and engaging in all sorts of frivolous activities during Sha’baan is practiced. This is an ugly innovation which is probably borrowed from the actions of the Christians or Hindus and should be avoided completely. An Islamically acceptable method of celebrating such events as the middle night of Sha’baan should be adhered to at all times. [Khutbaat by Ml. Ashraf Ali Thanvi]