The Month of Sha’ban - THE FORGOTTEN MONTH

1- Introduction 
On Wednesday, March 25th, 2020 Muslims welcomed an important month in the Islamic calendar, the month of Sha’ban, the 8th month of the Islamic calendar. Some might ask, why is this month important to be known? How important is it? How was the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) able to develop a routine this month? In this short reminder, we will learn about one of the special months in the Islamic calendar, which is frequently forgotten. We will also uncover how to invest our time in this special month and get ready for the generous month of Ramadan. 

2- Why the name
First, why is Sha’ban named this way? The word Sha’ban comes from the Arabic root SH-A’-B which means to separate or disperse. Arabs used to disperse looking for water or to get involved in wars after taking a truce during the sacred month of Rajab. Arabic months are named frequently to relate to wars or weather or both at the same time. 

The month of Sha’ban is the month that comes after the sacred month of Rajab, 7th month. As we learned before, sacred months are months when people used to sanctify and stop wars between each other. That was before the message of the Prophet Muhammad and then Islam confirmed the practice of the sacred months as it dated back to the prophet Ibrahim. 

3- Importance of the month 
We learn about the holiness of spaces and times from our main sources, Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). 

1. Sha’ban is very important month as we have multiple narrations about the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) observing this month in multiple ways, especially fasting. Lady A’isha (May Allah be pleased with her) said, "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 Shaaban." (Bukhari & Muslim). The Prophet would not fast Sha’ban and specify the month with fasting unless Sha’ban is important. 
2. Usama Ibn Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) noticed that and asked the Prophet (SAW) about the reason. The response was, "This is a month when people are heedless about between Rajab and Ramadan and this is a month when my deeds are lifted and I prefer my deeds to be lifted while I am fasting.” (reported by Nisa’i)
3. Sha’aban has a very special night. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Allah, the Exalted and Glorious looks down on the middle night of Sha'ban" and forgives all His creation. except a polytheist or one who is mushahin". [Reported in Sunan Ibn Majah]
4. Ammar Ibn Yasser, one of the great companions of the Prophet (SAW) was reported that he used to make himself ready for Sha’aban the same way he made himself ready for Ramadan. That explains why the sahaba were very aware of how special this month is for them to treat it as they treat Ramadan.
5. Doing an act of worship at times of distraction is a magnified act . The Messenger said, “ a worship during the times of Haraj (play) equals a Hijrah for Allah”. (reported by Muslim). Sha’ban is a month when people don’t pay attention and prepare for it. That is what makes it more important to signify the month with various acts of worship. 

4- Important events in Sha’aban 

1. Fasting the month of Ramadan was instructed upon Muslims on the tenth day of  the month of Sha’ban in the second year after the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah.
2. The obligatory Zakat El-Fitr (End of Ramadan alms giving) was instructed over Muslim in the month of Sha’ban.  
3. During the month of Sha’ban, The change of Qiblah (direction of prayer) from AL-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem to Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah around 16 months after the Hijrah. 

5- Our plan for Sha’ban 
There are many things we can do during the month of Sha’ban, but I prefer to focus on one or two things to do and excel in them and be consistent.  

1. Tawbah (repentance) Someone called Awon Ibn Abdullah used to remind himself, whenever he feels heedless of himself as a servant of Allah, saying to himself, “what is wrong with you?! How come you are heedless of yourself while the angel of death is waiting for you? Why do I have a length of hope in this life and death will come anytime?”.  Awon Ibn Abdullah did something very important and we all need to learn this practice in our life. The practice of Yaqtha (self-awareness) and mindfulness. This mindfulness comes from regular practices on a daily basis. I think keeping five Salah (prayer) on time is a very good example to raise self-awareness and connect with Allah and the souls’ needs. 
2. Increase the number of acts of worship to reach a level close to Ramadan. Plan to do half of what will you do in Ramadan in terms of (Night prayer for two days a week - Fasting two days a week- Salah on time for the five daily prayers  - giving Charity at least 5 times during this month - Reading and reflecting on the ten parts of the Qur’an).​