What is Shaaban?

Sha’bān is the eight-month of the Islamic lunar calendar; the month that precedes Ramadan. The literal meaning of the word Shaban is something that is successively developing or uninterruptedly increasing. This is a month in which the Prophet incessantly fasted.



‘A’ishah, the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) said, “I never saw the Prophet fasting (voluntary) fast more in any other month than that of Shaban. He used to fast throughout the month.” [Al-Bukhāri]When the Prophet was asked why fasted so much in Sha’bān; the Prophet replied; “There is a month between Rajab and Ramadān of which many people are neglectful; it is the month in which deeds are raised (for evaluation) to the Lord of the universe, and I love to be in a state of fasting when my deeds are taken up for evaluation.” [an-Nisā’i]

From this hadith we learn that …

The Prophet fasted consistently in Shaban. The reason for that fast being that deeds are elevated for evaluation,
and the best condition to have one’s deeds evaluated in in a state of fasting.

Here we keep in mind the words of the Prophet pertaining to the special nature of the ‘ibādah of siyām/fasting; “Every deed of a human being is for himself except fasting; it is for me and I will personally reward that”. [al-Bukhāri]

Importantly, this month, let us avoid argumentation, harbor no hate and rather be more loving. Wise ones have said; “imbue yourselves with the qualities of Allah”. The qualities of the Divine and those characteristics pleasing to the Divine are indeed the best qualities to imbibe and to nurture. Allah is al-Wadūd /Most Loving and a believer should imbibe these qualities and manifest it at a human level. It is in this spirit that our beloved Prophet (pbuh) advised; The Prophet said, The peak of reasoning after accepting faith in the Divine is being affectionate towards people, and doing good to others, irrespective of their being pious or sinful. [Bayhaqi]



Finally,

Take heed of the lessons of Shaban
Our learned admonish us;

قد مضى شهر رجب، ودخل شعبان، وفاز من فاز بالتقرب والاستعداد في رجب لرمضان، ودخل شعبان والناس عنه غافلة

Rajab has passed and Shaban has entered; successful are those who successfully prepared themselves with proximity to Allah in Rajab for Ramadān; but now that Shaban has entered, people are heedless/neglectful.

On the night of Nisf Shaban, leading to the special month of Ramadan; let us acknowledge that the right thing to do is always the best thing to do. Let us do all forms of good with the best of intentions; and avoid any form of evil in all of its dimensions. Realize that our deeds are evaluated and that we will be held accountable. Let us not be argumentative and hateful, let us rather be loving and compassionate. In keeping with the name of Shaban, the ever-increasing, May Allah increases us in goodness and heed the Prophetic advice (as documented by Tibrani); “Do not engage in any act unless it is good; do not say anything unless it is beneficial.”

Queenlovely:
I have to be matured here, I respect every religion.

does it mean that nairaland Muslims are few

why are they ashamed.to identify themselves,

please come out and let us defend Allah from these infidels.

I miss my flight to Islamabad today

Mikelarteta:
Pls how do I remove this[b] "I believe that there is no god/God but Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet." From my account someone should help a brother pls am not a Muslim o

NaijaOlosho:
Any religion that supports terrorism is not good for the people.

Why do you support bokoharam, terrorist herdsmen and terrorist bandits??

Queenlovely:
I have to be matured here, I respect every religion.

does it mean that nairaland Muslims are few

why are they ashamed.to identify themselves,

please come out and let us defend Allah from these infidels.

I miss my flight to Islamabad today

NaijaOlosho:
Any religion that supports terrorism is not good for the people.

Why do you support bokoharam, terrorist herdsmen and terrorist bandits??

NaijaOlosho:
Any religion that supports terrorism is not good for the people.

Why do you support bokoharam, terrorist herdsmen and terrorist bandits??

NaijaOlosho:
Any religion that supports terrorism is not good for the people.

Why do you support bokoharam, terrorist herdsmen and terrorist bandits??

NaijaOlosho:
Any religion that supports terrorism is not good for the people.

Why do you support bokoharam, terrorist herdsmen and terrorist bandits??

Tranquility4u:



Islam condemns all forms of terrorism. Islam does not, in any way, support terrorism. Bokoharam, terrorist herdsmen and bandits do not know about Islam. If they knew about Islamic Teaching they wouldn't be terrorising and killing people as they are doing.

Islam does not support terrorism.

OBALOLA55:
THE LIKES OF OSHIGUN THATFAIRGUY SEUNMSG GBAGURA HELINUES AKA MONOGAMY ARE THE PEOPLE AL-QURAN DESCRIBED AS MUNAFIQUN (HYPOCRITES). THEY ARE ASHAMED OF THEIR RELIGION.

I STILL MAINTAIN THAT ISLAM IS THE RELIGION ORDAINED BY THE ALMIGHTY GOD FOR MANKIND