UNLOCK THE BLESSINGS OF SHA'BAN

Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, holds a unique and special place for Muslims worldwide. Often overshadowed by the grandeur of Ramadan, Sha'ban is, in fact, a month brimming with blessings and opportunities for spiritual growth. It is a time for preparation, reflection, and self-discipline, paving the way for us to enter Ramadan with renewed energy and devotion.

For Muslim women, especially, Sha'ban offers a chance to deepen our spiritual focus amidst daily responsibilities. From fasting to increasing acts of worship, this special month can set the tone for a more meaningful and fulfilling Ramadan.

This guide will dive into the importance of Sha'ban, its connection to Ramadan, and practical ways that we can fully benefit from its virtues.

INCREASE IN YOUR FASTING 

The Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ) dedicated special attention to Sha'ban, making it a unique time of preparation and worship. Authentic ahadith reveal that the Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ) frequently observed voluntary fasts during Sha'ban. 

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Usamah bin Zaid reported, 

“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Sha'ban.’ He said, ‘That is a month people neglect between Rajab and Ramadan, but it is a month in which deeds are presented to the Lord of the worlds. I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.’” (Sunan An-Nasa’i) 

The Prophet's fondness for fasting in Sha'ban highlights how this month serves as a spiritual “warm-up” (so to speak) before the blessed month of Ramadan.

A MONTH OF ACCOUNTABILITY & PREPARATION

Sha'ban serves as a checkpoint for self-reflection and accountability. It is believed that our deeds are presented to Allah during this time. Therefore, it is an ideal time to renew intentions, seek forgiveness, and focus on enhancing acts of worship.

Sha'ban bridges the spiritual gap between Rajab and Ramadan. It allows us to gradually increase our worship and devotion, ensuring we are spiritually ready to immerse ourselves in the month-long worship of Ramadan.

HOW CAN WE MAKE THE MOST OF SHA'BAN?

This month provides an opportunity to prepare, both spiritually and practically, and as Muslim women we can often find ourselves balancing multiple roles at this time of year. Take a look at some of our suggestions below, of ways we can benefit and thrive in both in our deen and in our lives.

1. Plan Your Ramadan Goals

The month of Sha'ban is the perfect time to sit down and develop personal Ramadan goals. Whether it’s increasing Quran reading, memorising surahs, or focusing on taraweeh prayers, planning ahead ensures your Ramadan begins with clarity and purpose. 

Tip: Use a planner or journal to outline specific goals and break them into daily or weekly tasks.

2. Increase Voluntary Fasting

Just as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) increased his fasting during Sha'ban, we can strive to do the same. Begin by fasting a few days a week, making it easier to transition into the daily fasts of Ramadan. Fasting in this month not only strengthens physical endurance but can also deepen your spiritual discipline. 

Reminder: Ensure any missed fasts from the previous Ramadan are made up during this time, as many scholars view Sha'ban as the last chance to fulfil this obligation.

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Aisha (RA) said: 

“I used to have fasts that I still owed from Ramadan, and I could not make them up until Sha'ban, and that was because of the position of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) [as a husband].” (Bukhari).

3. Focus on Dhikr and Quran Recitation

Strengthen your connection with Allah by increasing acts of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and Quran recitation. Try to establish these in your daily routine so that it may become a habit by Ramadan. 

Simple Dhikr to Repeat Often:

• SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi (Glory is to Allah, and praise is to Him)

• Astaghfirullah (I seek Allah’s forgiveness)

5. Prepare Your Household for Ramadan 

For sisters managing households, Sha'ban is an excellent time for practical preparations. Begin meal planning, organise your home (i know, but you will be glad you did it), and create a welcoming environment for Ramadan. 

Idea: Encourage the little ones to engage in the spirit of Ramadan by involving them in decorating the home, asking them about their ideas, buying dates, or reading relevant stories together. 

6. Avoid Innovations (Bid'ah) 

While Sha'ban is undoubtedly special, it is crucial to remain mindful of religious practices that may stray from authentic teachings. For instance, introducing new acts of worship that were not practiced by the Prophet (peace be upon him) should be avoided.

Always align your worship and actions with authenticated practices to ensure that you do not fall into bid'ah. May Allah protect us.

A CONSCIOUS ADJUSTMENT

Let's not look at this month as simply preparation for Ramadan, but as an opportunity for a mindset shift. By consciously increasing worship and reflecting on deeds, we can gradually condition ourselves for the intense devotion that Ramadan requires. 

Creating routines, like waking up to have suhoor or performing qiyam-u-lail, during Sha'ban allows you to ease into the rhythms of Ramadan smoothly. 

Sha'ban is a month filled with untapped blessings. Start small but stay consistent and ensure every act of fasting, prayer, or remembrance draws you closer to Allah.

May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of Sha'ban and enter Ramadan with purified hearts and steadfast devotion. Ameen.

DOWNLOAD OUR NEW RAMADAN PLANNER PRINTABLE HERE

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