We have just entered in to the eighth Islamic month i.e. Shabân, a meritorious month for which we find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam.

 Fasting in the Month of Shabân

It is reported in authentic ahadith that Prophet Muhammad used to fast in most of the days of the month of Shabân. These fasts were not obligatory, but Shabân is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan, and it was done in preparation for this auspicious month. A few ahadith are cited here regarding fasting in the month of Shabân:

 
1. Sayyidina Anâs Radhiallahu anhu reports that Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts of Shabân in honour of Ramadan."

2. Sayyidina Usamah ibn Zaid Radhiallahu anhu reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "Messenger of Allâh, I have seen you fasting in the month of Shabân so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month." Prophet Muhammad, replied: "That (Shabân) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting."

 These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Shabân, though not obligatory, is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam did not like to miss them. In Ramadân, everyone finds observing the first few fasts difficult, but if we are accustomed to it already, we will be able to embrace Ramadân better.

 
However, it should be kept in mind that the fasts of Shabân are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadân. Therefore, if one fears that after fasting in Shabân, one will lose strength for the fasts of Ramadan, s/he should not fast in Shabân as the fasts of Ramadan, being obligatory, are more important than the optional fasts of Shabân.

 The Night of Bara’ah

Sayyidina Mu'adh ibn Jabal Radhiallahu anhu reports that Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: "Allâh Almighty looks upon all those created by Him in the middle Night of Shabân and forgives all those created by Him, except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who has malice in his heart (against a Muslim)".

In order to achieve the blessings of the Night of Bara'ah, one should remain awake as much as one can. If it is possible, one should spend the whole night in worship. However, if one cannot do so, one can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably the second half of it, and perform the following acts of worship:

a)  Salâh: It is the most preferable act to be performed in this night, particularly after midnight in solitude. There is no particular number of rak'at, but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the salâh like qiyam, rukû' and sajdah should be longer than normal. The longest surahs of the Holy Qur'an one remembers by heart should also be recited.

(b) Tilawah: The recitation of the Holy Qur'an is another form of beneficial worship in this night. After performing Salah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Qur'an as one can.

(c) Dhikr & Durûd: One should also recite as much dhikr  (recitation of the name of Allâh) as possible in this night, as well durûd on our noble master Prophet Muhammad Sallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. These can be recited while walking, lying on bed and during other hours of work or leisure.

(d) Du‘â: The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is by asking Allâh in earnest. It is hoped that all our prayers in this night will be accepted by our Lord, Insha-Allâh. Du’a itself is an 'ibadah, and Allâh Almighty rewards the reciter for asking, in addition to fulfilling the supplicator's need.

(e) Fast of the 15th of Shabân: On the day immediately following the Night of Bara'ah, i.e. the 15th of Shabân, it is mustahabb (advisable) to fast. Our noble Prophet Muhammad is reported to have recommended this fast, as well as keeping any fast in the first half of this month in particular. A large number of our pious predecessors of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15 of Shabân.

We make du’â that Allâh accepts all our worship in this noble month. May Allâh grant us an additional year of life and livelihood so that we can obtain total forgiveness and start obeying Allâh in all respects. âmîn.

(Adapted Article by Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani)