Saudi Gazette Although it pales in comparison to the month that follows it, Shaban is an important month in the Islamic calendar. Shaban should be viewed as the month of preparation for Ramadan. Do not wait until one day before Ramadan to boost your level of worship, or you will lack the energy to keep you going. Switch your routine in Shaban, so that you can truly taste and appreciate the sweetness of worship in Ramadan. The soul needs training and discipline and now is a good time to start. Numerous narrations show that it was the practice of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to fast during Shaban. Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "I did not see the Messenger of Allah fast any month it its entirety except Ramadan, and I did not see him fast as frequently in any other month as he did during Shaban." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim) The majority of people dismiss Shaban as just another regular month with no special spiritual significance. However, it is indeed a unique and special month because it is during Shaban that all the deeds that have been recorded for mankind throughout the year are raised to our Lord. The Prophet's companion, Usama bin Zayd, wanted to know why the Prophet (peace be upon him) was so keen on fasting during Shaban. Usama bin Zayd said to the Prophet (peace be upon him), "I do not see you fasting in any month like you fast during Shaban." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "That is a month occurring between Rajab and Ramadan that many people neglect. It is a month in which the deeds ascend to the Lord of the Worlds, and I love my deeds to ascend while I am fasting." (Ahmad and Al-Nasa'i) This is a good motivator for us to fast a few days in Shaban, as it is the month in which our deeds ascend to Allah. What better state to be in than fasting for the sake of Allah? The righteous believers that lived before us used to seize Shaban as an opportunity to devote their time to reading and reciting the Holy Qur'an. In fact, Shaban was called the month of the scholars of the Holy Qur'an. In addition, Shaban is the perfect time to pay zakat and give charity. By giving today, we can help those families in need joyously celebrate the advent of Ramadan. Shaban is the month to train and discipline the soul, so that we can greet Ramadan in a spiritually elevated state. One of the best ways to discipline the soul, to boost faith, to practice patience, and to worship Allah is voluntary fasting. And voluntary fasting will be highly rewarded by Allah. To understand the merits behind voluntary fasting, look at the following Hadeeth. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts a day for the sake of Allah, Allah will make a trench between him and the hellfire like the distance between the heavens and the earth." (At-Tirmidhi) To be distanced from the hellfire is the ultimate reward for our voluntary fast. Fasting in Shaban is voluntary; it is recommended but it is not obligatory. Summer is back in full force with soaring temperatures. Fasting on a long, hot summer day for no other reason than to draw nearer to Allah is the trademark of a pious believer. The companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) heard him say that Allah, Glorified is He, said about the fasting person, "He has left his food, drink, and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times." (Saheeh Bukhari) After hearing that, the companions were motivated to fast consistently and frequently. For them, fasting was not limited only to Ramadan. It became a regular habit for them to fast often throughout the year, and especially during Shaban.
