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WELCOMING THE MONTH OF SHA’BAN

Imam Ali (as) once saw some Muslims arguing among themselves on the topic of fate and destiny, on the first day of Sha’ban.   He discouraged them from their preoccupation and instead drew their attention to the merits of this month. He said that the Lord had called it Sha’ban because His favours and bounties were scattered (sha’aba) all over during it. Allah presents His great bounties in this month which are easy to achieve, and inexpensive, said Imam Ali (as).  This could mean that the doing of ‘ibadah (acts of worship), performing other good deeds and abstaining from evils will carry manifold benefits.

The Imam (as) then enumerated some of the good actions which should not be overlooked in this month. These include salat (prayer), zakat (charity), amr bil ma’roof (enjoining of good), nahyi anil munkar(forbidding of evil), goodness to parents, Relatives, neighbours, mutual reconciliation and giving charity to the poor and the destitute.

Sha’ban is the second month of ‘Ibadah in order to make preparations for the grand and majestic month of Holy Ramadhan – the month of Allah (SWT). The Holy Prophet (saw) has said, “Sha’ban is my month”. This is the month of asking for forgiveness of sins, giving alms & charity and fasting.  The Holy Prophet (saw) used to observe fast during the whole month of Sha’ban. Imam Zaynul-Aabideen (as) has said, “Whosoever, in love of the Prophet, wishes to seek nearness to Allah and receive His bounties, favours and rewards in this world and in the hereafter, must connect Sha’ban with Ramadhan in the matter of fasting and special  prayers”.

It is also reported from the Holy Prophet (saw) that,” Whosoever observes nine fasts in the whole month of Sha’ban should not fear the interrogation of Munkar & Nakeer. Whosoever observes twelve fasts in the month of Sha’ban, 70,000 angels will descend over his/her grave on the first night of his burial, the night of wahshah to remove his/her fear & loneliness”.

Therefore, one must observe at least twelve fasts to gain both the favours.

RECOMMENDED FASTS

1st, 2nd and 3rd  of Sha’ban.

1st Thursday, Mid-Wednesday of the month and last Thursday.

13th, 14th and 15th of Sha’ban.

Any Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Sha’ban.

The last three days of Sha’ban to join with Ramadhan.

This being the second month of Maghfirah (seeking forgiveness), one should the following:

  • Recite everyday 70 times ASTAGHFIRULLAHA WA AS-ALUHUT TAWBAH
  • Recite everyday 70 times ASTAGHFIRULLAHAL-LADHEE LAA ILAAHA ILLA HUWAR-RAHMAANUR RAHEEMUL HAYYUL QAYYOOMU WA ATOOBU ILAIHI
  • Give as much Sadaqah (alms) as possible
  • Recite Swalawaat as many times as possible on the Holy prophet (saw)
  • Recite 1000 times the foolowing dhikr within the month i.e. divide it throughout the month of Sha’ban;LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAHU WALAA  NA’BUDU ILLA IYYAAHU MUKHLISEENA LAHUD-DEEN WALAU KARIHAL MUSHRIKOON

Please note that 1st Sha’ban ( night & day) has almost equal importance as Shabe Baaraat i.e. 15th Sha’ban.

Translation of above arabic texts can be obtained from Almanac.

IMPORTANT DATES OF SHA’BAN

Fasting of Ramadhan was prescribed on Muslims on 2nd Sha’ban 2 AH

Birth of Imam Hussayn bin Ali (as) on 3rd Sha’ban 4 AH

Birth of Abul-Fadhlil Abbas bin Ali (as) on 4th Sha’ban 26 AH

Birth of Imam Ali bin Hussayn (as) on 5th Sha’ban 38 AH

Lessor Ghaybah (occultation) of Imam al-Hujjah (aj) on 8th Sha’ban

Birth of Ali Akber bin Hussayn (as) on 11th Sha’ban 33 AH

Birth of Imam al-Hujjah (aj) on 15th Sha’ban 255 AH

Many other a’maal are also recommended.Please refer almanac, Mafaatihul-Jinaan and  A’maal of Rajab & Sha’ban by Tayyeba Publications.

Please do not forget us in your prayers.

Released by:

Mulla Mujaheedali Sheriff

mulla@almahdi.org.uk


Source: http://www.almahdi.org.uk