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 |