Top Things To Do This Shaban
By Rana Rais Khan – Editor-in-Chief Hiba
- Plan the month with excellence
Shaban is the bridge to Ramadan, the most beloved month for the believers. But this eighth lunar month of Shaban is also a forgotten month. In their high spirits to prepare for Ramadan, most Muslims overlook this month.
Safiya Khan, my teacher rightfully stated that neglected times are the best times for worship. They denote a Momin’s true intention and sincere deeds. Hence plan consciously today to schedule your worship for Shaban. Utilize all such time slots – that were either wasted or spent on leisure – for Allah’s (swt) Pleasure.
- Fast and follow the Prophet (sa)
On the authority of Usamah bin Zaid (rta), who said: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah I do not see you fasting any month as much as Shaban.’ The Prophet (sa) said: ‘That is the month that people neglect, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which actions are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I love for my actions to be raised while I am fasting.’” (An-Nasai)
But these were voluntary fasts about which only the Prophet’s (sa) family was aware. Even the Sahabah did not know, hence it is recommended to fast in secrecy if possible and earn the reward of Sunnah.
- Perform Zikr
The gist of Zikr is that one remembers Allah (swt) for His own well-being and mentions Allah (swt) to inspire others. The Sahabah used to engage in excessive Zikr with such energy that it seemed that they will destruct all their desires consequently. They specially picked the time between Maghrib and Isha, when most were engaged in worldly pursuits and were neglectful of Allah (swt).
Other great times to perform Zikr are Fajr and Asr when angels change their duties and ascend to the skies carrying our deeds to Allah (swt). Mondays and Thursdays are great days for Zikr and fasting, as our weekly performance is presented before Allah (swt). 13th, 14th and 15th of the month (Ayam-e-Beedh) are great times for Zikr and fasting too.
- Recite the Quran
When an athlete prepares to run a marathon, he or she exerts in specially designed training and fitness regime. Ramadan is the month of Quran when all believers come together to offer Qiyam-ul-Layl or Taraweeh. While some recite or memorize the Quran in full swing during the day. Shaban is an excellent spring board to get into that training mode today and start deliberately reciting the Quran. Even better with its translation and Tafsir for a revived Iman and rejuvenating Amal-e-Salih.
- Cleanse your heart to be forgiven
The Prophet (sa) said: “Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Shaban and then forgives all His slaves except for two types of people: those who attribute partners to Allah and those who have rancour for their fellow Muslims.” (Ahmad)
This should scare us enough to patch up with all our restrained relations. No conflict with anyone is so important that one wages a war against Allah (swt). The road to forgiveness will lead us to Sirat-e-Mustaqeem, In sha Allah.
I pray for a fruitful Shaban that is spent only for the sake of Allah (swt). Ameen.