The Month Of Shaaban
EsinIslam
Ramadan
Ramadan Explorer
This is a month in which our beloved Prophet (peace be unto him) used to
observe fasting. In fact, Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said "I never
saw the Messenger of Allah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and
I never saw him fast more than he did in Shaaban." [Bukhari & Muslim]. It was
also reported that he (peace be unto him) used to fast all of Shaaban except
for a day or two.
So what is the idea behind fasting this month in particular? Shaaban comes
between the months of Rajab and Ramadan, both of which are months of fasting.
Fasting in Ramadan - as we know - is obligatory, while Rajab is one of the
four sacred months and thus fasting (part of) it is recommended. So people
often tend to ignore fasting during Shaaban. However, the Prophet (peace be
unto him) recommends acts of worship at times and places in which people tend
to forget Allah. In the meaning of an authentic hadith, he teaches us that
'one who remembers Allah amongst those who do not is like a steadfast fighter
among those who are fleeing.'
Another notable advantage of fasting during Shaaban is that it prepares us for
fasting during Ramadan. People who are not accustomed to fasting before
Ramadan often find difficulty during the month, especially during the first
couple of days.
A question that often arises is whether to fast during the second half of
Shaaban, which is just before Ramadan. One of the scholars' opinions on this
matter is that if one has fasted the first half of the month, he/she can
continue during the second half; if one has not, he/she should not start
fasting in the latter half so as not to become week prior to Ramadan.
May Allah guide us to the very best of deeds during Shaaban and rest of the
year.
EsinIslam
Ramadan
Team
©
EsinIslam.Com
Add Comments