Seasons of Allah – The Month of the Prophet (saw)
At Maghrib on the Monday just passed, the month of Sha’ban began. This month, the month of the Prophet (saw), is often forgotten about as it falls between the two Sacred months of Rajab and Ramadan.
In partnership with Islam Channel, our Director of Fundraising and Ustadh, Yasrab Shah, has filmed two videos as part of the Seasons of Allah series discussing the month of Sha'ban. Discover the true importance of this Blessed month and how the months of Rajab, Sha’ban and Ramadan are connected.
Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (rh), the uncle of Imam al-Tirmidhi (rh) said,
“The month of Rajab is the month of planting (your seeds), Sha’ban is the month of irrigating/watering (them), and Ramadan is the month of harvesting/reaping the harvest”.
The Importance of Sha’ban
The root origin of the word ‘Sha’ban’ means to separate. This has historic significance to when Arab tribes would disperse themselves in search of water to prepare for the hot weather of Ramadan. This preparation, we carry with us today; to continue the good deeds we began in the Sacred Month of Rajab so that we are properly prepared for the Sacred Month of Ramadan
In this first video, we are guided through the importance of this month and the connection the Messenger of Allah (saw) had with it during his lifetime.
The Blessed companion, Usamah ibn Zayd said, “O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as you fast during Sha’ban.”
The Prophet (saw) replied, “It is a month people neglect between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds, and I like for my deeds to be raised while I am fasting.” [al-Nasā’ī]
Historical and Momentous Events During the Month of Sha’ban
There are multiple miraculous occasions that occurred during this month during the life of the Prophet (saw), that have given this month even more importance, such as the miracle of the splitting of the moon. The Messenger of Allah (saw) split the moon in half so that one half was standing over Mount Abu Qubais and the other half was over Mount Quayqian as a sign to the disbelievers that he was a Prophet appointed by Allah (swt).
“The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].”
[The Noble Qur’an, 54:1]
Another momentous event that occurred during this month is the changing of the direction of the Qiblah from Masjid-al-Aqsa to the Ka’bah. Allah (swt) knew of the love that the Prophet (saw) had for the Ka’bah so He changed it for him and his Ummah.
"We have certainly seen the turning of your face, [O Prophet (saw)], toward the heaven, and We will surely turn you to a Qiblah with which you will be pleased. So turn your face toward al-Masjid al-Haram…"
[The Noble Qur’an, 2:144]
Mid Sha’ban and its Significance
Ustadh Yasrab Shah continues speaking on the Blessed Month of Sha’ban and the significance of the 15th night. Although the virtue of this night is often disputed among scholars, many have deemed this night to be authentic.
The true benefit of this night is that Allah (swt) extends His forgiveness to all His servants from sunset until dawn.
The Prophet (saw) said, "Allah gazes at His creation on the fifteenth night of Sha’ban 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]
Sha’ban is truly the month of the Prophet (saw) and not a month to be neglected. To prepare for the Sacred Month of Ramadan, the Ummah should not rest and continue their good deeds and charity that they began in Rajab.
The Prophet (saw) said, “O Allah bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and enable us to reach Ramadan!” [Ahmad]
