Al-Qalam 
By Imam A. Rashied Omar
By the grace of Allah, we have entered the sacred month of Sha‘bān, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar and a gateway to the blessed month of Ramadan. In just a few weeks, by Allah’s infinite mercy, we will once again welcome Ramadan – a time of fasting, spiritual renewal, and divine blessings.
Sha‘bān offers us a golden opportunity to prepare spiritually, physically, and mentally so we may enter Ramadan with purified hearts and a renewed commitment to righteousness. The Qur’an reminds us in Surah al-Hashr (59:18): “O Believers! Be mindful of Allah, and let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow. And remain conscious of Allah; for surely, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.”
This verse urges us to reflect on our actions and improve our spiritual state in preparation for the Hereafter.
The Significance of Sha‘bān
Islamic scholars have long emphasized the importance of this month in preparing for Ramadan. The renowned mystic Abu Bakr al-Warraq beautifully described it as follows:
“Rajab is a month of cultivation, Sha‘bān is a month of irrigating the fields, and Ramadan is a month of reaping and harvesting.”
This metaphor reminds us that our spiritual journey toward Ramadan should begin well in advance, planting the seeds of sincerity, taqwa (Allah-consciousness), and devotion. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself devotedly fasted in Sha‘bān. His wife, Sayyidah Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), reported: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting a complete month except in Ramadan, and I did not see him fasting more in any other month than in Sha‘bān.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
Based on this, scholars from the Shafi‘i, Hanafi, and Maliki schools of thought recommend fasting in Sha‘bān as a spiritually enriching practice. It helps ease the transition into Ramadan and deepens our connection with Allah.
Recommended Acts in Sha‘bān
To maximize the blessings of this sacred month, we are encouraged to:
1) Fast voluntarily, especially on Mondays, Thursdays, and in the middle of every lunar month, known as Ayyam al-Bid, which refers to the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each Hijri lunar month. Fasting on these days is a highly recommended Sunnah practice. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged it, as narrated in several hadiths, including the following. Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“If you fast three days in a month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th.”(Sunan al-Tirmidhi & Sunan al-Nasa’i)
The practice of voluntary fasting brings immense spiritual rewards and helps maintain consistency in voluntary fasting outside of Ramadan. It is an excellent way to cultivate self-discipline and increase devotion.
2) Engage in sincere repentance, seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Some scholars also consider the 15th night of Sha‘bān (Laylat al-Nisf min Sha‘bān) a night on which Allah’s divine mercy and forgiveness are more freely available and munificent. While the authenticity of certain narrations is debated among the scholars, turning to Allah in worship and supplication is always beneficial.
3) Increase in acts of charity and service to others.
4) Strengthen our relationship with the Qur’an through recitation and reflection.
5) Intensify our supplications and prayers. One recommended supplication during this month is: “O Allah, bless us in Sha‘bān and allow us to reach Ramadan.”
(Allahumma Bariklana fi Sha`ban wa Ballighna Ramadan)
A Final Reflection
As we embrace Sha‘bān, let us use this time to renew our intentions, increase our devotion, and prepare our hearts for Ramadan. May Allah grant us health, faith, and the ability to make the most of this sacred period. May He accept our fasting, prayers, and supplications and allow us to witness the blessings of Ramadan in the best of states.
Allahumma Ameen.
