Flanked by Rajab and Ramadan, the month of Sha’ban is often mistakenly overlooked. This is a month filled with important events such as the splitting of the moon and changing of the Qibla, and is also packed with blessings and rewards that every Muslim should be aware of.

The Prophet (PBUH) proclaimed this as his month: ‘Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha’ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah’. (As-Suyuti)

It’s also the last month before Ramadan, which means there is no better time to start establishing good habits for the holy month while also reaping many blessings for our good behaviour.

Here is a short guide to help you maximise your good deeds and rewards in the month of Sha’ban:

1. Fast like the Prophet (SAW). It’s Sunnah!

In a famous Hadith, it is revealed to us that Sha’ban is when our Prophet liked to fast the most:

‘I said: “O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Sha’ban”’. (Sunan an-Nasa’i 2357)

It’s a little-known fact that fasting in Sha’ban is not obligatory, but highly recommended (Nafl).

By fasting during this month, we have a big chance to revive the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and earn extra rewards before Ramadan. Speaking of which—it’s also going to be much easier for us to maintain a rigorous Sawm (fasting) schedule during Ramadan when we start early, in Sha’ban.

Just like athletes prepare their bodies in advance for a marathon, so should we train ours before a month-long fast.

• Do good deeds to be acknowledged by Allah.

The Malaikah (angels) are constantly taking note of our deeds, both good and bad. And Allah Himself is aware of our actions at all times. Our deeds are presented directly to Him so we should be extra careful to avoid impure thoughts and actions.

This happens every day between Fajr and Asr, on a weekly basis, on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as during the month of Sha’ban.

Usamah ibn Zayd reported that the Prophet said: “It is a month people neglect between the months of Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds”.

So, when your deeds are raised to Allah (SWT), how would you like them to be?

Don’t wait until Ramadan to establish good habits and give in charity. You can start now:

• donate Iftars meals to the poor, so they can reach them in time for Ramadan; Aryana Aid will be distributing Suhoor and Iftar meals to those living in precarious conditions in Afghanistan.
• upgrade your Salah—integrate more Nafl prayers and Du’as in your routine; this is a great Du’a for the last days of Sha’ban:

اللّهُمَّ إنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَ

Allahumma in lam takun ghafarta lanafimamadhamin sha`bana O Allah: If You have not forgiven us in the past days of Sha`ban, (please do) forgive us in the rest of it.

• get rid of one bad habit before Ramadan.
• Give Salawat (blessing) to the Prophet (PBUH).

Since this is his month, we can use this time to get closer to the Prophet (pbuh). We can do so through sending Du’a—first, by praising Allah, then, sending blessings to His Messenger (SAW)—and through donating to causes that are dear to the Prophet (SAW), such as caring for orphans and supporting refugees.

At the moment, Aryana Aid supports 1,360 orphan students in Afghanistan. You can help more children access to education and essential care by donating to our Orphan Sponsorship Programme. With help, these orphans can leave behind a difficult past and step into their true power, Insh’Allah!

• Honour the 15^th Night of Sha’ban.

What is this mysterious night that stirred the interest of so many scholars?

Also known as ‘Shab-e-Barat’, ‘Laylat-ul-Barat’, and ‘Laylat-ul-Nisf-min-Sha’ban’, this is one of the most sacred nights of the year. A night when Allah (swt) sends his Mercy upon us.

Yes, there have been many debates on whether this night is indeed recognised as virtuous. But, with so many Hadiths and reports regarding the significance of this night, the general consensus among scholars is that the 15^th Night of Sha’ban does possess magnificent qualities.

So, how do we honour this night and what are its rewards?

One of the biggest blessings on this night is that the Almighty is more willing to forgive us our sins:

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)

So, on this night, ask for forgiveness and be merciful yourself. Forgive those who have wronged you on this blessed night of Sha’ban.

Although fasting on this particular night is not specified in a Hadith or the Quran, given that, as we mentioned above, it’s Sunnah to fast in Sha’ban, and, also on the ‘three bright days’ (13^th, 14^th, 15^th) of every month, this is a good night for fasting, too. Aryana Aid wishes you a peaceful and fruitful Sha’ban! May Allah (swt) bless your good deeds and receive your fast both during this month and Ramadan.

Currently our focus is on working with Afghan refugees who are in dire need of our support. Our current fundraising is dedicated to supporting these individuals.