Messages of Sha’ban: A Prelude to Reflection and Action in Ramadan

25 February 2024

In an article published on Al Jazeera by Dr. Khaled Hanafi, we are presented with a contemplative reflection as the night of the middle of Sha’ban arrives this year on the evening of Saturday, February 24, 2024.

As described by Dr. Hanafi, this period, stretching from sunset to the break of dawn, engulfs us in a deep state of contemplation, dismay, fear, and concern over the distressing adversities confronting our brethren in the steadfast Gaza. They face persecution, famine, displacement, and desolation. Amid these tribulations, the occasion of Sha’ban imparts poignant messages, urging us to foster solidarity, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering and injustices borne by the people of Gaza.

First Message: The Perils of Neglect

The Noble Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, highlighted Sha’ban as a month often overlooked by many. In a tradition narrated by Usama ibn Zaid, may Allah be pleased with them, upon being asked why the Prophet, peace be upon him, fasted more in Sha’ban than in other months, he elucidated, “Sha’ban is a month that many neglect, positioned between Rajab and Ramadan; it is a time when deeds ascend to the Lord of the Worlds, and I yearn for my deeds to ascend while I am in a state of fasting”; as recorded by Ahmad and Nasai, and deemed sound by Al-Albani.

What leads to the oversight of Sha’ban?

Positioned amidst two immensely revered months—Rajab, one of the sacred months, and Ramadan, renowned for its manifold virtues—Sha’ban is often caught in a state of inadvertence, akin to the middle prayer emphasized in the Qur’an: {Guard strictly your prayers, particularly the Middle Prayer}; [Al-Baqarah: 238]. The latter part of the night, a prime moment for divine remembrance, similarly falls prey to neglect. This admonition underscores the necessity of moderation, urging us to steer clear of indifference, excess, complacency, or extremism.

The allure of Ramadan’s virtues and rewards often leads to a complacent attitude towards exertion in other months, oblivious to the fact that attaining spiritual success in Ramadan is predicated upon the groundwork laid during Sha’ban. The illusion of prolonged existence, without the contemplation of death prior to Ramadan, and maintaining vigilance in Sha’ban, ensures that a Muslim’s devotion during Ramadan is rewarded, even if one were to depart from this world beforehand. Worship in times of negligence bears immense merit, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, declared: “Worship in tumultuous times is akin to migrating towards me,” with tumult here referring to negligence, trials, and rampant injustice.

Second Message: The Menace of Discord and Enmity

The sole authenticated narration regarding the merits of Sha’ban’s midmost night is conveyed by Ibn Hibban from Muadh bin Jabal, quoting the Prophet, peace be upon him: “On the night of the middle of Sha’ban, Allah gazes upon His creation, forgiving all except the idolater or the one who harbors animosity.” This serves as a stark reminder of the grievousness of discord; the idolater severs ties with his Creator, while one who harbors malice severs ties with his brethren. On this blessed night, purifying one’s heart from malice and animosity towards others is paramount, fostering a community marked by compassion, love, interconnectedness, and divine connection.

Third Message: The Profound Implications of the Qibla Shift

The historical shift of the Qibla during Sha’ban, albeit not definitively documented to this month, carries profound symbolic messages. The transition from Masjid Al-Aqsa in Palestine to the Kaaba in Mecca underscores the esteemed place of Masjid Al-Aqsa in the hearts of Muslims, establishing a bond between the two sacred mosques, affirming our collective duty to protect and defend it, and recognizing the valor of the Gazan people in upholding this sacred trust on behalf of the entire Muslim Ummah. This act also exemplifies the essence of prompt submission to Allah’s commandments, unity and cohesion within the Ummah, as we align our prayers towards a singular Qibla.

Fourth Message: Gearing Up for Ramadan

In anticipation of Ramadan, the Prophet, peace be upon him, intensified his fasting during Sha’ban. This practice, well understood and embraced by our pious predecessors, led them to increase their engagement with the Qur’an during Sha’ban, hence dubbing it ‘the month of reciters,’ and to lighten their worldly engagements to better prepare for Ramadan. They expedited the discharge of their Zakat in Sha’ban, ensuring undivided devotion in the forthcoming holy month. This prelude to obligatory acts of worship, akin to the voluntary prayers preceding obligatory ones and fasting before Ramadan, aims to fulfill the objectives of these acts with heartful presence and piety. The journey to achieving true godliness and mindfulness in Ramadan commences with maximizing the remaining days of Sha’ban.

May Allah bless us in Sha’ban and enable us to reach Ramadan, alleviate the sufferings of our kin and brethren in Gaza, nourish them from hunger, and shield them from fear, O Most Compassionate and Merciful.

Source: AlJazeera

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