| The virtues of Sha'ban |  |  |  |
| Written by Daruliftaa |
| Friday, 22 June 2012 15:57 |
When we intend to embark on a Journey, we prepare excessively for such a journey. When we are informed that a highly respected guest intends to visit, we prepare in advance whether it may be in the form of exquisite food, preparing the table with the finest dishes or wearing your best attire. Allah Azza wajal has endowed us with the opportunity of preparing for the greatest month in the Islamic Calendar, the pinnacle of mercy and reward, the guest of guests, Ramadhaan. The month of Ramadhaan is a striking and unique event in the spiritual journey of a Muslim. The uniqueness and greatness of such a blessed month demand a great deal of preparation. The month of Sha`baan is the month of preparation for this great month.
Generally, Muslim women tend to do Ramadan shopping in the last few days of Sha`baan. Preparation of foods drastically over shadow preparations for the month of Ramadan spiritually and tend to override the spiritual significance of the month of Ramadan by giving more importance to shopping etc.
Sha`baan is like an exercise and a form of practice to get us geared to benefit completely from the month of Ramadhaan.
Virtues of fasting in the month of Sha`baan:
Hazrat Usaamah bin Zaid (Radhi Allahu anhu) said "I said ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in month from amongst all months like what you fasted in Sha`baan’. He said 'This is a month of which all actions are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I love that my actions be raised while I am fasting." (Nasai 201/4, Musnad Ahmad 201/5)
Hazrat Anas (Radhi Allahu anhu) says:"Rasullulah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was asked which fast is the most virtues after Ramadhaan. He said 'Sha`baan to honor Ramadhaan."which charity is the most virtues? He said 'charity in Ramadhaan." (Tirmidhi)
Wouldn't it be pitiable condition that our actions are raised to the heavens while indulging in acts of futility?
Hazrat Aa`isha (Radhi Allahu anha) mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) would not fast in any month more than the month of Sha`baan. (Bukhari and Muslim)
Hazrat Umm Salamah (Radhi Allahu anha) said: "I did not see the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) fasting for two consecutive months except Sha`baan and Ramadhaan. (Tirmidhi).
A poet says:
"Rajab has passed and what good have you done in it? And this is the blessed month of Sha`baan. Soon you separate from all types of enjoyments forcefully"
In the month of Sha`baan, Allah Azza wajal presents us with a great opportunity to attain close proximity to him. During the 15th night of Sha`baan, Allah forgives thousands of Muslims, how unfortunate will be that person whose sins are not forgiven on such an auspicious night!
On this night, Allah Azza wajal descends to the sky of this world and says, “Is there anyone who is seeking forgiveness from me which I may forgive."
Hazrat Aa`isha (Radhi Allahu anha) said that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam said: "Indeed Allah the most high descends on the 15th night of Sha`baan to the sky of this world and forgives more than the number of hair on the goats of the tribe of Kalb" (At-Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Ibn Majah)
The Prophet Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam mentioned in a Hadith, "Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha`ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of the Nation".
Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam would stay awake during 15thnight of Sha`baan and engage himself in worship. The Taabi`een used to exert themselves in worship during the 15thnight of Sha`baan.
We should take cognizance of the great virtues during this great and virtuous night by exerting ourselves in worship and Salaah.
We should not pass this night neglectfully as a poet says: "How many youth are there who pass this night of Sha`baan while being unaware"
The Ultimate limit of this month lies in the 15th night. Thousands of Muslims are forgiven. We should grasp this rare opportunity with enthusiasm.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) would recite the following supplication at the approach of the Month of Rajab: Allahumma baarik lanaa fee Rajaba wa Sha'baan wa ballighna Ramadaan’.
Translation: Oh Allah! Grant us Barakah (Blessing) during (the months of) Rajab and Sha'baan, and allow us to reach Ramadaan.(Shu'abul-Imaan,)
We should recite this Du`aa daily in anticipation of the blessed month of Ramadhaan.
In Conclusion, the amount of readiness we display by exerting ourselves spiritually during this month expounds our illustrated significance for the month of Ramadhaan. Take full benefit of the 15th night of Sha`baan for verily it is indeed a night endowed with mercy and blessings.
A poet says:
“Sha`baan has arrived to honor Ramadhaan. Where are those who are enthusiastic for Ramadhaan with the zeal for Ramadhaan?
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 June 2012 09:28 |
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