Sha’ban, the eighth month in the Hijri calendar, is a blessed period filled with divine grace, mercy, and spiritual abundance. This sacred month bridges the holy months of Rajab and Ramadan, bringing with it an atmosphere of purity and spiritual awakening. One of its greatest virtues is the night of Bara’ah (Shab-e-Barat), a night of immense blessings and divine decree.
Sha’ban serves as a preparatory phase before the sacred month of Ramadan, offering believers an opportunity to purify their hearts and nourish their souls. It is for this reason that scholars have stated:
"Rajab is the month of seeking forgiveness, Sha’ban is the month of purifying the heart, and Ramadan is the month of enlightenment. Laylatul Qadr is the night that brings one closer to Allah."
The Remarkable Meaning Behind the Word Sha’ban
Each letter of the Arabic word Sha’ban carries deep spiritual significance, pointing toward the sanctity of this blessed month. According to Mu’adh bin Yahya, the letters in Sha’ban symbolize:
● Sheen (ش – (Sharaf (Honor, Nobility)
● Ghain (غ – (Izzah (Glory, Dignity)
● Ba (ب – (Birr (Virtue, Goodness)
● Alif (ا – (Ulfah (Affinity, Unity)
● Noon (ن – (Noor (Light, Illumination)
In this month, Allah bestows all these blessings upon His servants, making it a time of immense spiritual growth and divine connection.
There are multiple opinions regarding the origin of the name Sha’ban. Some scholars believe that it is derived from the Arabic root Tasha’ub (تشعب), meaning ‘to disperse.’ This interpretation stems from the ancient Arab practice of dispersing in search of water during this month. Others suggest that since Rajab was a sacred month in which warfare was prohibited, the Arabs would separate in preparation for battle once Sha’ban began.
Another perspective, presented by the great scholar Ibn Hajar, interprets the root Sha’b (شعب)as ‘gathering together.’ He explains that the name signifies the coming together of immense goodness and virtue in this month. This interpretation is supported by a hadith where the Prophet ﷺ once asked his companions,
“Do you know why this month is called Sha’ban?”
They replied, "Allah and His Messenger know best."
The Prophet ﷺ then said, "It is because during this month, abundant goodness gathers together."
Thus, Sha’ban is not merely a month of transition but a period of immense blessings, a time to cleanse the soul, and a gateway to the ultimate mercy of Ramadan.
The Greatness of Sha’ban: Through the Lens of Hadith
The month of Sha’ban holds immense significance in Islamic tradition, as emphasized in numerous hadiths. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The superiority of Sha’ban over other months is like my superiority over the other Prophets."
Sha’ban is the month in which deeds are presented before the Almighty. The Prophet ﷺ stated: "Sha’ban is the month between Rajab and Ramadan, a time when people are often negligent. It is the month in which the records of deeds are raised to Allah. I wish for my deeds to be presented while I am in the state of fasting."
Numerous hadiths highlight the blessings of this sacred month. Anas ibn Malik (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Under the Throne of Allah, there exists a vast ocean. Allah has also created an angel whose wings stretch from the east to the west. If anyone sends Salawat upon me during Sha’ban, Allah commands this angel to immerse itself in the Water of Life. When it emerges, it flutters its wings, and from each drop of water that falls from its feathers, Allah creates another angel who will continue seeking forgiveness for that person until the Day of Judgment." (Durratul Saliheen)
A great scholar from Yemen once mentioned a special practice for the first night of Sha’ban:
"If a person recites the first eight verses of Surah Ad-Dukhan fifteen times, followed by glorifications of Allah and abundant Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ, and then makes a supplication, their prayers will be answered promptly." (Nihayat ul-Amal)
The Prophet ﷺ further stated:
"Whoever honors Sha’ban, remains mindful of Allah, submits to Him, and refrains from sins, Allah will forgive their past misdeeds and protect them from the trials and diseases of that year."
According to Tawrat (the Torah), a person who recites:
لا إله إلا الله ولا نعبد إلا إياه مخلصين له الدين ولو كره الكافرون
("There is no god but Allah, and we worship none but Him, sincerely devoted to Him, even if the disbelievers dislike it.") will be rewarded with the equivalent of a thousand years of worship. A thousand years' worth of sins will be forgiven, and when they rise from their grave, their face will shine as brightly as the full moon on the 14th night. They will be counted among the Siddiqeen (the truthful ones) in the presence of Allah. (Nus’hat ul-Majalis)
The Pious Predecessors and Their Devotion in Sha’ban
The righteous scholars and predecessors treated Sha’ban as a time for exclusive devotion. The great Amr ibn Qays (RA) used to close his business during Sha’ban, dedicating himself solely to the recitation of the Qur’an and worship throughout the months of Sha’ban and Ramadan.
Anas ibn Malik ﵁ narrated:
"When the month of Sha’ban arrived, the Sahabah (Companions) would engage themselves in Qur’an recitation, while the Muslims would distribute their Zakat to the poor in preparation for Ramadan. The rulers would release prisoners, settling disputes and making fair judgments.
Businesspeople would clear their debts, ensuring that they entered Ramadan in a state of purity.
When Ramadan finally arrived, they would take a ritual bath, cleanse themselves, and begin their I’tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque)." (Ghuniyatul Talibeen)
These narrations reflect the deep reverence and preparation that our predecessors upheld in the month of Sha’ban, a time of spiritual renewal leading into the blessed month of Ramadan.
The Sacredness of Fasting in Sha’ban
Fasting in the month of Sha’ban holds immense virtues, carrying unparalleled blessings. Numerous hadiths emphasize the spiritual rewards of fasting during this sacred month. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever fasts for three days at the beginning of Sha’ban, three days in the middle, and three days at the end, will receive the reward equivalent to seventy Prophets. It will be as if he has worshipped Allah for seventy years."
Another narration highlights the beloved nature of Sha’ban to the Prophet ﷺ. Aisha ﵂ reported:
"Among all months, Sha’ban was the most beloved to the Prophet ﷺ. It serves as a shield against Hellfire. If anyone wishes to meet me on the Day of Judgment, let them fast in Sha’ban—even if it is only for three days."
The Prophet ﷺ also advised:
"Prepare your bodies for the fasting of Ramadan by fasting in Sha’ban."
A profound reward is mentioned for those who observe even three days of fasting in Sha’ban while frequently sending Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ before breaking the fast. It is said that Allah will forgive all their sins without exception.
Fasting in Sha’ban: A Shield from the Punishment of the Grave and Hellfire
The significance of fasting in Sha’ban is not only in spiritual elevation but also in securing protection from the torments of the grave and Hellfire. Muhammad ibn As-Sahid narrated an incident about his companion Abu Hafs, who passed away. After eight months, he had not visited his grave. When he finally decided to do so, he had a dream that night.
In his dream, he saw his friend in a terrifying state, his complexion altered. When he greeted him with Salam, there was no response. Surprised, he asked, "Why are you not returning my Salam?"
His friend responded, "Returning Salam is an act of worship, and we (the deceased) are disconnected from worship."
Noticing the frightening change in his friend’s appearance, he inquired, "You were once handsome in this world. What happened to you?"
His friend explained, "When I was placed in the grave, an angel appeared and called out, ‘O wrongdoer!’ The angel began listing all my sins one by one and struck me with a rod of fire. My body began to burn, and my grave itself spoke to me, saying, ‘Do you feel no shame before your Lord?’ The grave then tightened around me until my ribs were crushed and my flesh split apart."
He continued, "This torment continued until the month of Sha’ban arrived. Then, a voice called out, ‘O angel, move away from him, for he had once brought Sha’ban to life by spending a night in worship and fasting for a day in this month.’ Thus, Allah lifted my punishment, and I was granted the glad tidings of Paradise." (Durratus Saliheen)
The Unmatched Rewards of Fasting in Sha’ban
If just one night of worship and one day of fasting in Sha’ban can lead to divine mercy and salvation, one can only imagine the immense rewards awaiting those who dedicate the entire month to fasting and devotion. Sha’ban is not merely a preparation for Ramadan but a month filled with mercy, purification, and countless opportunities for spiritual growth.
Laylatul Bara’ah: The Blessed Night of Mercy
The fifteenth night of Sha’ban, known as Laylatul Bara’ah, is a night of immense blessings and divine mercy. It is known by several names, including Laylatul Bara’ah (The Night of Deliverance), Laylatul Mubarakah (The Blessed Night), Laylatul Qismah wa Taqdeer (The Night of Decree and Destiny), Laylatul Ijabah (The Night of Acceptance), and Laylatul Hayat (The
Night of Life).
The Significance of Laylatul Bara’ah
Abu Hurairah ﵁ narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"On the night of the 15th of Sha’ban, Jibreel ﵇ came to me and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, this is the night when the doors of the heavens and the gates of mercy are opened. So, rise, pray, and raise your hands and face toward the sky.’"
The Prophet ﷺ then asked, "O Jibreel, what night is this?"
Jibreel (AS) replied, "This is the night when 300 gates of mercy are opened. Allah forgives all
His servants except those who associate partners with Him, harbor hatred in their hearts, practice sorcery, consult astrologers, drink intoxicants, commit adultery, consume interest, are disrespectful to their parents, sever family ties, or remain stubborn in their arrogance."
Upon hearing this, the Prophet ﷺ immediately went out, prayed, and wept before Allah.
Laylatul Bara’ah: The Most Virtuous Night After Laylatul Qadr
According to a narration from Atwa’ ibn Yasir (RA), the Prophet ﷺ stated:
"The most blessed night after Laylatul Qadr is the night of the 15th of Sha’ban."
The scholars have mentioned that just as Muslims have two Eid days on earth, the angels in the heavens also have two Eid nights—Laylatul Bara’ah and Laylatul Qadr.
Laylatul Bara’ah is a night to seek Allah’s mercy, engage in worship, and earn immense spiritual rewards. May Allah grant us the ability to make the most of this blessed night.
Ameen.
