Sunnah Of Shaban
Thomas Merino
I wanted to be roza/fast during the last 3 days of shaban and just continue fasting all through ramadhan inshallah. but then i read somewhere that this is not good and that you should seperate your shaban fasts from your ramadhan fasts.
You don't need to separate them out in terms of performance, but you do need to so in terms of intention. Tha t is, you are not to count your month of Sha`ban fasts as being fasts of the month of Ramadhan (I mean of the coming month, not qadha fasts from before in which case it's ok to do so). So for instance, say it's the 29th of Sha`ban, but your unsure as to whether the moon for the next month has been sighted. You cannot fast the next day with the intention of it actually being the month of Ramadhan (unless you later find out it is in fact the month, see below for explanation). You can fast mind you, but not with that particular intention. As Sayyid Sistani's Tawzih says:
1578. If it is doubtful whether it is the last day of Sha'ban or the first of Ramadhan, and a person observes a qadha or a Mustahab fast or some other fast on that day, and later comes to know the same day that it is the first of Ramadhan, then he should convert the intention to the Ramadhan fast.
Sayyid al-Khoe'i's fatwa was a little different on 1577, in that he did not allow for the if it's the month of Ramadhan, it's a month of Ramadhan fast, if it's not the month of Ramadhan, it's a qadha fast or some other fast intention:
1578. If it is doubtful whether it is the last day of Sha'ban or the first of Ramazan, and a man or woman observes a lapsed fast or recommended or some other fast on that day, and he/she comes to know the same day that it is the first of Ramazan then he/she should change the intention to the Ramazan fast.
It's very good to start fasting early, so you can get used to fasting the Month of Ramadan (when it so begins). The first day of fasting a lot of people find it the most difficult. It's the transition we must learn to overcome.
Islamic months were named according to the seasons, war or both. The word Shaʿbān (or Shaʿbaan; shaban in arabic is written as شَعْبَان) comes from the root letters ش ع ب which mean to gather/rally, disperse, spread out, or go in different directions. The Arabs used to branch out and disperse during this month to look for water. They would carve out wells for their water supply. In this month, people would pick up their arms again, prepare and join each other (as fighting was prohibited in Rajab.)
Our beloved prophet used to fast most of the Shaban month for its virtues and significance in the eyes of Allah. Also, he encouraged us to follow his teaching and try to fast, recite Quran, give our Sadaqat, and do all kinds of good deeds in this month.
Shaban month is the month of preparation for Ramadan. During this month Muslims prepare themselves for the holy month of Ramadan. By fasting, reciting duas, and Azkar, giving Sadaqat, and doing all kinds of good work. Therefore, Shaban Arabic month is one of the most beloved months to Muslims and it carries a special place in their hearts.
Some Muslim scholars have reported that the change of Qibla (the direction towards which we pray) occurred during the month of Rajab or Shaʿbān in the 2nd year after the Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah). And Allah SWT knows best.
Known as the season of spiritual attainment, these months can also be considered a time of opportunity to build some good habits. Auliya-Allah defined these months as the season of spiritual harvest.
Giving gifts: Especially on holy nights such as Laylat al-Raghaib, al-Baraat and al-Miraj, small gifts can be given to children to make these blessed months feel special. Children can also be encouraged to give gifts to their friends.
Fasting: Another important deed recommended in this blessed season is fasting. Using the benefits of these sacred months, one can try to make a habit of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, on Ayyam al-Biyd and also at the beginning, middle and end of each month. This was the sunnah of Rasulullah (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ).
Charity: The reward for helping the needy increases during these days. Besides providing food and clothing to those in need, you can also donate your time and become a volunteer at your local mosque or community center.
May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to use this season of spiritual blessings as an opportunity. May He (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) accept our ibadah, and enable us to live our lives according to His Pleasure.
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