Sha'ban, the month people forget
Most of the Prophet's voluntary fasting was in Sha'ban. The month sandwiched between Rajab and Ramadan, often skipped.
Outline
- 1
The Prophet ﷺ fasted Sha'ban more than any other
Aisha said: I never saw the Prophet ﷺ fast a complete month except Ramadan. I never saw him fast more than he did in Sha'ban (Bukhari 1969). It was his preparation month.
- 2
Why people forget
He himself said: it is a month people are heedless of, between Rajab and Ramadan, and deeds are raised in it to the Lord of the worlds. I love that my deeds be raised while I am fasting (Nasa'i 2357).
- 3
Build for Ramadan
If Ramadan is the exam, Sha'ban is the revision. Start the small habits in Sha'ban that you want to be strong in Ramadan. The fasting, the Quran, the night prayer. Coast into the holy month, do not crash into it.
Closing line
Begin one practice this Sha'ban that you intend to hold through Ramadan. Make it small enough to keep.
Aisha (RA) reported: the Prophet's ﷺ khutbahs were of moderate length and his prayers were short (Sahih Muslim 869). Aim for fifteen to twenty minutes. Two sections separated by a brief sitting is the Sunnah pattern.