the month of shaban

After Rajab, Shaaban is the second month of Ibadah (worship) in order to make preparations for the grand and majestic month of Ramadhan - the month of Allah (SWT).

The Holy Prophet (saww) has said: "Shaaban is my month".

This is the month of asking for forgiveness of sins, giving alms, charity and fasting. The Holy Prophet (saww) used to observe fasts during the whole month. Imam Ali ibn al-Hussein (as) has said: "Whosoever is in love with Prophet, wishes to seek nearness to Allah (SWT) and receive His bounties, favours and rewards in this world and in the hereafter, must connect Shaaban with Ramadhan in the matter of fasting and special prayers".

It is also reported from the Holy Prophet (saww), "Whosoever observes nine fasts in the whole month of Shaaban should not fear the interrogation of Munkar and Nakeer. Whosoever observes twelve fasts in the month of Shaaban, 70,000 angels will descend over his/her grave on the first night of his burial, the night of Wahshah, to remove his/her fear and loneliness".

Recommended Fasts:

1st, 2nd and 3rd of Shaaban. 1st Thursday, Mid-Wednesday and last Thursday of Shaaban. 13th, 14th and 15th of Shaaban.

Any Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Shaaban. The last three days of Shaaban to connect with the Holy month of Ramadhan.

Other Aamal:

Recite everyday 70 times: Astaghfirullaha wa as-aluhut Tawbah (I seek forgiveness from Allah and beseech Him repentant).

Recite everyday 70 times: Astaghfirullahal Ladhee Laa ilaaha illa Huwar-Rahmanur-Raheemul-Hayyul-Qayyoomu wa Atoobu ilaihi (I seek forgiveness of Allah who is "There is no god save He", the Beneficent, the Merciful, the Ever-living, the Eternal and I turn repentant to Him).

Give as much Sadaqah (alms) as possible.

Recite Salawaat as many times as possible on the Holy Prophet (saww).

Recite 1000 times the following Dhikr within the month i.e. divide it throughout the month of Shaaban:

Laa ilaaha illallahu walaa Na'budu illa iyyaahu Mukhliseena Lahud-deen walau karihal-mushrikoon (There is no god save Allah, we do not worship save Him, making religion pure for Him only, however much the disbelievers be averse).😉