Thursday, March 26, 2020, the First Day of Shaban 1441 A.H., Continuation of the Special Spiritual Season
Thursday, March 26, 2020 will be the first day of the month of Shaban 1441 A.H., the eight month of the Islamic calendar. Shaban is the continuation of the special spiritual season for all Muslims and the month before Ramadan. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) is reported to have said, “Shaban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my people’’.
Many traditions have been reported about the merits of the month of Shaban. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) used to fast during this month and encouraged others to imitate him by connecting the fasting of this month with the obligatory fasting of Ramadan.
Moreover, there are several important days and nights in this month that is recommended to do special prayers and fasting. These days are as follows:
First Night and Day of Shaban. Much emphasis has been paid on fasting on the first day of Shaban.
Thursdays of Shaban. It is recommended to do special prayers and give blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household.
Third of Shaban. Birthday of Imam Hussain (as) and it is recommended to fast and to do special prayers.
Fifth of Shaban. Birthday of Imam Sajjad (as), it is recommended to do special prayers.
15th of Shaban. Birthday of Imam Mahdi (as) and it is highly recommended to read Quran, do the special prayers and invocations for the entire night until dawn.
Last Days and Last Night of Shaban. It is highly recommended to fast the last three days of Shaban.
There are several practices that are recommended for Shaban. These are as follows:
Worships and Supplications - Imams and scholars throughout our history have affirmed the virtues and benefits of worship in this month. These prayers help us to develop our spirituality and strengthen our relationship with God. Please refer to various prayer books and online resources such as duas.org for special prayers and supplication for these months.
Asking for Forgiveness – On every day of Shaban, it is highly recommended to say certain invocations, especially those seeking forgiveness. According to several traditions, it is greatly encouraged to ask Almighty God for forgiveness seventy times a day. It is highly recommended to say Astaghfirullaha wa asʾaluhu al-tawba, the translation is “I seek God’s forgiveness and I beseech His repentance” after the daily prayers and throughout the day. Sincere repentance from our sins purifies the soul and makes us more compassionate toward others. If others have wronged us, and we are still holding grudges against them, we should forgive them. If we are merciful toward others, inshallah, God will be merciful to us.
Fasting – Fasting is highly recommended during Shaban. It is reported that Imam Ali (as), the Commander of the Faithful, saying: “Any one who fasts during Shaban for the love of the Messenger of Allah to seek nearness to Almighty Allah, Almighty Allah will love him, and draw him nearer to Himself on the Day of Resurrection, and definitely reward him with Paradise.”
Invocations of Blessings upon the Prophet and his Household - During the month of Shaban, it is highly recommended to invoke Almighty Allah’s blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household (Ahl al-Bayt) as much as possible.
Charity - Because Shaban is described by some traditions as the springtime of the poor, it is highly recommended to give as much charity and alms as possible during this month.