Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, the First Day of Sha’ban 1445 A.H., Continuation of the Special Spiritual Season

Sunday, February 11, 2024, is the first day of the month of Sha’ban 1445 A.H., the 8th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Sha’ban 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, “Sha’ban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my people’’.

Many traditions have been reported about the merits of the month of Sha’ban. 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 are recommended to do special prayers and fasting. These days are as follows:

  • First Night and Day of Sha’ban. Fasting on the first day of Sha’ban.

  • Thursdays of Shaban. It is recommended to do special prayers and send blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household.

  • Third of Sha’ban. Birthday of Imam Hussain (as), and it is recommended to fast and to do special prayers.

  • Fifth of Sha’ban. Birthday of Imam Sajjad (as), it is recommended to do special prayers.

  • 15th of Sha’ban. Birthday of Imam Mahdi (as), and it is highly recommended to read the Quran, and 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 for special prayers and supplication for these months.

  • Asking for Forgiveness – On every day of Sha’ban, it is highly recommended to say certain invocations, especially those seeking forgiveness. According to several traditions, asking Almighty God for forgiveness seventy times a day is greatly encouraged. It is highly recommended to say Astaghfirullah 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 Sha’ban. It is reported that Imam Ali (as), the Commander of the Faithful, said: “Anyone 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 Sha’ban, 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 Sha’ban 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.

ReligiousICCNC