Lesser-known merits of Sha'ban, the neglected month

Here are all the merits andevents that make Sha'ban a momentous month...

Sha'ban has always been a 'neglected month', since it gets overshadowed by the significant months of Rajab and Ramadan. However, Sha'ban is an auspicious month with several important events and opportunities to maximise our righteous deeds. Sha'ban is filled with opportunities to seek Allah's mercy and to draw closer to the Prophet (saw).

Here are some historically momentous events that took place during Sha'ban which deserve to be commemorated...

The Miracle of the Moon Splitting
Shaykh Al-Habib Abu Bakr Al-Adniy bin Ali Al-Masyhur reports that the incident of splitting the moon took place in Sha'ban. The disbelievers amongst the Quraysh demanded the Prophet to prove his Prophethood using a miracle. In response, the Prophet split the moon with the permission of Allah.

A hadith [Bukhari]reported by Anas bin Malik in Sahih Bukhari speaks of this event:The people of Makkah asked Allah's Messenger (saw) to show them a miracle. So, he showed them the moon split in two halves between which they saw the Hira' mountain [the Mountain of Light]. “The splitting of the moon was one of the most notable events in the life of the Messenger. The Qu'ran also refers to it in the first verse of chapter 54:The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].”

The Change in Qiblah
The first Qiblah of the Muslims was Masjid Al-Aqsa Al-Mubarakah. However, while the Prophet (saw) was living in Madinah, the following ayah was revealed:

“We certainly see you turning your face about in the sky. We will surely turn you to a Qiblah of your liking: so, turn your face towards Al-Masjid Al-Haram, and wherever you may be, turn your faces towards it! Indeed, those who were given the Book surely know that it is the truth from their Lord. And Allah is not oblivious of what they do.”[The Noble Qur'an, 2:144]

SeveralIslamic scholars conclude that the command to change the direction of prayer occurred during the month of Sha'ban. SubhanAllah, the Prophet (saw) kept wishing he could face the first House of Allah (swt) while he was praying, but it was impossible to face both the Ka'bah and Masjid Al-Aqsa while he was living in Madinah. So, Allah changed the Qiblah for him and his Ummah.

Ayah commanding Salawat in the month of the Prophet:
During Sha'ban, Muslims were commanded to send Salawat upon the Prophet (saw). The famous verse commanding people to send blessings upon the Prophet was revealed in Sha'ban.

“Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe! Call down blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation.”[33:56]Sha'bantherefore is the month of the Prophet (saw) and we should take advantage of this opportunity to draw closer to him.

The Prophet (saw) said, 'The person closest to me on the Day of Judgement is the one who sent the most Blessings [Salawat] upon me'. [Tirmidhi]

The best etiquette for making du'aalso is to begin by praising Allah and then sending Salawat upon the Prophet (saw).

Sadaqah in Sha'ban:
The reward for charity or Sadaqahis tenfold in Sha'ban. If you have any charitable deeds or projects in mind, now is the time to start planning them.
Whilst donating money to help those in need is one way to go, you can also consider the following charitable deeds:

• Sponsor an orphan
• Build a home
• Help provide utility kits and essentials
• Help provide healthcare and food packages
• Volunteer opportunities

15th Night of Sha'ban:
15th night of Sha'banor Shab-e-Barat is one of the greatest nights of the Islamic year, and every Muslim wants to make the most of its blessings. It is a night for seeking forgiveness from Allah and making du'a, and a night upon which He showers His mercy and generosity upon the world.

May Allah accept all our efforts during Sha'ban. May He bless us and help us increase our worship, and may He allow us to draw closer to Him and His Messenger (saw) during this time, Ameen.

Keywords: Importance of Sha'ban, opportunities to seek Allah's mercy, 15th Sha'ban, Sadaqah, volunteer opportunities, sending salawat on the prophet