Why Fast in Shaaban?

Someone sent this question: “What are the benefits of fasting Sha’aban? What does the word Sha’aban mean? What is the significance of the month of Sha’aban?”

The answer to your question is mentioned in the noble hadiths (sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings upon him).

The month of Shaaban (the month before Ramadan) is significant because it is the month wherein our deeds are  presented to Allah Almighty.

Usamah bin Zaid (a companion of the Prophet) said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Shaban.’ He said: ‘That is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are taken to the Lord of the worlds – this means to an honorable place and not to a place where Allah exists, because Allah doesn’t resemble creatures, Allah exists without place-, and I like that my deeds be taken up when I am fasting.’ (Sunan an-Nasa’i- emphasis added)

The Virtue of Fasting

Of course the virtue of fasting is enormous and it is one of the beloved and most rewarding deeds by Allah Almighty.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: (Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk. (Sahih Al Bukhari)

With regards to fasting in Shaaban, ‘Aishah (the prophet’s wife) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not observe voluntary saum (fasting) so frequently during any other month as he did during Shaaban. He observed saum throughout the month of Shaaban. Another narration is: He (peace be upon him) observed saum during the whole month of Shaaban except a few days. (Al- Bukhari and Muslim)

With regards to the name of the month, it comes from the Arabic word “sha’ab” which could mean disperse. It is said that after the sacred month of Rajab, Arabs in Shaaban used to disperse in search for water or invasions. There could be other meanings. And Allah knows best.

I hope this helps answer your questions. Please keep in touch.