Meritorious acts in Sha’aban

We are, today by the special grace of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) witnesses to the 3rd day in the month of Sha’aban (1436), the 8th month in the Islamic calendar and second among the four that are considered sacred: the others are Rajab (the 7th), and the three that run consecutively, Dhu al-Qa’dah (the 11th), […]

We are, today by the special grace of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) witnesses to the 3rd day in the month of Sha’aban (1436), the 8th month in the Islamic calendar and second among the four that are considered sacred: the others are Rajab (the 7th), and the three that run consecutively, Dhu al-Qa’dah (the 11th), Dhu al-Hijjah (the 12th) and Muharram (the 1st month of the Hijri calendar).
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also said: “O People! Time has gone back to how it was at the time Allah created the heavens and the earth. A year has 12 months, four of which are sacred, three consecutive, Thul-Qi’dah, Thul-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab, which comes between Jumada and Sha’aban.” – Al-Bukhari.
The sacredness of these months can be traced way back in history to the pagan Arabs who also shelved fighting in them, but been what they were would stagger them to suit their purpose – to have an unfair advantage over the other party. This action of the pagans, called ‘an-nassi’ (postponement [of a sacred month]), is spoken of in the Qur’an thus: “Postponement (of a sacred month) is only an excess of disbelief whereby those who disbelieve are misled, they allow it one year and forbid it (another) year. –   At-Tawbah 9:37.
Of course we know, as Muslims, that all parts of time or places are not the same in Islam. There are various places in the Holy Qur’an supporting this. Allah (SWT) for example, has made Friday more sacred than other days of the week; He has distinguished the Day of Arafah especially for worship as against the other days; the month of Ramadan is distinguished by fasting and has more virtue than other fasts/months. Likewise some parts of the day are designated for daily prayers; some nights are specified for particular worship such as the Lailatul Qadr (Night of Decree).
Allah has similarly honoured al-Haram (the areas surrounding the grand mosque in Makkah) more than any other place? In fact Allah has also chosen some people as His Messengers (may he be pleased with them). It is also said that the second 10 days of Sha’aban are preferred over those of other months because of the 15th night; the first 10 days of Rajab preferred over those of the other months due to the 1st night of the month, and the last 10 days of Ramadan over others due to the Lailatul Qadr.
The sacred month of Sha’aban is known as the month of supplementary fasting. Umma Salama explains that the Prophet used to observe supplementary fasting for almost the entire month of Sha’aban. -Abu Dawood.
Also, the blessed companion of the Prophet, Anas, RA, reports that the Prophet (SAW), was asked, “Which fast is the most meritorious after the fast of Ramadan and that he (SAW) replied: “Fast of Sha’aban in honour of Ramadan.”
So, as we tick off the days of this meritorious month and strive to redouble effort in fasting and prayers seeking Allah’s blessing and bounties, we should be conscious of the caution from scholars against modes of worship with weak or fabricated sources, like that recommending praying 100 raka’ats of nafl salat or other such innovations.
The Prophet (SAW) has also cautioned: “Do not precede the month of Ramadan with one or two fasts.” This is in order not to weaken one’s body before the more important, compulsory Ramadan fast.
Fasting  Sha’aban is certainly not obligatory but it is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not like to miss it. Usama ibn Zaid (RA) reports that he asked the Prophet (SAW): “Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha’aban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month.” The Prophet replied that: “It (Sha’aban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.”
Similarly Ummul-Mu’mineen Aisha (RA), is reported to have said: “Once Prophet Muhammad (SAW) performed the Salat of the night (Tahajjud) and made a very long Sajdah until I feared that he had passed away. When I saw this, I rose (from my bed) and moved his thumb (to ascertain whether he is alive). The thumb moved, and I returned (to my place).”
In the course of the great month of Sha’aban therefore, it is recommended that we fast many of the days, not all of the month, as was observed of the Prophet (SAW); perform the night prayer, reading the surahs we best can; engage in recitation (tilawa) of the Holy Qur’an; saying salawat abundantly on the on Prophet and supplications (dua) to Allah (SWT) on ourselves, parents, children and ummah in general.
As we transit through the month, therefore, occupying our time with obedience to Allah (SWT), seeking his blessing and intervention in all aspects of our lives here the hereafter, the month also provides the opportunity for du’a for success in the change that Nigerians prayed for so that the citizenry enjoy peace, dignity, ethnic, religious  tolerance and societal progress.
We must bear in mind and reflect in it our attitudes and relationships that:“Wrongdoing during the sacred months is more serious and more sinful that wrongdoing at any other time; that wrongdoing at all times is a serious matter, but Allah (SWT) gives more weight to whichever of His commands He wants….” -Ibn Kathir.