Shaban is the month preceding Ramadhan

BUKHARI, 3, Book 31, Number 133: Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (S) said, “Start fasting on seeing the crescent (of Ramadan), and give up fasting on seeing the crescent (of Shawwal), and if the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete thirty days of Sha’ban.”

Fasting in Shaban?

The month of Sha`ban is a beloved month for Muslims, for it precedes the month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have observed optional fasting in this month more than in any other month (except Ramadan). He used to fast most of Sha`ban:

Narrated that Abu Salamah said: “I asked ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) about the fasting of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and she said: ‘He used to fast until we thought that he would always fast, then he would not fast until we thought that he would always not fast, but I never saw him fast in any month more than he fasted in Sha’baan. He used to fast all of Sha’baan, and he used to fast all of Sha’baan apart from a few days.’” [Muslim (1156)]

This was a kind of self-preparation for the coming of Ramadan; that is, to act as some sort of girding oneself for Ramadan. But there is no textual evidence that there are specific days in Sha`ban in which fasting is commendable. It is, by and large, impermissible for one to prefer certain days to observe voluntary fasting or certain nights to perform Night Prayers, lacking any juristic basis for that action (from Quran or Hadith). Religious acts are not left for man’s whims. Rather, they are subject to Divine legislation and specifying certain times and places for worship and the description of different acts of worship are the matters of the Divine (Allah), not that of human.

There is nothing wrong with one increasing his fasting in the days during Sha’ban, as this is emulating the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)…. it is considered highly recommended to fast in the early part of Sha`ban and stop fasting the last few days of the month, as long as it does not involve any hardship/or one does not specify certain dates/or worship.

Evidence from the Sunnah, for ways the prophet (sa) fasted

Fasting the middle 3 days of each month:

Something that is clear is that it has been made permissible for a person to fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every month; as the prophet Muhammad (sa) had recommended.

He also used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays:

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to fast on Monday and Thursday. On being asked about that the Prophet said: “Deeds are presented on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim or every believer, except for those who are forsaking each other. He says [about them]: ‘Leave them.’ ” (Reported by Ahmad with authentic chain of narrators)

And sometimes used to fast every alternate day, following the pattern of Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him):

He (sa) said: “The best way of fasting in Allah’s sight is that of Dawud, who used to observe fasting every alternate day.”

Our deeds are presented to Allah in Shabaan

There is an authentic hadith which states:

Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with both of them) was reported to have said that he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “I have not seen you observe additional fast during any month [other than Ramadan] as you do in Sha`ban?”

He (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, “This is a month that people usually forget about between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which people’s deeds are presented to Allah, so I like that my deeds are presented while I am fasting” (An-Nasa’i).

Therefore it is recommended to do acts of ibadah throughout this month (but not by specifing certain dates,time,or actions) in hope for our goods deeds to be presented to Allah while in the remembrance of him.

NOTE: the Hadith did not single out 15th of Shaban, rather it said he fasted the days of Shaban.

Singling out 15th of Shaban to fast or to do acts of worship on that night – Is it from the Sunnah?!?!?!

Shedding light on the question “whether it is allowed to specify the 15th of Sha`ban with some acts of worship or not”:

There is nothing firm nor reliable established on the authority of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), that he did or recommend extra worship during the night of the 15th of Sha`ban. So, the night of the 15th of Sha`ban is like any other night in the month of Sha’ban.

When specifying a time for any act of worship requires an authentic proof (from quran or authentic hadith), because if there is no authentic proof then the act is regarded as an innovation and all innovations are misguidance, and all misguidance will be in the hellfire. So the one who does single out the 15th night of Sha’baan and does particular acts of worship with the intention that this is a special night with much reward/etc, i.e. reciting certain parts of the Qur’an or making (particular) supplications has committed an innovation as this has no basis for this in Sharee’ah; but if one does so seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT and it just happens to fall on that night then Allah knows what your intention was. One should strive to worship Allah all year round; and not specify days to worship Him that have not been established in the Sharee’ah, but rather stick to those days that have evidence to back them up.

May Allah protect us from falling into that which causes Him displeasure…aameen

What is an Innovation (Bid’aa)?

The Sharee’ah definition of bid’ah is: “A newly invented way (in beliefs and actions) in the religion, in imitation of the Sharee’ah, by which nearness to Allaah is sought, not being supported by any authentic proof, neither in it’s foundations nor in the manner in which it is performed.” [al-I'tisaam 1/231 of ash-Shaatibee]

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) said: “I warn you of the newly invented matters (in the religion), and every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire” [An-Nasa'ee]

He (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) used to declare at the beginning of his lectures, “….and the best speech is the Speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (sallallhu alahi wa-sallam), and the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion)” [Saheeh Muslim]

And he (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) also commanded us, to reject everything, which has no basis in the religion saying: “Whosoever does an action, which we have not commanded then it must be rejected.” [Saheeh Muslim]

“Whosoever introduces into this religion of ours that which is not a part of it then it must be rejected” [Musnad Ahmad]

So regarding specifically fasting during the 15th of Sha`ban or any other month, if there is no (authentic) proof established on the authority of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) or from the Quran to indicate the legality of fasting on that particular day — It shall be rejected by Allah SWT.

NOTE: There are many Hadith stating to do such acts of worship on the 15th of Sha’baan – but the scholars of Hadeeth have stated they are weak, not authentic and/or they were never narrated from our prophet (sa).

THE EXCEPTION — For the one who regularly does acts of worship

If someone regularly observes acts of worship e.g. during the nights OR regularly fasts in the middle of the month/etc, then they may prayer on this night without assuming anything special (i.e. because of it being the night of the 15th of Sha`ban), and continue his worship as he usually does. May ALLAH SWT reward them and increase them in goodness,ameen.

CONCLUSION

1. To conclude, it can clearly be analysed that the 15th of Shabaan is just like any other day in the month of Sha’ban, as there is no authentic hadith which calls upon Muslims to perform special prayers, fasting, dhikr or particular worship on that day.

2. However, we cannot stop people from performing nawafil at any time; for nawafil are simply optional prayers; except for those times when prayers are forbidden.

3. But these nawafil must not be done only on a specific day with the intentions claiming it will bring certain blessings (that the Sharee’ah has not authorized), this is when it becomes innovation and Allah hates innovation! (aou’thubillah), we must realise when one innovates they are saying Allah SWT did not complete this religion for us, when He SWT has told us He has in the Quran. When we specifiy a certain time, place, quantity or method of worship – we must be able to bring forth the evidence. If no evidence can be found, and if after consulting the people of knowledge they verify this act has no basis from the Sharee’ah and one continues with the act, then they have committed this serious grave sin and must repent immediatley.

May Allah accept our repentance, for Allah surely is The One who forgives all sins nomatter how big or small.

“This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion” (5:4)

4. Those who wish to spend this night in Ibadah (worship), please do so and to do so in other nights – inshAllah they will get rewards for such deeds. But one should not to single out this day, as this particular night is not a special night that warrants people staying up all night.

A REMINDER – Shaban is a month when Ayesha(RA) offered missed Fasts from last ramadan

If you still have to make up any missed obligatory fasts of last Ramadaan, then hasten to make up them before the next Ramadaan arrives. It is not permissible to delay missed fasts until after the following Ramadaan, except in cases of necessity (such as a valid excuse that continues between the two Ramadaan). Aa’ishah (radhi allahu anha) says, ‘It used to be that I had days to make up for Ramadaan and I would not be able to do so except in Shabaan.’ [Saheeh al-Bukharee] Anybody who is able to make up the missed fasts before the (second) Ramadaan and does not do so has to make them up after the (second) Ramadaan and in addition, he should repent and feed one poor person for each day that was missed.

We gots to stick to the sunnah

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example to follow for him, who hopes in (the meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much” [(33): 21]

We need to stick to the sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (sa), and not be so quick to let it go. For it is by sticking to his sunnah and his alone, that will save us from the hellfire.

“And whosoever contends with the Messenger after guidance has been made clear to him, and follows a way other than the way of the believers, We shall leave in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell, what an evil destination!” (4:115)

Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be please with him) reported that the Prophet s.a.w said: “All of my Ummah will enter Paradise except those that refuse. Those who were with him (the Sahaabah) said, “And who will refuse?” He s.a.w said: Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise and whoever disobeys me will have refused.” (Sahih Al- Bukhari)

The Messenger of Allaah said, “I have left behind me two things, if you cling to them you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah” (al-Haakim)

JazaakAllahu khairan katheeran

All praise is due to Allah alone. All good is from Allah, while any wrong is from myself. And I ask Allah in His infinite mercy to forgive me my sins, Ameen.

SOURCES

Article written by Dr Khalid Khan

http://www.drkhalid.co.uk/ShabiBaraat.php

IslamBradford Article

http://islambradford.com/articles/2853

Islam Online – Question answered by Sheikh Uthaymeen

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503544540&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FFatwaEAskTheScholar

SunnahFollowersNet Tawheed Classes

http://sunnahfollowers.net

Is there any special virtue in fasting during the month of Rajab?

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

The month of Rajab is one of the sacred months of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, the number of months with Allaah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allaah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). That is the right religion, so wrong not yourselves therein”

[al-Tawbah 9:36]

The sacred months are: Rajab, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram.

Al-Bukhaari (4662) and Muslim (1679) narrated from Abu Bakrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The year is twelve months, of which four are sacred: three consecutive months, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, and Rajab Mudar which comes between Jumaada and Sha’baan.

These months are called sacred for two reasons:

1- Because fighting therein is forbidden unless initiated by the enemy

2- Because transgression of the sacred limits therein is worse than at other times.

Hence Allaah has forbidden us to commit sins during these months, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“wrong not yourselves therein”

[al-Tawbah 9:36]

Although committing sins is haraam and forbidden during these months and at other times, in these months it is more forbidden.

Al-Sa’di (may Allaah have mercy on him) said (p. 373):

In the phrase “wrong not yourselves therein”, the pronoun may be understood as referring to twelve months. Allaah states that He has made them a measure of time for His slaves, which they may use for worshipping Him, and thank Allaah for His blessings, and they serve the interests of His slaves, so beware of wronging yourselves therein.

The pronoun may also be understood as referring to the four sacred months, and this forbids them to wrong themselves in those months in particular, as well as it being forbidden to do wrong at all times, because it is more forbidden at this time, but it is worse at this time than at others. End quote.

Secondly:

With regard to fasting the month of Rajab, there is no saheeh hadeeth to indicate that there is any special virtue in fasting all or part of this month.

What some people do, singling out some days of Rajab for fasting, believing that they are better than others, has no basis in sharee’ah.

But there is a report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) which indicates that it is mustahabb to fast during the sacred months (and Rajab is one of the sacred months). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Fast some days of the sacred months and not others.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2428; classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef Abi Dawood.

Even if this hadeeth were saheeh, it indicates that it is mustahabb to fast during the sacred months. So if a person fasts during Rajab because of this, and he also fasts in the other sacred months, there is nothing wrong with that. But singling out Rajab for fasting is not right.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (25/290):

As for fasting in Rajab in particular, the ahaadeeth concerning that are all da’eef (weak), and in fact mawdoo’ (fabricated). The scholars do not rely on any of them. They are not among the da’eef ahaadeeth which have been narrated concerning virtues, rather most of them are fabricated and false. In al-Musnad and elsewhere there is a hadeeth which says that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined fasting the sacred months, namely Rajab, Dhu’l-Qa’dah, Dhu’l-Hijjah and Muharram, but this has to do with fasting during all of them, not just Rajab. End quote.

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Every hadeeth which mentions fasting in Rajab and praying during some of its nights is false and fabricated.” End quote from al-Manaar al-Muneef, p. 96

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said in Tabyeen al-‘Ajab (p. 11)

There is no saheeh hadeeth that would count as evidence which speaks of the virtue of the month of Rajab, or that speaks of fasting this month or part of it, or of spending any particular night of it in prayer.

Shaykh Sayyid Saabiq (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Fiqh al-Sunnah (1/282):

Fasting in Rajab is no better than fasting in any other month, except that it is one of the sacred months. There is no report in the saheeh Sunnah to suggest that there is anything special about fasting in this month. Whatever has been narrated concerning that is not fit to be quoted as evidence. End quote.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer. He replied:

Fasting on the twenty-seventh of Rajab and spending that night in prayer is a bid’ah (innovation), and every bid’ah is a going astray. End quote.

Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 20/440.

Source: http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/75394

Bid`aa/Innovation (Part 1/7) – Introduction

Bid`aa/Innovation (Part 2/7)

Bid`aa/Innovation (Part 3/7)

Bid`aa/Innovation (Part 4/7)

Bid`aa/Innovation (Part 5/7) – Common Innovations

Bid`aa/Innovation (Part 6/7) – Sticking to the Sunnah

Bid`aa/Innovation (Part 7/7) – Final Exam

Asalaamualaykumm,

Subhaanallah i think its that time of the year again, where unfortunatley many of the Muslims around the world will induldge in the innovation of celebrating the Prophet (s)’s birthday, which has become so widespread, it seems the ‘norm’. We need to remember, that if we love our Prophet Muhammad (s), to show this love — we simply follow his sunnah; thats our ticket to paradise! & He (s) has never instructed us to celebrate his birthday,nor did his companions who loved him more than we ever could..

May Allah protect us from ignorance, increase us in knowledge, guide us and keep us all upon the sunnah, and not fall into the evils of innovation. Ameen

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: “I warn you of the newly invented matters (in the religion), and every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire” [An-Nasa'ee]

Below is all the daleel (authentic evidence, from the Qur’aan and Hadith) explaning why we are not allowed to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (sa) birthday – as many sadly claim is ok.

• Ruling on Celebrating the Birthday of the Prophet By Shaykh Sâlih ibn Fawzân al-Fawzân
• The Ruling Concerning Celebrating Milaadun Nabee By Shaykh ‘Abdul-Azeez bin Baaz
• The Evils of Innovation
• Why cant we celebrate Birthdays?
• Good Bid’ah by Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Uthaymeen
• Celebrating the Prophet (sa) B’day

^Bilal Philips