Did You Miss Your Fasts Last Ramadan?
Everyone is eager and excited for Ramadan, but in that eagerness, Sha’ban often gets overlooked as it falls between the sacred month of Rajab and the blessed Ramadan. Yet, Sha’ban holds its own significance as it is the month that our yearly deeds are raised up to heaven.
On the Authority of Usamah ibn Zain(ra) said “I said, O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as Sha’ban.”
And He(SAW) said:
“That is a month that people neglect, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which actions are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I love for my actions to be raised while I am fasting.”
Sha’ban presents the perfect opportunity to make up fast and revive the forgotten sunnah of fasting during Sha’ban.
Whether voluntary or during Ramadan, fasting offers numerous benefits, enhancing physical well-being, fostering a healthier relationship with food, and cultivating gratitude and mindfulness of Allah (SWT). It brings focus to our daily lives and community and serves as a shield against the Hellfire. Its ultimate reward lies with Allah in the Hereafter!
In a hadith qudsi, Allah (SWT) said through the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied between ten and seven hundred times. Allah(SAW), said: Except fasting. It is for Me and I shall reward for it. He who gives up his desires and his food for My sake.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1151)
As Ramadan approaches, let's unite in our endeavor to increase voluntary fasts on Sunnah days like the Three Bright Days. These days, Mondays and Thursdays, hold importance as our weekly deeds are raised and presented to Allah SWT. Additionally, you can fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Islamic calendar, the days the moon is the brightest, during the month of Sha’ban.
