Why Is Sha'ban Called the "Neglected Month"?
Sha'ban sits between Rajab and Ramadan, and a hadith describes it as a month overlooked by many people, despite its own significance.
“That (Sha'ban) 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.”
This narration gives a special reverence to fasting in Sha'ban. Fasting is one of the most concealed forms of worship, seen only between a person and their Lord, which is perhaps why the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is commonly reported to have fasted more in Sha'ban than in any month besides Ramadan.
Why Did the Prophet (SAW) Fast So Often in Sha'ban?
Our Mother Aisha (RA) once asked the Prophet (SAW) directly: "Messenger of Allah, is Sha'ban your most favourite month for fasting?" He replied, "In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting."
Taken together, these two narrations show that Sha'ban is a month in which parts of a person's destiny are written, and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) advised being in a good state before Allah (SWT) as this takes place.
How Did Aisha (RA) Use Sha'ban to Prepare for Ramadan?
Aisha (RA) is reported to have used Sha'ban to make up fasting days she still owed from previous years.
“I would not make up what was due upon me from Ramadan except in Sha'ban, until the Messenger of Allah died.”
Fasting in Sha'ban is not obligatory, but these reports show it was clearly valued by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), who was not reported to miss it. Beyond keeping this Sunnah alive, Sha'ban is also the ideal month to mentally and physically prepare for Ramadan, entering it with any owed fasts already settled. This is of particular relevance to women who may have accumulated fasts to make up as a result of menstruation, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fasting in Sha'ban obligatory?
No. It is voluntary, but it is a practice the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is widely reported to have observed regularly.
Why is Sha'ban a good time to make up missed Ramadan fasts?
Because it directly precedes Ramadan, following Aisha's (RA) own practice of settling any owed fasts in Sha'ban before the next Ramadan began.
What is significant about deeds being "raised" in Sha'ban?
A hadith describes Sha'ban as the month in which an account of human deeds is presented before Allah, which is why the Prophet (SAW) expressed a wish for his own deeds to be presented while he was fasting.
