Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

SECOND CHAPTER: IMPORTANCE AND AMAAL OF THE MONTH OF SHABAN

IMPORTANCE OF THE MONTH OF SHABAN

This holy month is ascribed to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) who used to observe fasting in it and connect it to the obligatory fasting of Ramadan. He (s.a.w.a.) used to say, “Sha’ban is my month; hence, Paradise will be incumbently decided for one who observes fasting on one day of my month.”

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (‘a) is reported to have said: Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-’Abidin (‘a) used to gather all his companions at the beginning of Sha’ban and say to them, “O my companions, do you known what this month is? It is Sha’ban. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) used to say, ‘Sha’ban is my month.’ You should thus fast in this month as a sign of your love for your Prophet and as a sign of seeking nearness to your Lord. I swear by Him Who grasps my soul in His Hand, I heard my father, al-Husayn (‘a) saying that he heard Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, saying, ‘As for anyone who observes fasting in Sha’ban for the love of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) and for seeking nearness to Almighty Allah, Almighty Allah will love him, draw him near to His honor on the Resurrection Day, and decide Paradise for him incumbently.’

Shaykh al-Tusi has narrated on the authority of Safwan al-Jammal that Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) instructed him to urge all people he knew to observe fasting in Sha’ban. “May Allah accept me as ransom for you! There is a reason for this instruction. Is there not?” asked Safwan al-Jammal. Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) answered, “Yes, there is. When his eyes fell on the new moon of Sha’ban, the Messenger of Allah (a.s.) ordered a spokesman to declare the following to the people of al-Madinah: O people of Yathrib! I am the messenger of Allah’s Messenger to you all (carrying this message). Verily, Sha’ban is my month; therefore, may Allah have mercy upon him who helps me undertake my month.” Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) then added, “Ameer al-Momineen (Imam Ali) used to say, ‘I have never missed the fasting in Sha’ban since I heard the call of the Messenger of Allah in Sha’ban. Furthermore, I shall never miss it so long as I am alive, God willing.’”

Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) further said, “To fast in two consecutive months is repentance before Almighty Allah.”

Isma’il ibn ‘Abd al-Khaliq narrated that when the subject of observing fasting in Sha’ban was once discussed in the presence of him, Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) said, “The merits of observing fasting in Sha’ban are so great that even one who sheds inviolable blood is expected to be forgiven.”

The recommended rites of Sha’ban are divided into two parts: general and particular. The general rites are those which are advisedly practiced each day in the month without distinction, while the particular rites are dedicated to certain days and nights in this month.

GENERAL AAMAL IN SHABAN

First: It is recommended to say the following imploration for forgiveness seventy times each day in Sha’ban:

اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ وَ اَسْاَلُهُ التَّوْبَةَ

Second: It is recommended to recite the following imploration for forgiveness seventy times each day in Sha’ban:

اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللّٰهَ الَّذِي لا اِلَهَ اِلا هُوَ الرَّحْمَنُ الرَّحِيمُ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ وَ اَتُوبُ اِلَيْهِ.

However, some narrations have mentioned this imploration with some difference in the order of the statements, by preceding the phrase, “alhayyu alqayyumu” to “arrahmanu arrahimu”. At any rate, any form of the supplication is acceptable.

According to narrations, the best words that are advisably said in Sha’ban are the implorations for the forgiveness of Almighty Allah (i.e. istighfar). Hence, to implore for Almighty Allah’s forgiveness seventy times a day in Sha’ban is equal to imploring for His forgiveness seventy thousand times a day in the other months.

Third: It is recommended to give alms in this month even if it is as small as a half date. Almsgiving in this month brings about rescue from Hellfire. In this respect, it has been narrated that when Imam al-Sadiq(a.s.) was asked about the merits of observing fasting in Rajab, he answered, “Why do you not ask about the merits of observing fasting in Sha’ban?” “What is then the reward of one who observes fasting on one day in Sha’ban?” asked the narrator. The Imam (a.s.) answered, “The reward will be Paradise. I swear it by Allah.” The narrator then asked again, “What are the best deeds that should be done in Sha’ban.” The Imam (a.s.) answered, “Almsgiving and imploring for forgiveness are the best deeds in Sha’ban. Verily, if anyone of you gives alms in Sha’ban, Almighty Allah will breed that alms in the very same way as you breed your small camels. Hence, this alms will be as huge as Mount Uhud on the Resurrection Day.”

Fourth: It is recommended to repeat the following litany one thousand times in Sha’ban:

لا اِلَهَ اِلا اللّٰهُ وَ لا نَعْبُدُ اِلا اِيَّاهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ وَ لَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ

This devout rite brings about a great reward. The reward of one who repeats this litany in Sha’ban is that one is awarded the reward of serving (Almighty Allah) for one thousand years.

MUNAJAAT AL SHABANIYYAH

Eighth: It is recommended to say the following confidential prayer (Munajat) that has been narrated by Ibn Khalawayh who commented on it, saying, “This is the confidential prayer of Imam AliAmeer al-Momineen and the Holy Imams (a.s.) who used to say it in the month of Sha’ban.”

اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اسْمَعْ دُعَائِي اِذَا دَعَوْتُكَ وَ اسْمَعْ نِدَائِي اِذَا نَادَيْتُكَ وَ اَقْبِلْ عَلَيَّ اِذَا نَاجَيْتُكَ فَقَدْ هَرَبْتُ اِلَيْكَ وَ وَقَفْتُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ مُسْتَكِينا لَكَ مُتَضَرِّعا اِلَيْكَ رَاجِيا لِمَا لَدَيْكَ ثَوَابِي وَ تَعْلَمُ مَا فِي نَفْسِي وَ تَخْبُرُ حَاجَتِي وَ تَعْرِفُ ضَمِيرِي وَ لا يَخْفَى عَلَيْكَ اَمْرُ مُنْقَلَبِي وَ مَثْوَايَ وَ مَا اُرِيدُ اَنْ اُبْدِئَ بِهِ مِنْ مَنْطِقِي وَ اَتَفَوَّهَ بِهِ مِنْ طَلِبَتِي وَ اَرْجُوهُ لِعَاقِبَتِي وَ قَدْ جَرَتْ مَقَادِيرُكَ عَلَيَّ يَا سَيِّدِي فِيمَا يَكُونُ مِنِّي اِلَى آخِرِ عُمْرِي مِنْ سَرِيرَتِي وَ عَلانِيَتِي وَ بِيَدِكَ لا بِيَدِ غَيْرِكَ زِيَادَتِي وَ نَقْصِي وَ نَفْعِي وَ ضَرِّي اِلَهِي اِنْ حَرَمْتَنِي فَمَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَرْزُقُنِي وَ اِنْ خَذَلْتَنِي فَمَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَنْصُرُنِي. اِلَهِي اَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ غَضَبِكَ وَ حُلُولِ سَخَطِكَ اِلَهِي اِنْ كُنْتُ غَيْرَ مُسْتَأْهِلٍ لِرَحْمَتِكَ فَاَنْتَ اَهْلٌ اَنْ تَجُودَ عَلَيَّ بِفَضْلِ سَعَتِكَ اِلَهِي كَاَنِّي بِنَفْسِي وَاقِفَةٌ بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ وَ قَدْ اَظَلَّهَا حُسْنُ تَوَكُّلِي عَلَيْكَ فَقُلْتَ [فَفَعَلْتَ‏] مَا اَنْتَ اَهْلُهُ وَ تَغَمَّدْتَنِي بِعَفْوِكَ اِلَهِي اِنْ عَفَوْتَ فَمَنْ اَوْلَى مِنْكَ بِذَلِكَ وَ اِنْ كَانَ قَدْ دَنَا اَجَلِي وَ لَمْ يُدْنِنِي [يَدْنُ‏] مِنْكَ عَمَلِي فَقَدْ جَعَلْتُ الْاِقْرَارَ بِالذَّنْبِ اِلَيْكَ وَسِيلَتِي اِلَهِي قَدْ جُرْتُ عَلَى نَفْسِي فِي النَّظَرِ لَهَا فَلَهَا الْوَيْلُ اِنْ لَمْ تَغْفِرْ لَهَا اِلَهِي لَمْ يَزَلْ بِرُّكَ عَلَيَّ اَيَّامَ حَيَاتِي فَلا تَقْطَعْ بِرَّكَ عَنِّي فِي مَمَاتِي اِلَهِي كَيْفَ آيَسُ مِنْ حُسْنِ نَظَرِكَ لِي بَعْدَ مَمَاتِي وَ اَنْتَ لَمْ تُوَلِّنِي [تُولِنِي‏] اِلا الْجَمِيلَ فِي حَيَاتِي. اِلَهِي تَوَلَّ مِنْ اَمْرِي مَا اَنْتَ اَهْلُهُ وَ عُدْ عَلَيَّ بِفَضْلِكَ عَلَى مُذْنِبٍ قَدْ غَمَرَهُ جَهْلُهُ اِلَهِي قَدْ سَتَرْتَ عَلَيَّ ذُنُوبا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَ اَنَا اَحْوَجُ اِلَى سَتْرِهَا عَلَيَّ مِنْكَ فِي الْاُخْرَى [اِلَهِي قَدْ اَحْسَنْتَ اِلَيَ‏] اِذْ لَمْ تُظْهِرْهَا لِاَحَدٍ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ فَلا تَفْضَحْنِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَى رُءُوسِ الْاَشْهَادِ اِلَهِي جُودُكَ بَسَطَ اَمَلِي وَ عَفْوُكَ اَفْضَلُ مِنْ عَمَلِي اِلَهِي فَسُرَّنِي بِلِقَائِكَ يَوْمَ تَقْضِي فِيهِ بَيْنَ عِبَادِكَ اِلَهِي اعْتِذَارِي اِلَيْكَ اعْتِذَارُ مَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَغْنِ عَنْ قَبُولِ عُذْرِهِ فَاقْبَلْ عُذْرِي يَا اَكْرَمَ مَنِ اعْتَذَرَ اِلَيْهِ الْمُسِيئُونَ اِلَهِي لا تَرُدَّ حَاجَتِي وَ لا تُخَيِّبْ طَمَعِي وَ لا تَقْطَعْ مِنْكَ رَجَائِي وَ اَمَلِي اِلَهِي لَوْ اَرَدْتَ هَوَانِي لَمْ تَهْدِنِي وَ لَوْ اَرَدْتَ فَضِيحَتِي لَمْ تُعَافِنِي اِلَهِي مَا اَظُنُّكَ تَرُدُّنِي فِي حَاجَةٍ قَدْ اَفْنَيْتُ عُمُرِي فِي طَلَبِهَا مِنْكَ اِلَهِي فَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ اَبَدا اَبَدا دَائِما سَرْمَدا يَزِيدُ وَ لا يَبِيدُ كَمَا تُحِبُّ وَ تَرْضَى اِلَهِي اِنْ اَخَذْتَنِي بِجُرْمِي اَخَذْتُكَ بِعَفْوِكَ وَ اِنْ اَخَذْتَنِي بِذُنُوبِي اَخَذْتُكَ بِمَغْفِرَتِكَ وَ اِنْ اَدْخَلْتَنِي النَّارَ اَعْلَمْتُ اَهْلَهَا اَنِّي اُحِبُّكَ اِلَهِي اِنْ كَانَ صَغُرَ فِي جَنْبِ طَاعَتِكَ عَمَلِي فَقَدْ كَبُرَ فِي جَنْبِ رَجَائِكَ اَمَلِي اِلَهِي كَيْفَ اَنْقَلِبُ مِنْ عِنْدِكَ بِالْخَيْبَةِ مَحْرُوما وَ قَدْ كَانَ حُسْنُ ظَنِّي بِجُودِكَ اَنْ تَقْلِبَنِي بِالنَّجَاةِ مَرْحُوما اِلَهِي وَ قَدْ اَفْنَيْتُ عُمُرِي فِي شِرَّةِ السَّهْوِ عَنْكَ وَ اَبْلَيْتُ شَبَابِي فِي سَكْرَةِ التَّبَاعُدِ مِنْكَ اِلَهِي فَلَمْ اَسْتَيْقِظْ اَيَّامَ اغْتِرَارِي بِكَ وَ رُكُونِي اِلَى سَبِيلِ سَخَطِكَ. اِلَهِي وَ اَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَ ابْنُ عَبْدِكَ قَائِمٌ بَيْنَ يَدَيْكَ مُتَوَسِّلٌ بِكَرَمِكَ اِلَيْكَ اِلَهِي اَنَا عَبْدٌ اَتَنَصَّلُ اِلَيْكَ مِمَّا كُنْتُ اُوَاجِهُكَ بِهِ مِنْ قِلَّةِ اسْتِحْيَائِي مِنْ نَظَرِكَ وَ اَطْلُبُ الْعَفْوَ مِنْكَ اِذِ الْعَفْوُ نَعْتٌ لِكَرَمِكَ اِلَهِي لَمْ يَكُنْ لِي حَوْلٌ فَاَنْتَقِلَ بِهِ عَنْ مَعْصِيَتِكَ اِلا فِي وَقْتٍ اَيْقَظْتَنِي لِمَحَبَّتِكَ وَ كَمَا اَرَدْتَ اَنْ اَكُونَ كُنْتُ فَشَكَرْتُكَ بِاِدْخَالِي فِي كَرَمِكَ وَ لِتَطْهِيرِ قَلْبِي مِنْ اَوْسَاخِ الْغَفْلَةِ عَنْكَ اِلَهِي انْظُرْ اِلَيَّ نَظَرَ مَنْ نَادَيْتَهُ فَاَجَابَكَ وَ اسْتَعْمَلْتَهُ بِمَعُونَتِكَ فَاَطَاعَكَ يَا قَرِيبا لا يَبْعُدُ عَنِ الْمُغْتَرِّ بِهِ وَ يَا جَوَادا لا يَبْخَلُ عَمَّنْ رَجَا ثَوَابَهُ اِلَهِي هَبْ لِي قَلْبا يُدْنِيهِ مِنْكَ شَوْقُهُ وَ لِسَانا يُرْفَعُ اِلَيْكَ صِدْقُهُ وَ نَظَرا يُقَرِّبُهُ مِنْكَ حَقُّهُ اِلَهِي اِنَّ مَنْ تَعَرَّفَ بِكَ غَيْرُ مَجْهُولٍ وَ مَنْ لاذَ بِكَ غَيْرُ مَخْذُولٍ وَ مَنْ اَقْبَلْتَ عَلَيْهِ غَيْرُ مَمْلُوكٍ [مَمْلُولٍ‏]، اِلَهِي اِنَّ مَنِ انْتَهَجَ بِكَ لَمُسْتَنِيرٌ وَ اِنَّ مَنِ اعْتَصَمَ بِكَ لَمُسْتَجِيرٌ وَ قَدْ لُذْتُ بِكَ يَا اِلَهِي فَلا تُخَيِّبْ ظَنِّي مِنْ رَحْمَتِكَ وَ لا تَحْجُبْنِي عَنْ رَأْفَتِكَ اِلَهِي اَقِمْنِي فِي اَهْلِ وَلايَتِكَ مُقَامَ مَنْ رَجَا الزِّيَادَةَ مِنْ مَحَبَّتِكَ اِلَهِي وَ اَلْهِمْنِي وَلَها بِذِكْرِكَ اِلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَ هِمَّتِي فِي رَوْحِ نَجَاحِ اَسْمَائِكَ وَ مَحَلِّ قُدْسِكَ اِلَهِي بِكَ عَلَيْكَ اِلا اَلْحَقْتَنِي بِمَحَلِّ اَهْلِ طَاعَتِكَ وَ الْمَثْوَى الصَّالِحِ مِنْ مَرْضَاتِكَ فَاِنِّي لا اَقْدِرُ لِنَفْسِي دَفْعا وَ لا اَمْلِكُ لَهَا نَفْعا اِلَهِي اَنَا عَبْدُكَ الضَّعِيفُ الْمُذْنِبُ وَ مَمْلُوكُكَ الْمُنِيبُ [الْمَعِيبُ‏] فَلا تَجْعَلْنِي مِمَّنْ صَرَفْتَ عَنْهُ وَجْهَكَ وَ حَجَبَهُ سَهْوُهُ عَنْ عَفْوِكَ اِلَهِي هَبْ لِي كَمَالَ الانْقِطَاعِ اِلَيْكَ وَ اَنِرْ اَبْصَارَ قُلُوبِنَا بِضِيَاءِ نَظَرِهَا اِلَيْكَ حَتَّى تَخْرِقَ اَبْصَارُ الْقُلُوبِ حُجُبَ النُّورِ فَتَصِلَ اِلَى مَعْدِنِ الْعَظَمَةِ وَ تَصِيرَ اَرْوَاحُنَا مُعَلَّقَةً بِعِزِّ قُدْسِكَ اِلَهِي وَ اجْعَلْنِي مِمَّنْ نَادَيْتَهُ فَاَجَابَكَ وَ لاحَظْتَهُ فَصَعِقَ لِجَلالِكَ فَنَاجَيْتَهُ سِرّا وَ عَمِلَ لَكَ جَهْرا. اِلَهِي لَمْ اُسَلِّطْ عَلَى حُسْنِ ظَنِّي قُنُوطَ الْاِيَاسِ وَ لا انْقَطَعَ رَجَائِي مِنْ جَمِيلِ كَرَمِكَ اِلَهِي اِنْ كَانَتِ الْخَطَايَا قَدْ اَسْقَطَتْنِي لَدَيْكَ فَاصْفَحْ عَنِّي بِحُسْنِ تَوَكُّلِي عَلَيْكَ اِلَهِي اِنْ حَطَّتْنِي الذُّنُوبُ مِنْ مَكَارِمِ لُطْفِكَ فَقَدْ نَبَّهَنِي الْيَقِينُ اِلَى كَرَمِ عَطْفِكَ اِلَهِي اِنْ اَنَامَتْنِي الْغَفْلَةُ عَنِ الاسْتِعْدَادِ لِلِقَائِكَ فَقَدْ نَبَّهَتْنِي الْمَعْرِفَةُ بِكَرَمِ آلائِكَ اِلَهِي اِنْ دَعَانِي اِلَى النَّارِ عَظِيمُ عِقَابِكَ فَقَدْ دَعَانِي اِلَى الْجَنَّةِ جَزِيلُ ثَوَابِكَ اِلَهِي فَلَكَ اَسْاَلُ وَ اِلَيْكَ اَبْتَهِلُ وَ اَرْغَبُ وَ اَسْاَلُكَ اَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اَنْ تَجْعَلَنِي مِمَّنْ يُدِيمُ ذِكْرَكَ وَ لا يَنْقُضُ عَهْدَكَ وَ لا يَغْفُلُ عَنْ شُكْرِكَ وَ لا يَسْتَخِفُّ بِاَمْرِكَ اِلَهِي وَ اَلْحِقْنِي بِنُورِ عِزِّكَ الْاَبْهَجِ فَاَكُونَ لَكَ عَارِفا وَ عَنْ سِوَاكَ مُنْحَرِفا وَ مِنْكَ خَائِفا مُرَاقِبا يَا ذَا الْجَلالِ وَ الْاِكْرَامِ وَ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ رَسُولِهِ وَ آلِهِ الطَّاهِرِينَ وَ سَلَّمَ تَسْلِيما كَثِيرا.

This confidential prayer (Munajat), ascribed to the Holy Imams (a.s.), is highly significant since it comprises excellent meanings. It is advisable to say it with presence of heart all the time.

DAILY SALAWAT OF SHABAN

Fifth: It is recommended to offer a two unit prayer each Thursday in Sha’ban. In each unit, it is recommended to recite Surah al-Faatehah once and repeat Surah al-Tawheed one hundred times. After accomplishment, one should invoke God’s blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household one hundred times. This rite achieves the granting of all worldly and religious needs. It is also recommended to observe fasting on Thursdays in Sha’ban. In this respect, a Hadith reads that the skies decorate themselves each Thursday in Sha’ban and the angels pray Almighty Allah, saying, “O our God, (please do) forgive those who observe fasting on this day and respond to their prayers.”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) is also reported as saying, “If one observes fasting each Monday and Thursday in Sha’ban, Almighty Allah will grant forty of his needs - twenty appertained to the worldly life and twenty to the Hereafter.”

Sixth: It is recommended to repeat very much the invocation of blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household.

Seventh: It is recommended to say the following form of invocation of blessings upon the Holy Prophet and his Household that is reported from Imam Ali ibn al-Husayn al-Sajjad (i.e. Imam Zayn al-’Abidin) each midday in Sha’ban and at the fifteenth night of it:

اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ شَجَرَةِ النُّبُوَّةِ وَ مَوْضِعِ الرِّسَالَةِ وَ مُخْتَلَفِ الْمَلائِكَةِ وَ مَعْدِنِ الْعِلْمِ وَ اَهْلِ بَيْتِ الْوَحْيِ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ الْفُلْكِ الْجَارِيَةِ فِي اللُّجَجِ الْغَامِرَةِ يَأْمَنُ مَنْ رَكِبَهَا وَ يَغْرَقُ مَنْ تَرَكَهَا الْمُتَقَدِّمُ لَهُمْ مَارِقٌ وَ الْمُتَاَخِّرُ عَنْهُمْ زَاهِقٌ وَ اللازِمُ لَهُمْ لاحِقٌ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ الْكَهْفِ الْحَصِينِ وَ غِيَاثِ الْمُضْطَرِّ الْمُسْتَكِينِ وَ مَلْجَاِ الْهَارِبِينَ وَ عِصْمَةِ الْمُعْتَصِمِينَ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلاةً كَثِيرَةً تَكُونُ لَهُمْ رِضًى وَ لِحَقِّ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ اَدَاءً وَ قَضَاءً بِحَوْلٍ مِنْكَ وَ قُوَّةٍ يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ الطَّيِّبِينَ الْاَبْرَارِ الْاَخْيَارِ الَّذِينَ اَوْجَبْتَ حُقُوقَهُمْ وَ فَرَضْتَ طَاعَتَهُمْ وَ وِلايَتَهُمْ اللّٰهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَ اعْمُرْ قَلْبِي بِطَاعَتِكَ وَ لا تُخْزِنِي بِمَعْصِيَتِكَ وَ ارْزُقْنِي مُوَاسَاةَ مَنْ قَتَّرْتَ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ رِزْقِكَ، بِمَا وَسَّعْتَ عَلَيَّ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ وَ نَشَرْتَ عَلَيَّ مِنْ عَدْلِكَ وَ اَحْيَيْتَنِي تَحْتَ ظِلِّكَ وَ هٰذَا شَهْرُ نَبِيِّكَ سَيِّدِ رُسُلِكَ شَعْبَانُ الَّذِي حَفَفْتَهُ مِنْكَ بِالرَّحْمَةِ وَ الرِّضْوَانِ الَّذِي كَانَ رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آلِهِ وَ [سَلَّمَ‏] يَدْاَبُ فِي صِيَامِهِ وَ قِيَامِهِ فِي لَيَالِيهِ وَ اَيَّامِهِ بُخُوعا لَكَ فِي اِكْرَامِهِ وَ اِعْظَامِهِ اِلَى مَحَلِّ حِمَامِهِ اللّٰهُمَّ فَاَعِنَّا عَلَى الاسْتِنَانِ بِسُنَّتِهِ فِيهِ وَ نَيْلِ الشَّفَاعَةِ لَدَيْهِ اللّٰهُمَّ وَ اجْعَلْهُ لِي شَفِيعا مُشَفَّعا وَ طَرِيقا اِلَيْكَ مَهْيَعا وَ اجْعَلْنِي لَهُ مُتَّبِعا حَتَّى اَلْقَاكَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَنِّي رَاضِيا وَ عَنْ ذُنُوبِي غَاضِيا قَدْ اَوْجَبْتَ لِي مِنْكَ الرَّحْمَةَ وَ الرِّضْوَانَ وَ اَنْزَلْتَنِي دَارَ الْقَرَارِ وَ مَحَلَّ الْاَخْيَارِ.

FIRST NIGHT OF SHABAN

As mentioned in Iqbal al-A’mal, narrations have referred to many prayers to be offered at the first night of Sha’ban. One of these prayers is a twelve unit prayer in each unit of which Surah al-Faatehah is recited once and Surah al-Tawheed repeated eleven times.

THIRD OF SHABAN

About this blessed day, Shaykh al-Tusi says in Misbah al-Mutahajjid: Imam al-Husayn ibn Ali(a.s.) was born on the third of Sha’ban. Abu’l-Qasim ibn ‘Ala’ al-Hamadani, the representative of Imam al-Hasan al-’Askari(a.s.), received a document telling that our master, Imam al-Husayn ibn Ali(a.s.), was born on the third of Sha’ban; therefore, you should observe fasting on this day and say the following supplicatory prayer:

اللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّي اَسْاَلُكَ بِحَقِّ الْمَوْلُودِ فِي هٰذَا الْيَوْمِ الْمَوْعُودِ بِشَهَادَتِهِ قَبْلَ اسْتِهْلالِهِ وَ وِلادَتِهِ بَكَتْهُ السَّمَاءُ وَ مَنْ فِيهَا وَ الْاَرْضُ وَ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا وَ لَمَّا يَطَأْ [يُطَأْ] لابَتَيْهَا قَتِيلِ الْعَبْرَةِ وَ سَيِّدِ الْاُسْرَةِ الْمَمْدُودِ بِالنُّصْرَةِ يَوْمَ الْكَرَّةِ الْمُعَوَّضِ مِنْ قَتْلِهِ اَنَّ الْاَئِمَّةَ مِنْ نَسْلِهِ وَ الشِّفَاءَ فِي تُرْبَتِهِ وَ الْفَوْزَ مَعَهُ فِي اَوْبَتِهِ وَ الْاَوْصِيَاءَ مِنْ عِتْرَتِهِ بَعْدَ قَائِمِهِمْ وَ غَيْبَتِهِ حَتَّى يُدْرِكُوا الْاَوْتَارَ وَ يَثْاَرُوا الثَّارَ وَ يُرْضُوا الْجَبَّارَ وَ يَكُونُوا خَيْرَ اَنْصَارٍ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مَعَ اخْتِلافِ اللَّيْلِ وَ النَّهَارِ اللّٰهُمَّ فَبِحَقِّهِمْ اِلَيْكَ اَتَوَسَّلُ وَ اَسْاَلُ سُؤَالَ مُقْتَرِفٍ مُعْتَرِفٍ مُسِي‏ءٍ اِلَى نَفْسِهِ مِمَّا فَرَّطَ فِي يَوْمِهِ وَ اَمْسِهِ يَسْاَلُكَ الْعِصْمَةَ اِلَى مَحَلِّ رَمْسِهِ ، اللّٰهُمَّ فَصَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ عِتْرَتِهِ وَ احْشُرْنَا فِي زُمْرَتِهِ وَ بَوِّئْنَا مَعَهُ دَارَ الْكَرَامَةِ وَ مَحَلَّ الْاِقَامَةِ اللّٰهُمَّ وَ كَمَا اَكْرَمْتَنَا بِمَعْرِفَتِهِ فَاَكْرِمْنَا بِزُلْفَتِهِ وَ ارْزُقْنَا مُرَافَقَتَهُ وَ سَابِقَتَهُ وَ اجْعَلْنَا مِمَّنْ يُسَلِّمُ لِاَمْرِهِ وَ يُكْثِرُ الصَّلاةَ عَلَيْهِ عِنْدَ ذِكْرِهِ وَ عَلَى جَمِيعِ اَوْصِيَائِهِ وَ اَهْلِ اَصْفِيَائِهِ الْمَمْدُودِينَ مِنْكَ بِالْعَدَدِ الاثْنَيْ عَشَرَ النُّجُومِ الزُّهَرِ وَ الْحُجَجِ عَلَى جَمِيعِ الْبَشَرِ اللّٰهُمَّ وَ هَبْ لَنَا فِي هٰذَا الْيَوْمِ خَيْرَ مَوْهِبَةٍ وَ اَنْجِحْ لَنَا فِيهِ كُلَّ طَلِبَةٍ كَمَا وَهَبْتَ الْحُسَيْنَ لِمُحَمَّدٍ جَدِّهِ وَ عَاذَ فُطْرُسُ بِمَهْدِهِ فَنَحْنُ عَائِذُونَ بِقَبْرِهِ مِنْ بَعْدِهِ نَشْهَدُ تُرْبَتَهُ وَ نَنْتَظِرُ اَوْبَتَهُ آمِينَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ.

After that, you may say Dua al-Husayn (Supplicatory prayer of Imam al-Husayn), which is the last supplicatory prayer he said when his enemies surrounded him in large numbers on the Day of ‘Ashura (the tenth of Muharram):

اللّٰهُمَّ اَنْتَ مُتَعَالِي الْمَكَانِ عَظِيمُ الْجَبَرُوتِ شَدِيدُ الْمِحَالِ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْخَلائِقِ عَرِيضُ الْكِبْرِيَاءِ قَادِرٌ عَلَى مَا تَشَاءُ قَرِيبُ الرَّحْمَةِ صَادِقُ الْوَعْدِ سَابِغُ النِّعْمَةِ حَسَنُ الْبَلاءِ قَرِيبٌ اِذَا دُعِيتَ مُحِيطٌ بِمَا خَلَقْتَ قَابِلُ التَّوْبَةِ لِمَنْ تَابَ اِلَيْكَ قَادِرٌ عَلَى مَا اَرَدْتَ وَ مُدْرِكٌ مَا طَلَبْتَ وَ شَكُورٌ اِذَا شُكِرْتَ وَ ذَكُورٌ اِذَا ذُكِرْتَ اَدْعُوكَ مُحْتَاجا وَ اَرْغَبُ اِلَيْكَ فَقِيرا وَ اَفْزَعُ اِلَيْكَ خَائِفا وَ اَبْكِي اِلَيْكَ مَكْرُوبا وَ اَسْتَعِينُ بِكَ ضَعِيفا وَ اَتَوَكَّلُ عَلَيْكَ كَافِيا احْكُمْ بَيْنَنَا وَ بَيْنَ قَوْمِنَا [بِالْحَقِ‏] فَاِنَّهُمْ غَرُّونَا وَ خَدَعُونَا وَ خَذَلُونَا وَ غَدَرُوا بِنَا وَ قَتَلُونَا وَ نَحْنُ عِتْرَةُ نَبِيِّكَ وَ وَلَدُ [وُلْدُ] حَبِيبِكَ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللّٰهِ الَّذِي اصْطَفَيْتَهُ بِالرِّسَالَةِ وَ ائْتَمَنْتَهُ عَلَى وَحْيِكَ فَاجْعَلْ لَنَا مِنْ اَمْرِنَا فَرَجا وَ مَخْرَجا بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ .

Ibn ‘Ayyash has reported al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Sufyan al-Bazufi as saying that he heard Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) saying this supplicatory prayer on the third of Sha’ban, the birthday of Imam al-Husayn (a.s.).

FIRST DAY OF SHABAN

A great reward is gained from fasting on the first day of Sha’ban. Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq(a.s.) is reported as saying, “Paradise will be incumbently decided for one who observes fasting on the first day of Sha’ban.”

Likewise, Sayyid Ibn Tawus has narrated on the authority of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) that an abundant reward will be conferred to one who observes fasting on three days in Sha’ban at the nights of which a two unit prayer is offered. In each unit of this prayer, one should recite Surah al-Faatehah once and Surah al-Tawheed eleven times.

It is also worth mentioning that the book of Tafsir (exegesis of the Holy Qur’an) that is ascribed to the Imam (a.s.)has comprised a narration referring to the great value of the month of Sha’ban. At the end of his Persian book of Kelimeh Teyyibeh, Shaykh al-Nuri, a master scholar, has referred to this narration, which is too long to be mentioned literally herein. However, let us refer to the summary of this wonderful narration:

On the first day of Sha’ban, Imam AliAmeer al-Momineen(a.s.) passed by a group of Muslims who sat in a mosque debating about theological matters, such as fatalism, with loud voices and intense arguments. The Imam (a.s.) stopped by them and greeted them. They responded to his greeting, made him room, and begged him to sit with them. However, the Imam (a.s.) did not care for them; rather, he addressed to them saying:

“O you people who discuss matters that are neither their business nor benefiting them! You should have known that Almighty Allah has certain servants who are silent although they are neither inexpressive nor mute. Rather, whenever they consider the magnificence of Almighty Allah, their tongues die down, their hearts repose, their intellects halt, and their minds cease, on account of their glorifying, honoring, and feeling the majesty of Almighty Allah. When they regain consciousness, they compete with each other on seeking nearness to Him by means of pure acts. They regard themselves as wrongdoers and transgressors while they are free from any negligence or immoderation; rather, they do not accept to give little to Almighty Allah and they do not regard anything that they do for Him as adequate. They therefore exert all efforts in acts of worship to Him. When you notice them as they prepare themselves for acts of worship, you find them fearful, frightened, anxious, and terrified. Thus, great is the difference between them and you, the heretic people! You should have known that the more one may know about fatalism the more silent one will be. On the contrary, the most ignorant with fatalism are those who debate about it very much. O group of heretic people! This day is the first day of Sha’ban, the honorable month. Our Lord has given it this name (i.e. Sha’ban), because welfare is distributed in this month. Your Lord has opened wide the gates of His Paradise and offered you the palaces and bliss of Paradise with the cheapest costs and the easiest matters; therefore, you should purchase them. On the other hand, Iblis the cursed (i.e. Satan) has presented before you the varieties of his evils and ordeals. You always wander in the paths of error and tyranny, taking the paths of Iblis and missing the paths of goodness whose doors are open wide before you.

This is the first day of Sha’ban. The sections of its benefits are prayer, almsgiving, enjoining the right, forbidding the wrong, piety to parents, relatives and neighbors, setting aright matters of difference, and conferring upon the poor and the needy with charity. Nevertheless, you are discussing matters (i.e. fatality) that you are not asked to discuss and matters that you are asked not to deal with since they lead to revealing the secrets of Almighty Allah; and those who try to track the secrets of Almighty Allah shall be of those who will perish. If you knew what our Lord - Majestic and Honorable is He - decided for His obedient servants on this day, you would certainly stop debating and take the initiative in carrying out the commandments by which you are bound.”

The group then asked him, “O Ameer al-Momineen, what has Almighty Allah decided for His obedient servants on this day?”

Imam Ali(a.s.) then narrated to them that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), once, sent an army to counter the atheists. It was very dark night when the camp of the Muslim army was attacked by the atheists. All Muslims were asleep except Zayd ibn Harithah, ‘Abdullah ibn Rawahah, Qutadah ibn Nu’man, and Qays ibn ‘Asim al-Minqari. These individuals were taking the sides of the camp reciting the Holy Qur’an and offering prayers. When the enemies were about to raid the Muslims, lights came out from the mouths of these wakeful individuals to light up the whole camp and supply the Muslims with power and courage due to which they could overcome their enemies causing them to be killed, wounded, or taken as captives. When the Muslims returned home, they informed the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) about the whole story. He (s.a.w.a.) therefore commented, “These lights were the result of the acts of worship these individuals did on the first day of Sha’ban.”

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then mentioned each and every deed that these individuals had done on the first day of Sha’ban. He then said, “On the first day of Sha’ban, Iblis distributes his hosts all over the earth and instructs them to try their best to attract as many numbers of people as possible. On the other side, Almighty Allah distributes His angels all over the earth and asks them to guide His servants to righteousness. Accordingly, the all will be happy except those who intentionally choose to reject and do wrong and, thus, join the party of Iblis. Furthermore, on the first day of Sha’ban, Almighty Allah gives the orders of opening the gate of Paradise and orders the Tree of Tuba (joy) to lower its twigs towards this world. Then, a caller will shout out on behalf of our Lord, ‘O Servants of Allah, these are the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. You must hang on to them so that they will raise you to Paradise. These are also the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. Beware lest they will take you to Hellfire.’

(The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then continues,) I swear by Him Who has chosen me for conveying the (Divine) Mission as a prophet, anyone who tries any of the doors of decency on this day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba and it will lead him to Paradise. But anyone who tries any of the doors of evil on this day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum and it will lead him to Hellfire.

Thus, one who voluntarily offers a prayer on this day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who observes fasting on this day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who reconciles between two spouses, between a father and his son, between two relatives, between two neighbors, or between any two individuals will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who grants respite or releases an insolvent debtor from the debt will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who, after checking his accounts, finds out that he owed somebody an amount and thus he settles that debt will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who volunteers to maintain for an orphan will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who refrains a wicked individual from reviling at the honor of a believer will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who recites the Holy Qur’an or even a portion of it will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who frees himself for mentioning and thanking the graces of Almighty Allah will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who visits an ailed person will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who acts piously to his parents or one of them on that day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. One who seeks his parents’ satisfaction on that day after he has enraged them will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba. In general, anyone who does any act of decency on that day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Tuba.

(The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then continues,) I swear by Him Who has chosen me for conveying the (Divine) Mission as a prophet, anyone who does any act of wickedness or disobedience to Almighty Allah on that day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum, which will take him to Hellfire.

I swear by Him Who has chosen me for conveying the (Divine) Mission as a prophet, one who neglects or disregards the obligatory prayer will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. If one is visited by a needy person while he knows his actual financial situation and he has the capability to change it without causing himself any harm and without the existence of another person who can do this mission; nevertheless, he ignores and leaves him encountering his neediness, he will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. If one rejects the apology of one who had wronged him then he punishes him more than the required, he will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. If one makes quarrel between two spouses, between a father and his son, between two brothers, between two relatives, between two neighbors, between two friends, or between two sisters, he will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who deepens the problems of an insolvent debtor while he is aware of his insolvency and hardship will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who illegally denies the loan that he has taken from somebody and, moreover, transgresses him will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who turns away from, harms, and spoils the property of an orphan will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who ascribes dishonor to a faithful individual and urges people to think ill of him will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who sings a song that leads to acts of disobedience to Almighty Allah will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who recounts his ill deeds in battles and his wrongdoings against people, taking pride in them, will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who neglects visiting his ailed neighbor and does not participate in his funeral ceremony on account of belittling him will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who turns away from an injured person on account of disdain, contempt, or disparagement will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. One who acts impiously to his parents or one of them or does not please them on this day on account of a previous impiety to them will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum. In general, anyone who commits any act of indecency on that day will hang on to one of the twigs of the Tree of Zaqqum.

I swear by Him Who has chosen me for conveying the (Divine) Mission as a prophet, those who hang on to the twigs of the Tree of Tuba will be raised to Paradise.’

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) then raised his sight toward the heavens for a while and smiled pleasingly. He then lowered his sight toward the earth and frowned. He then turned his face towards his companions and said, “I swear by Him Who has chosen Muhammad of conveying the Divine Mission as a prophet, I have just seen the Tree of Tuba raising its twigs and I have seen it taking those who hanged on to its twigs to Paradise. I have also seen some people hanging on to one twig, others to two, or even more according to their deeds of obedience to Almighty Allah. I can see Zayd ibn Harithah hanging on to all of its twigs and it is raising him up. Because of this, I smiled pleasingly. I then looked at the ground and, I swear by Him Who has chosen me for conveying the Mission as a prophet, I have seen the Tree of Zaqqum lowering its twigs and leading those who have hanged on to it to Hellfire. I have seen some of them hanging on to one twig, others to two, and so on, according to their acts of disobedience. I can see some of the hypocrites hanging on to all the twigs and the Tree of Zaqqum is taking them to the lowest of its stages. because of this, I frowned.”

FIFTEENTH DAY OF SHABAN

On the fifteenth of Sha’ban, the twelfth Imam al-Mahdi, the Patron of the Age (Sahib al-Zaman), was born. May Almighty Allah’s blessings be upon him and his immaculate ancestors. It is recommended to visit him at each time and place and to pray Almighty Allah for hastening in his advent. His Ziyarah at the Vault (sirdab) in Samarra’ is more favorable. Beyond any dispute, Imam al-Mahdi(a.s.) shall appear, overcome, and fill the earth with justice and equality just as it would be filled with injustice and bias.

THE RITES IN THE REST OF SHA’BAN

Imam al-Rida(a.s.) is reported as saying: If one observes fasting on the last three days of Sha’ban and attaches it to the obligatory fasting of Ramadan, Almighty Allah will decide him as having observed fasting for two consecutive months.

Abu’l-Salt al-Harawi has narrated that when he visited Imam al-Rida(a.s.) on the last Friday of Sha’ban, the Imam said to him:

Abu’l-Salt, the days of Sha’ban have almost passed. This is the last Friday. You should thus settle what you have missed in this month by working harder in the rest of it. You may supplicate God, implore for His forgiveness, recite the Holy Qur’an, and repent to Him from your sins so that you receive the month of Ramadan with pure sincerity to Him. You must fulfill all the trusts that you are liable to settle, do not bear malice against any of your brethren-in-faith, you must give up any sin that you commit. Fear Almighty Allah and trust in Him in secret and openly, for ‘If anyone puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion. 65/3’

In the rest days of Sha’ban, you may repeat the following supplicatory prayer very much for Almighty Allah saves many people from Hellfire on account of the sanctity of this month:

اللّٰهُمَّ اِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ