In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Assalam un Alaikum dear brothers and sisters. The month of Sha’ban is here. Alhamdulillah. This holy month is ascribed to the Holy Prophet who used to keep fasts during this month and join it with the month of Ramadan. The eighth month of the lunar calendar, Sha’ban is surrounded by Allah’s( swt) mercy and blessings and is an opportunity to maximize our good deeds and prepare for the grand month of Holy Ramzan. For those of us, who wish to get closer to Allah (swt) this is a special and opportune time. One of the nights that could be ‘Laylatul Qadr” is this month. This month also has specific acts of worship and supplications, where the believers should implore for forgiveness and pray to seek nearness to him and receive his bounties, favors and reward in this world and in the hereafter. The month holds great significance in providing us with an opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and oversights.
Important Calendar Dates:
1st Sha’ban: Birth of Lady Zainab (a.s)
The beloved granddaughter of the Holy Prophet, Fatihe Kufa on Shaam, she played a crucial role in disclosing the true events leading to the massacre of Imam Hussain (as) leading his caravan in Damascus in Syria. Her sermons provoked the public against the ruling regime of Umayyad and she continues inspiring women even today as they play multifaceted roles in the society.
3rd Sha’ban: Birth of Imam Hussain (a.s)
The third Imam, a member of the Ahl al Bayt, beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet, he is recognized as the “Martyr of Martyrs” Imam rejuvenated Islam, crippled with corruption. His legacy is the inspiration to stand up against wrongdoers and injustice.
4th Sha’ban: Birth of Hazrat Abbas (a.s)
Qamare Bani Hashim, Saqqae Sakina, Babul murad, he is highly revered for his loyalty to his brother and his role in the Battle of Karbala as his Alambardar.
5th Sha’ban: Birth of Imam Zainul Aabideen (a.s)
The fourth Imam, the eldest son of the Saviour of Islam, he witnessed the Shahadat of his family members including his 6 months old brother. He was later imprisoned and made captive, put in heavy chains with iron rings around his neck and ankle, walking barefoot on the thorny plains from Karbala to Kufa. He lived 40 years after the death of his father, mostly mourning and praying.
7th Sha’ban: Birth of Hazrat Qasim Ibne Hasan (a.s)
He was only 13 years old when he was martyred on the day of Ashura in Karbala. When Imam Hussain asked him how he sees death, he replied that Death to him was sweeter than honey. He had inherited bravery, intelligence and a presence of mind like his ancestors.
11th Shab’an: Birth of Hazrat Ali Akbar (a.s)
The son of Imam Hussain, martyred when he was 18 years old, Ali Akbar was a handsome young man, resembling the Holy Prophet. He always recited the Azaan and was a valiant warrior. Whenever Imam Hussain missed the Holy prophet, he would look at Him.
15th Sha’ban: Birth of Imam Mehdi (ajtf), Hujjatullah, Muntaqim, Sahebuz Zama’ an.
According to traditions, the Holy Prophet had exclaimed that during the night of 15th Sha’ban, the Almighty takes decisions in the matters of sustenance, life and death and welfare of the people.
General Amaal for the month of Sha’ban:
- Ziarat of Imam Hussain, Ziarate Jameah Kabir.
- Seeking forgiveness and Istighfar.
- Almsgiving and charity.
- Fasting in the month of Ramzan.
- Sending Salwaat upon the Holy Prophet and his household, especially Salwat Sha’baaniyah and Munajat Sha’baniya.
- Reciting the Holy Quran and engage in Zikr and Tasbeeh
- Make Dua for the reappearance of the Qaem, Imam e Asr.
- Understand one’s role and method of Waiting for Zuhur.
May Allah accept all our deeds and grant us his Qurbat. Aameen.
SYEDA KANIZE ZEHRA
( Dehradun )