Issue no: 163
14th June 2013
4th Shabaan 1434 A H.
Salamun alaykum,
An announcement to the people:
"O people of Yathrib! I am the bearer of news from the Messenger of Allah. Know that Sha'baan is my month. May Allah have mercy upon one who supports me in this month," proclaimed the town crier in Madina. This was the practice of the Noble Prophet to arrange for the broadcast when the crescent for the month of Sha'baan was sighted.
By this announcement, the Noble Prophet wished the people to be aware that the month of Sha'baan was a month dedicated to him and that the Mercy of Allah is bestowed on those who assist the prophet.
Likewise Imam Ali Zaynul Abidin would gather his companions on the commencement of Sha'baan and address them saying, "O my companions, do you know which month this is? It is the month of Sha'baan about which the Noble Messenger used to say that it is dedicated to him. So keep fasts during this month for the love of your Prophet and to attain closeness to your Creator. By Allah in whose hands is my soul, I have heard from my father, Husayn bin Ali, that he had heard from Amiral Muminin, that whoever keeps fast during Sha'baan for the love of the Prophet and to attain closeness to Allah SWT, will become a friend to Allah and on the Day of Judgment will be close to Allah by His grace and Paradise will be granted to him."
How can we respond to the call for support by the Noble Prophet?
From the teachings of Ahlul Bayt, one way of responding to this call is by observing fast in the month of Sha'baan.
Imam J'afar Sadiq reported that since hearing the announcement, Amiral Muminin Imam Ali bin Abi Talib never missed any fast during the month of Sha'baan.
What is the benefit of fasting in Sha'baan?
"Whoever fasts on Mondays and Thursdays of Sh'aban, Allah will fulfill twenty of his worldly wishes and twenty of his wishes of the Hereafter"
(Noble Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w.)
Keeping fast on Thursdays of the month of Sh'abaan also carries great significance. It has been reported that the heavens are decorated each Thursday in the month of Sha'baan and the angels pray to Allah SWT to forgive all those who fast on that day and their prayers are accepted.
Let us prepare:
After Rajab, Sha'baan is the next month of 'Ibadah (worship) in order for us to make preparations for responding to invitation to the Divine banquet in the grand and majestic month of Ramadhan – Shahrullah- the month of Allah (SWT). Let us take advantage of being blessed with life to be present in this auspicious month of Sh'abaan. Why not grab the opportunity to act on the recommendation for fasting?
Will you support the Noble Prophet? How?
In addition to fasting, what are the other ways in which you can respond to the Sh'abaan announcement of the Noble Prophet and extend support to him?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Heartiest Felicitations on the Happy and Auspicious Occasion of the Wiladat of 3rd Imam Husayn (a.s.), Abul Fadhl Abbas (a.s.) and 4th Imam Ali Zaynul 'Aabidin (a.s.)
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat