The Month of Shahban and the Supplication on Its 15thNight

The month of Shahban is the eighth month of the lunar year in the Islamic calendar and the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan. For Muslims the month of Shaban is a special time in which they try to do more good deeds than usual and fast more optional fasts than they do in other months. It is said that the Prophet used to fast a lot during this month. It is the habit of the Muslims to celebrate the 15th night of the month of Shaban by praying, reciting Qur’an, praising Allah, and making a great deal of supplication to Allah during that night.

 


Ramadhan (9th Month) is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims consider this whole month as a blessed month. They fast during the days of this month and make special prayers at night. People also give more charity and do extra righteous deeds. Also, in this Holy Month, The Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of Al-Qur'an. Ramadhan is the month of celebration as well as the month of discipline and self-control. Muslims always wait for the first day of Ramadhan to come.


This is the Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr), the night in which the deeds of humanity are returned and the decrees for the following year are announced to the angels. The Qur'anic commentators said: On this night, Allah will decree and explain what will take place in the affairs of humanity and the world, their earnings, longevity, who will live or die, what type of deeds, good or bad, virtues or non-virtues and what type of work. Allah (SWT) will reveal from the protective slate, Lawhul-Mahfuz the record of every living being to the Angels as the annual records are being raised and stored away.

It is the night of seeking pardon and repenting to Almighty Allah, remembering our past sins and sincerely settling the mind that one will never commits sins in the future. All the deeds that are against Shari'ah must be totally avoided.

Nuzulul Qur'an (17th of Ramadhan, 9th month) is the time in which Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) received the first revelation of The Holy Qur'an, the God's guidance and final message of truth. It was on the 17th day of Ramadhan (in the year 610 C.E, or according to some calculation 611 C.E) when Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) came to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) while he was in the cave of Hira, near Makkah and told him that Allah had appointed Muhammad as His last Messenger and Prophet.
Jibreel gave Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) the first words of revelation: Read! In the ame of thy Lord who created, Created man from a clot. Read! For thy Lord is most Gracious, Who taught man the use of pen, And taught man what he knew not. (Al Qur'an, Surah Al-Qalam [96], verses 1 to 5) 

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) began his prophetic mission from that time and started preaching the devine message that continued coming to him at different intervals during the rest of his life for 23 years. Muslims in some countries celebrate this occasion. Usually, gatherings are held in the mosques, homes, etc., and lectures are delivered to remember the event. There are no religious services associated with this day.


Eidul Fitr (1st of Shawwal, 10th month) At the conclusion of the month of Ramadhan, on the first day of the 10th month of Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eidul Fitr. This is one of two main festivals of Islam.
The ceremony of Eidul Fitr start early morning with a worship service. This service is generally held in a large open place and is attended by thousands of Muslims. After the prayer, a short sermon was delivered and then the people greet each other. The rest of the ceremonies are held generally privately with families and friends.
The significance of Eid is that it is the day of thanksgiving to Allah that He gve the opportunity to Muslims to benefit from and enjoy the blessing of the month of Ramadhan.

The Legend According to popular belief, Prophet Ibrahim was put to a tough test by Allah to prove his faith. He was asked to sacrifice his son Ismail and without any hesitation Prophet Ibrahim blindfolded himself and made the offering on the Mount of Mina near Mecca. When Prophet Ibrahim opened his eyes, he was astonished to find a goat lying upon the altar and his son Ismail standing in front of him. Ever since, followers of Islam all over the world offer sacrifices on the festival day.

On this day devout Muslims of all ages offer special prayers at mosques in the morning. Muslims sacrifice an animal - a goat or sheep, divide the meat into three portions and distribute it among poor, friends and relatives and whatever remains is for the family.

Previous Page

Page 3/3