Fast in Sha’ban, Thrive in Ramadan

Ramadan is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already thinking about how to make the most of this blessed month. But guess what? Sha’ban—the month we’re in right now—is your golden opportunity to get into the Ramadan groove. Think of it as the warm-up before the big game. And just like any good warm-up, fasting in Sha’ban can help you hit the ground running when Ramadan begins. 

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had a unique love for the month of Sha’ban. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) complete a month of fasting except Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than he did in Sha’ban” (Sahih Bukhari, 1969; Sahih Muslim, 1156). 

Fasting in Sha’ban isn’t just about practicing for Ramadan, it’s about presenting your best self to Allah (SWT). Imagine you’ve signed up for a marathon. Would you just show up on race day without any preparation? Of course not! You’d spend weeks, even months, building your stamina, pacing yourself, and getting in shape. Similarly, when it's time for Ramadan, we cannot expect ourselves to start becoming good Muslims at the sighting of the crescent moon because we know a lot about the religion and can read Arabic to recite the Qur’an. We need to have persistence, strong willed intentions and the determination to submit ourselves solely to the pleasure of Allah (SWT). In simple words, Ramadan is like the ultimate spiritual marathon, and Sha’ban is your training period. By fasting, praying more, and being mindful of your actions now, we will find it easier to dive into the beautiful rhythms of Ramadan when it begins. 

Fasting in Sha’ban has so many benefits, both spiritual and practical: 

Spiritual Preparation: By fasting, you cleanse your soul and develop Taqwa (consciousness of Allah). It’s a chance to recalibrate your heart and focus on what truly matters before Ramadan begins. Are we fasting to indulge in guilty pleasures with Iftar delicacies or is it a time to introspect the purpose behind our creation? After months of procrastination, is now the perfect time to give up bad habits and perform the best of deeds, like charity and helping others? 

Physical Preparation: Fasting now will help your body adjust to the Ramadan routine, making it easier to transition into the month of fasting without the initial fatigue many people experience. After all, fasting in Ramadan is an act made obligatory by Allah (SWT) while fasting in Sha’ban ian act of immense love by the created for The Creator, Subhan’Allah! 

Stronger Habits: Sha’ban is the perfect time to start building good habits, like reading the Qur’an daily, praying on time, or giving charity. In fact, psychologists often suggest that it takes around 21 to 66 days to build a new habit, which means fasting, practicing good deeds, abstaining from sins from Sha’ban and leading up to Ramadan would mean an increased sense of discipline, control and commendable self-purification. 

Immense Rewards: Every act of worship in Sha’ban earns you incredible rewards – Insha'Allah! Apart from fasting, seeking sincere forgiveness is itself a beautiful way to gain closeness to Allah (SWT).  The Prophet (ﷺ) taught us the following dua to instil the habit of seeking Allah’s forgiveness: 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي 

Allahumma innaka `Afuwwun TuHibbul `Afwa Fa`fu `Annii. 

“’O Allah, you are the Forgiver, You love to forgive, so forgive me.” (Tirmidhi) 

Mental Discipline: Fasting trains your mind to be more disciplined and patient. This mental strength will not only help you to stay focused and positive throughout Ramadan but it could also help you lose weight! 

Waking for Tahajjud: When the world is in deep slumber, a believer rises from the comforts of his/her bed to indulge in an intimate conversation with The One who knows the language of our tears! Sha’ban is an excellent time to get into the habit of waking up during the last third of the night to offer Nafl Tahajjud prayers. Nothing compares to the bliss of solitude with The Beloved Allah (SWT) who owns our hearts. 

So, are you ready to start your spiritual warm-up? Join us in making the most of Sha’ban! Whether it’s fasting, giving Sadaqah or reading more of the holy Qur’an, every little step counts. As Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “So race to [all that is] good” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:148). 

And if you’re looking for a way to multiply your rewards, why not consider giving to charity? At Penny Appeal, we’re all about making your good deeds go further. Your donations can provide clean water, food, and education to those who need it most—the perfect way to prepare your heart for Ramadan. 

Click here to donate now and make a difference today! 

Let’s make this Sha’ban count, together. Ready, set, fast!