News
16th January 2026
The Last Friday of Rajab: Preparing the Heart for What’s to Come
Sha‘ban is an important month in the Islamic calendar, yet many people pass through it without giving it much thought. The eighth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, falling between the blessed month of Rajab and Ramadan, Sha‘ban gives us time to prepare our hearts, minds and bodies to align with the sweetness of spirituality that lies ahead.
It is a month when many of us increase our duas, ask Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) for forgiveness, and try to improve our habits before Ramadan begins. It is also a time to remember the wider Ummah. As hardship continues in Palestine, it is important that we continue to remember our brothers and sisters in our duas in this blessed month of Sha’ban.
What Makes Sha‘ban Special?
Sha‘ban is known as the month when deeds are raised to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) and is also named as the “month of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)”. We have been advised to perform sincere acts of worship during this time, especially prayer, fasting, and charity.
The 15th Night of Sha‘ban
The 15th night of Sha‘ban, also known as Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Baraat, is widely regarded as a night of forgiveness. Manyof us would spend this night making dua, reading the Qur’an, and asking Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) to forgive our sins and grant ease in the year ahead.
Giving charity on this night is also encouraged as it allows us to help those in need while seeking Allah’s mercy for ourselves.
It is reported that on the 15th night of Sha‘ban, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى) calls out to His servants from sunset until dawn, saying:
“Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so that I may forgive them? Is there anyone asking for provision so that I may provide for them? Is there anyone facing hardship so that I may ease it?” — Ibn Majah
It’s beautifully comforting to know that we are now in a month of mercy, wherein our sincere duas would be welcomed by the Almighty (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى)
Using Sha‘ban to Get Ready for Ramadan
Small steps taken in Sha‘ban, like giving Zakat, can make Ramadan feel more manageable and meaningful. It is a chance to relieve hardship, protect children, and ease the burdens of struggling families. Through Penny Appeal’s 100% Zakat policy, every contribution reaches those in need, allowing your generosity to ripple further and your intentions to be fulfilled before Ramadan arrives.
A Simple Dua for Forgiveness
When words feel hard to find, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught us a dua that says everything in just one line:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa‘fu ‘anni
“O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
Before Ramadan arrives with its pace and demands, Sha‘ban gives us the chance to sit with our responsibilities. To calculate. To plan. To give with clarity.
Zakat is not just a number. It is a reminder that our wealth is not owned outright, rather it is entrusted. And when it is given on time, with care, it becomes a source of relief for someone else and peace for ourselves.
This matters even more now, when so many families across the world are struggling to meet basic needs. From children at risk of losing education to parents burdened with debt, Zakat can quietly change the direction of a life.
Giving now means entering Ramadan knowing that one important obligation has already been fulfilled.
And sometimes, that quiet sense of readiness is the greatest gift of all.
