Introduction
The month of Sha’ban serves as a spiritual prelude to Ramadan, offering believers an opportunity to purify their hearts and prepare for the sacred month of fasting. Among its most significant periods are the last Friday and the final three days, which hold unique importance in Islamic tradition. These moments serve as a bridge between Sha’ban and Ramadan, allowing Muslims to engage in recommended acts of worship, repentance, and supplication. This paper explores the various practices observed during these days as reported in Mafatih al-Jinan, thereby highlighting their spiritual benefits and their role in enhancing one’s devotion as Ramadan approaches. By understanding and implementing these practices, believers can maximize their preparedness and ensure a smooth transition into the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.
The Last Friday of Shaban
Another important time (for worshipping Allah, Glory and Greatness be to Him) in the month of Sha’ban for the Salik proceeding towards Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him) is the last Jumu`ah of the month (this year, it falls on November 1, 200). In this regard, it has been narrated in the book `Uyun al-Akhbar al-Ridha from Abi Salt al-Harawi that he said: “On the last Friday of the month of Sha’ban, I went to visit Imam al- Ridha (prayers be upon him). The Imam said to me, ‘O’ Aba Salt! Certainly, a great amount of the month of Sha`ban has passed and today is the last Jumu`ah (of this month) therefore make up for your negligence during this month on this day through the recitation of a great deal of supplications and constantly asking for forgiveness from Allah.
In addition, read the Qur’an much on this day and turn back towards Allah from your sins so that when the month of Ramadan comes, you have purified yourself for Allah such that there remains no trust upon your neck except that you have fulfilled it, and that there remains no hatred in your heart for a true believer except that you have removed it and keep away from all sins. Strengthen the Taqwa you have for Allah and have complete reliance upon Him while in private and while you are in the public: “And whoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him. Indeed, Allah carries through His commands. Certainly, Allah has ordained a measure [and extent] for everything.[1]”
During the few days that are left in this month, continuously recite this supplication:
اَللّْهُمَّ إِنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ قَدْ غَفَرتَ لَنا فِي ما مَضى مِن شَعْبانَ فَاغفِر لَنا فِيما بَقِيَ مِنْهُ
“O’ Allah! If you have not forgiven us (our sins) in that which has passed of this (month of) Shaban, then forgive us (our sins) in the period that is remaining (of the month of Shaban).”
This command from the Imam (peace be upon him) was a practical directive to his own family, those around him at his time and of course, to people of all time. Therefore, we too must defend and keep this commandment alive and consider it as something valuable and thus, act upon it. It is also highly recommended to fast the last three days of the month of Shaban for that person who was not able to fast this entire month, and it is not befitting for the one who is trying to get closer to Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him) to miss these fasts. Shaykh Saduq (may Allah shower him with mercy) relates from Imam `Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (peace be upon him) that:
من صام ثلاثة أيّام من أخر شعبان و وصلها بشهر رمضان كتب الله تعالى له صيام شهرين متتابعين
“Whoever fasts the last three days of the month of Sha’ban and joins these fasts with that of the month of Ramadan, Allah will write (in his book of deeds) as if he has fasted two months straight[2].”
The devotional acts that should be performed at the end of every month to correct and rectify the actions that were missed during that month are other than the actions that we have listed here, just as how for all the other months we have mentioned some of the actions that can be performed[3].
Of the most important acts of the month of Ramadan which should be done on the last night of the month of Shaban is the supplication that is mentioned in the book Iqbal which has been narrated and should be read tonight (the last night of the month of Sha’ban) and on the first night of the month of Ramadan and thus, those who must fast during the month of Ramadan must get themselves prepared to enter this month and to be the guests of Allah the Most High which they will understand how to do by reciting this supplication[4].
Conclusion
The last Friday and the final three days of Sha’ban present a crucial period for self-purification, increased worship, and strengthening one’s connection with Allah. Through fasting, supplication, charity, and other recommended acts, believers can spiritually condition themselves for the arrival of Ramadan. These practices not only reinforce a sense of devotion but also help cultivate sincerity, patience, and gratitude. As this paper has demonstrated, engaging in these acts with a conscious heart ensures that one enters Ramadan with renewed faith and enthusiasm, ready to embrace its blessings and transformative opportunities.
References
[1] . Surah al-Talaq, 65, Verse 3.
[2] . Wasa’il Al-Shia, Chapter 29.
[3] . The readers can refer to the book al-Muraqibat for more information on the deeds for the end of every month. (Tr.)
[4] . This supplication is presented on pages 3 and 4 in `Arabic with an English Translation. Please note that this translation has been taken from the book, Prayer’s Almanac published by PET Publications of Karachi and from the translation available on (www.duas.org) with modifications to make the translation more faithful to the `Arabic text.
