What is the month of Shaban?
Shaban is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, the month right before Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ fasted more in Shaban than in any other month outside Ramadan, so Muslims treat it as a warm-up: extra fasting, more Quran, and getting ready for the holy month.
Where Shaban sits in the year
The Islamic year has twelve lunar months, and Shaban comes after Rajab and before Ramadan. Because the calendar follows the moon, Shaban moves about 11 days earlier each year in the Western calendar, so it can fall in winter, spring, summer or autumn over the years. Ramadan 2027 is expected to start around 8 February 2027, which puts Shaban 2027 roughly in January. See How does the Islamic calendar work?
The Prophet's ﷺ favorite month for voluntary fasting
Aisha said she never saw the Prophet ﷺ fast a whole month except Ramadan, and she never saw him fast more in any month than in Shaban (Sahih al-Bukhari 1969, Sahih Muslim 1156). When Usama ibn Zayd asked him about this, he explained that Shaban is a month people neglect, sitting between Rajab and Ramadan, and that it is a month in which deeds are raised to Allah, and he loved his deeds to be raised while he was fasting (Sunan an-Nasa'i 2357).
So fasting a few days in Shaban, such as Mondays and Thursdays or the three middle "white days", is a lovely sunnah. You don't have to fast the whole month.
A training month for Ramadan
Shaban is the natural time to prepare for the month the Quran describes like this:
- Make up missed fasts. Aisha used to make up her missed Ramadan days in Shaban (Sahih al-Bukhari 1950, Sahih Muslim 1146), so if you owe days from last year, now is the time.
- Build a Quran habit. Even a page a day in Shaban makes Ramadan reading much easier.
- Fix your sleep. Practice waking a little earlier so suhoor doesn't come as a shock.
- Plan with work or school. Ask early about breaks, prayer space or time off for Eid.
The last days and the 15th night
The Prophet ﷺ said not to start Ramadan early by fasting a day or two before it, unless it is a fast you normally keep, such as a regular Monday fast (Sahih al-Bukhari 1914, Sahih Muslim 1082). Many Muslims also mark the 15th night of Shaban with extra prayer; scholars differ on how strong the reports about it are. See Is the 15th of Shaban a special night in Islam?
- Shaban is the 8th Islamic month, just before Ramadan.
- The Prophet ﷺ fasted more in Shaban than in any other month besides Ramadan.
- It's the best time to make up missed Ramadan fasts.
- Don't start fasting a day or two early "just in case".
People also ask
Can I sell the skin or meat from my qurbani?
No, you shouldn't sell qurbani meat or skin. Eat it, gift it or give it in charity, and pay the butcher a separate fee, not with parts of the animal.
Read the full answer →What is Jumu'atul Wida?
Jumu'atul Wida is the last Friday of Ramadan, the 'farewell Friday'. It's blessed, but has no special prayer like 'qada umri'. Here's why.
Read the full answer →Can I break a voluntary fast for an Eid invitation?
Yes, you can break a voluntary fast for an Eid invitation. The Prophet broke voluntary fasts too; fasting on Eid day itself isn't allowed.
Read the full answer →What happens to the Eid prayer if it rains?
If it rains, the Eid prayer moves indoors to the mosque or a hall. It's never cancelled, and in severe weather you may pray it at home instead.
Read the full answer →How do I share Eid with my kids' non-Muslim parent?
Share Eid with your kids' non-Muslim parent by agreeing dates early, explaining Eid simply, including them kindly and never making kids choose.
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