Sya'aban

Salam everyone..

Today (24th July 2009) is 2nd day of Syaaban 1430H.
About a month we will celebrate Ramadhan where all the muslims around the world have to fasting.

Muslims around the world will celebrate the Nisfu Syaaban soon, which is celebrated every 15th of Syaaban, the eight month in the Hijrah calendar. 'Nisfu' is an Arabic word which when translated means 'middle'.

Nisfu Syaaban is also one of the time that Muslims are encouraged to perform more good deeds and to be committed to their obligations towards Allah, such as the 'puasa sunat' (sunat fast), Quran recital, and 'sembahyang hajat' (hajat prayers).

Prophet Muhammad practised a lot of 'ibadah sunnah' at this time of month. Prophet Muhammad used to fast at this month and continued it until Ramadhan.

One of the benefits of performing the 'puasa sunat' during this month was as an exercise and to prepare for fasting before performing it for the whole month of Ramadhan, which follows after Sya'aban. During Ramadhan, it is an obligation for all Muslims to fast and stated as one of the five pillars of Islam.

One of the benefits of Sya'aban is that those who fast on any day, Allah will forbid him from hellfire and they will be companions to Prophet Yusof in heaven.

Another hadith, as narrated by Ibnu Habban in his authentic book, from Muaz bin Jabal ra, said that Prophet Muhammad spoke that "Allah will see his followers on the night of Nisfu Syaaban and Allah will give rewards or pahala to all of the followers, except those who commit syirik (witchcraft) and adultery".

As narrated by Abdullah bin Amru bin al-As, which means "Allah looks at his creatures on the night of Nisfu Syaaban, and will grant forgiveness, except for two groups, that are those who commit suicide and those who spread fitnah"

One of the historical event in the month of Sya'aban was the event in which the 'kiblat' was moved from Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to the Kaabah in Makkah.

So friends, don't forget to top up our ibadah...
Take care and have a nice day;)