Muslims all across the world look forward to the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is made mandatory good deeds are multiplied and the Quran was revealed during this month. This is mentioned in verse 184 of Surah Al-Baqarah:
“A limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [and does not fast], then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is better for you, if you only knew.” (QS Al-Baqarah: 184)
We go through the month of Sha’ban before we enter the month of Ramadan. The night of Nishfu Sha’ban is a noteworthy occasion that takes place in Sha’ban. The night in the middle of the month of Sha’ban specifically the fifteenth night is referred to as Nishfu Sha’ban. The proof of Nishfu Sha’ban Nights existence and the veracity of its benefits will be covered in this article.
Also read:Preparing for Ramadan and Insights From The Month of Sha’ban
Proof of the Virtues of Nishfu Sha’ban Night
A hadith from Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA) provides evidence of the uniqueness of Nishfu Sha’ban night. These are the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
“Allah looks at His creation on the night of the middle of Sha’ban and forgives all His creatures, except for a polytheist or someone harboring enmity (Al-Mundhiri narrated this in At-Targhib).”
Al-Bazzar narrated from Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated the following in another version of this narration:
“On the night of the middle of Sha’ban, Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, descends to the lowest heaven and forgives His servants, except for the polytheist and those who harbor enmity with their brother.” (Reported with a suitable chain by Al-Bazzar).
These two hadiths demonstrate the virtue of Nishfu Sha’ban night especially the forgiveness that Allah extends to His servants on this night—with the exception of polytheists and those who are at odds with others.
Also read:Essence Hablumminnallah and Hablumminnas During Ramadhan
For Nishfu Sha’ban are there any particular acts of worship?
The existence of hadiths describing the benefits of Nishfu Sha’ban night does not inevitably dictate particular religious practices for the evening. Beyond merely stating the virtues of a given night more concrete proof is needed to assign particular acts of worship to that night. In this regard the following hadith is frequently cited:
“Do not single out the night of Friday for prayer among the nights, and do not single out Friday for fasting among the days, unless it coincides with a fast you regularly observe.” (Narrated by Muslim 1124).
Assigning particular acts of worship like prayer to particular nights or days without concrete proof is expressly forbidden by the aforementioned hadith. The example provided is Friday night which is already well-known for its specific deeds such as the requirement to recite Surah Al-Kahf and offer Friday prayers. If a night with well-established virtues cannot be singled out for a specific worships without specific proof then Nishfu Sha’ban which has weaker proof of virtue cannot be associated with particular acts of worship without clear instructions.
There is insufficient evidence to back up practices like special prayers like Salat Raghaib or particular types of dhikr for Nishfu Sha’ban night. Some scholars have reportedly increased their prayers on this night although there are no verified proofs to support this practice. It is appropriate for us to increase our acts of worship on this night though considering the virtues of Nishfu Sha’ban that are mentioned in the hadith. Rather than limiting ourselves to particular rites or techniques these could include dhikr prayer supplication and other good deeds. May Allah allow us to worship Him in earnest on other auspicious nights as well as on Nishfu Sha’ban.
Also read:What Should We Do Before and After Eid Fitri?
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References
Muhammad. (2011, July 4). Kritik Hadits Malam Nishfu Sya’ban. Rumaysho.com. https://rumaysho.com/1847-kritik-hadits-malam-nishfu-syaban.html
Muhammad. (2015, May 29). Malam Nisfu Syaban dan Amalan Nisfu Syaban. Rumaysho.com. https://rumaysho.com/11158-malam-nisfu-syaban-dan-amalan-nisfu-syaban.html
Muhammad. (2009, July 22). Kekeliruan di Malam Nishfu Sya’ban. Rumaysho.com. https://rumaysho.com/386-kekeliruan-di-malam-nishfu-syaban.html
النصف من شعبان.. فضل ليلتها وحكم صوم نهارها. (2017, May 7). Islamway.net; Islamway. https://ar.islamway.net/article/73721/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D9%81-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%81%D8%B6%D9%84-%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%88%D9%85-%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A7