Sha’bān, Set?

Start, Stop!

Photo by lucas Favre on Unsplash

Stop! Yes, you there. Stop doom-scrolling. Stop waiting. Stop wasting your XPs. Imagine playing Subway Surfers for the first time in many months… how many coins would you earn compared to your highest score? Very few. That highest score wasn’t by chance—it came from consistent practice, training, and familiarity with the terrain of the game. So it is with Ramadhān. The joints are stiff, the mind is worn, and the stomach is stretched—it’s been a long time since Ramadhān. This rickety-rockety engine… is this the same one you want to win a race with? Oh no, that won’t do—unless you’re planning to lose. And I know that isn’t our goal.

ʿĀ’ishah (رضي الله عنها), the wife of the Prophet ﷺ, said: “I never saw the Prophet ﷺ fasting (voluntary fasts) more in any other month than in Shaʿbān. He used to fast throughout the month.”  — Al-Bukhārī

When the Prophet ﷺ was asked why he fasted so much in Shaʿbān, he replied:

“That is a month between Rajab and Ramadhān which many people neglect. It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds, and I love that my deeds be raised while I am fasting.”

What is Shaʿbān?

Shaʿbān is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Linguistically, it means to spread, disperse, or separate. Historically, it refers to the time when Arab tribes scattered in search of water.

Because it sits between Rajab and Ramadhān—two highly revered months—it is often neglected. Yet it is a significant month for spiritual preparation especially through voluntary fasting, in a bid to ace Ramadhān.

How to Prepare for Ramadhān in Shaʿbān

There are less than 30 days to Ramadhān—courtesy of my consistent lateness. If, like me, the month of Rajab slipped through your fingers without permission, then hop on—let’s make hay while the sun still shines.

Like the analogy earlier: an engine must be serviced before it is placed on a contest track. No Subway Surfer hits their highest XP on the first trial—except that was their first and last. And this time, we must make it count.

Preparing for Ramadhān is not about focusing on one dimension of life. It is about totality—physical, emotional, spiritual, moral, and personal development. I’ve grouped this into three workable categories:

1. Itqān (Perfecting): Striving to perfect a praiseworthy deed or character.
2. Siyām (Abstaining): Refraining from actions that are not praiseworthy.
3. Ziyādah (Increasing): Putting in extra effort—to do more, to earn more bonus coins. It must be noted that perfection precedes increase.

As Ā’ishah (رضي الله عنها) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah ﷻ were those done consistently, even if they were few.”

To begin this exercise—stop. Look inward. What needs to change? What needs rhythm? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Identify areas for improvement in your daily life and group them neatly under the categories above.

Here’s an example you may use as a checklist or guide:

• Itqān / Ziyādah: Tahajjud, Tarāwīḥ, Ḥifẓ, Murājaʿah, Qirā’ah, Exercise, Book Reading (Islamic & Academic), Writing/Journaling, Ṣalāh, Nawāfil, Dhikr (mindful remembrance), Khushūʿ, Nightly Muḥāsabah, Tadabbur, Tafakkur.
• Siyām: Not Lowering the gaze / Zinā, Anger, Harsh or hurtful speech, Lying, Backbiting, Vain talk / Gossip.

N.B: This is not an exhaustive list, and each deed is based on individual capacity and preference.

With each day, balance slowly returns as your routine begins to resemble what life is meant to be in Ramadhān—just like a Subway Surfer who regains rhythm through consistent play.

Lastly, the goal of Ramadhān is Taqwā. Let's keep this in sight as we strive through any of the categories mentioned above.

Maa’ Hubbī

May Almighty Allah accept this and forgive the unknown errors and enable me to fulfill the purpose for which I was created. Āāmeen.