Sha'ban (The Prophet's Month)

Sha'ban (Arabic: شعبان) is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, falling between Rajab and Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said: "Sha'ban is my month — the one who fasts during my month, I will intercede for on the Day of Judgment." Sha'ban is a preparatory month for Ramadan.

The 15th of Sha'ban (Nisf Sha'ban) is one of the year's most blessed nights in Shia Islam, as it marks the birthday of the 12th Imam, Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his appearance), born in Samarra, Iraq, in the year 255 Hijri (869 CE). This night is filled with special acts of worship: ghusl, prayer, du'a, recitation of Ziyarat al-Jami'ah al-Kabirah, and Du'a Kumayl.

Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said about the 15th of Sha'ban: "It is the night when Allah forgives more than the number of hairs on the sheep of the Kalb tribe" (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 94). And the Prophet said: "On this night, the gates of heaven open, and the angel Gabriel descends and calls: 'Is there anyone who supplicates, so that they may be answered? Is there anyone who repents, so that they may be forgiven?'" (Iqbal al-A'mal by Sayyid ibn Tawus).

Shia Muslims mark the 15th of Sha'ban with major celebrations in mosques and husayniyyahs worldwide. Programs include congregational prayer, recitation of du'as, lectures about Imam al-Mahdi, and festive fellowship. Fasting during Sha'ban is strongly recommended, and many Shia Muslims fast the entire month or the first 15 days in preparation for Ramadan.