[3] ” It is reported in the authentic traditions (Hadiths)...

[3] ” It is reported in the authentic traditions (Hadiths) that apart from the month of Ramadan, (PBUHH) used to fast most of the month of Sha’ban.

Imam Sadiq (PBUH) was reported to have said, “The Commander of the Faithful has said, “From the moment I heard this, I have never missed fasting in the month of Sha’ban, and I will not miss it Insha-Allah.” Then Imam Ali said, “Fasting for two months continuously is the repentance to Allah [4] .” The Mother of the believer, Umm Salma, was also reported to have said: “I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha’ban and Ramadan.” On the rewards of fasting in the month of Sha’ban, the eighth Imam, Imam Ali Reza (PBUHH) was reported to have said: “Whoever fasts one day of Sha’ban, just for the sake of God’s reward will enter the heaven.

… Whoever fasts three days of Sha’ban and connects these days to the month of Ramadan, God will reward him for two complete months [5] .” According to reliable traditions, one of the highly recommended acts of worship in the month of Sha’ban is repentance. It is mentioned that seeking the forgiveness of Allah (i.e., Istighfār) is the best Dhikr in the month of Sha’ban.

Although seeking the forgiveness of Allah is an act not restricted to the month of Sha’ban but due to its significant and great positive impacts on the life of a believer, it is highly recommended daily in this month. Thus, repetition of “Astaghfirullah wa as’aluhu Tawbah” meaning “I seek forgiveness of Allah and I turn to Him in repentance” seventy times daily is highly recommended in this month.

In this regard, Imam Reza (PBUH) was quoted to have said: “Whoever repents to Allah seventy times, on the Day of Judgment he will be raised with the Prophet and God’s appreciation will be obligatory on him [6] .” One of the meritorious acts of worship in the month of Sha’ban is a Salawāt (i.e., invoking benediction upon the Prophet and his Household) daily. It is highly recommended to invoke benediction as much as possible upon the Holy Prophet (PBUHH) and his pure (PBUH).

On the rewards of Salawāt, Allamah Tabarsi narrates with the chain of narration from Anas Ibn Malik from Abu Talha, “I entered in the presence of the Prophet and saw him extremely happy and pleased as I have never seen him before. I told him: I have never seen you this happy before.