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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Commentary on the Supplication of Salawat Sha’baniyyah Conclusion After briefly scrutinizing this superb supplication of Salawat Sha’baniyyah, the servant now begins to recognize the significance of these profound words which has been divinely inspired to the Prophet (SA) who passed it on to his successors till it was taught and presented to us by Imam ‘Ali ibn Al Husain As-Sajjad (AS). Hence, it is also known as Salawat Imam Zainul ‘Abideen.

This prayer is unique in that it repeatedly pronounces the appeal for benedictions to be sent on the Holy Prophet (SA) and his purified Household (AS) which is one of the highly recommended acts to be done in the eyes of Allah (SWT), especially in the month of Sha’ban. Every call for benediction is followed by presentation of a fabulous virtue and exceptional merit which only these divine guides possess due to their high rank and close position to Allah (SWT).

After the servant recognizes the high status and lofty position of the Ahlul Bayt (AS), he then acknowledges their right of Wilayah and obedience over all believers and presents them as intercessors between him and his Lord. He beseeches Allah (SWT) by the blessings of the month of Sha’ban which is honored due to its association with the Holy Prophet (SA).

This special month which precedes the holy month of Ramadan also contains a very fateful night, the 15th night which marks the holy birth of the last Imam from the descendents of Imam ‘Ali (AS) who is the occulted Imam of our time.

It is no wonder that this supplication of Salawat Sha’baniyyah is also recommended to recite on this extraordinary night as it reminds us again that this month has received its exceptional status because of the birth of Imam Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), the 12th star which rose on this day to shine till the end of time just like the sun benefits the earth while it is behind the clouds!

It is certainly not a coincidence that this same night of the 15th is also the night which the Almighty (SWT) takes decisions in the matters of sustenance, life and death and welfare of the people for the next year. Next to the Night of Qadr, the 15th night of Sha’ban is the most auspicious night of the Islamic calendar (also known as Night of Bara’at).