The month of Sha’ban is not merely a calendar page that turns before Ramadan. It serves as the true gateway to the holy month. While many Muslims wait for the first moon of Ramadan to spark their spirituality, the Prophet ﷺ treated Sha’ban with exceptional reverence.
The Mother of the Believers, Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her), observed his dedication and described it, saying:
"لَمْ يَكُنْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَسْتَكْمِلُ صِيَامَ شَهْرٍ قَطُّ إِلَّا رَمَضَانَ، وَكَانَ يَصُومُ شَعْبَانَ كُلَّهُ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا" "The Messenger of Allah ﷺ never fasted a complete month entirely except for Ramadan, and he used to fast more days in Sha’ban than in any other month." (Agreed Upon)
But why this intensity? The answer lies in a profound reality that many overlook. To truly navigate these spiritual seasons without confusion, structured learning is essential. At Sister Nourhan Academy, we offer online Islamic studies courses designed to ground you in the authentic teachings of the Deen, helping you distinguish between cultural habits and sound creeds.
This guide explores the best deeds to do in Sha’ban to help you plant the seeds of worship now so you can harvest the fruits in Ramadan.
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Why Focus on Good Deeds in Sha’ban?
Why should we increase our worship in Sha’ban specifically? The Prophet ﷺ revealed the secret in a Hadith that shakes the heart of every believer:
"ذَلِكَ شَهْرٌ يَغْفُلُ النَّاسُ عَنْهُ بَيْنَ رَجَبٍ وَرَمَضَانَ، وَهُوَ شَهْرٌ تُ رْفَعُ فِيهِ الْأَعْمَالُ إِلَى رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُرْفَعَ عَمَلِي وَأَنَا صَائِمٌ" "It is a month between Rajab and Ramadan that people often neglect. In it, deeds are ascended to the Lord of the worlds, and I love for my deeds to be presented while I am in a state of fasting." (Narrated by An-Nasa'i and authenticated by Al-Albani)
Sha’ban is often called a "Month of Negligence" or Ghaflah. Worship performed when others are distracted requires greater sincerity and brings a unique closeness to Allah. It is not just a race for good deeds. It is the final inspection of your heart before the intense season of Ramadan.
Spiritual Wisdom Behind Increasing Good Actions
The wisdom of Sha’ban is not just in the quantity of deeds but in training the soul for consistency. Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (May Allah have mercy on him) explained this beautifully:
"Fasting during Sha’ban acts as a preparatory exercise for the fasting of Ramadan. This ensures one does not begin the holy month feeling exhausted or finding it difficult."
The deep meaning here is clear:
Sha’ban trains the heart before the body.
It reveals the truth of your worship regarding whether it is seasonal or constant.
It allows you to taste the sweetness of worship without the social pressure of Ramadan.
Whoever strives in Sha’ban will find excellence in Ramadan easy.
Acts of Worship Recommended in Sha’ban
Sha’ban is not a month for inventing new rituals but for reviving established Sunnahs. The methodology of the Prophet ﷺ was to increase what is already prescribed. This includes prayer, Quran, charity, and purifying the heart.
Extra Prayers and Night Worship
While no specific "Sha’ban Prayer" is authentically reported, maintaining the regular Night Prayer (Qiyam al-Layl) is highly recommended. Allah says, describing the righteous:
{كَانُوا قَلِيلًا مِنَ اللَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ} "{They used to sleep but little of the night.}" (Quran 51:17)
Practical Tip: You do not need to pray all night. Start with two Rak'ahs before Fajr or ensure you pray Witr every night. As the Salaf taught based on the Hadith, the most beloved actions to Allah are those performed continuously, even if they are small in amount.
Reading and Reflecting on the Qur’an
The early generations (Salaf) used to call Sha’ban "The Month of the Readers" (Shahr al-Qurra). Upon the arrival of Sha’ban, Habib ibn Abi Thabit would remark: "This is the season for the Quran reciters."
If Ramadan is the month for completing the Quran, then Sha'ban is the month for building a close connection with it. It is the time to correct your recitation and warm up your tongue with the words of Allah.
Many Muslims wish to use this time to connect with the Book of Allah, but do not know where to start. If you are struggling with consistency, we have prepared a structured program to help you learn Quran online with expert guidance, ensuring you build a strong relationship with the Quran before Ramadan arrives.
Making Du’a and Seeking Forgiveness
Because our actions ascend to the Heavens during this time, it is the ideal moment for sincere repentance (Istighfar). Al-Hasan Al-Basri used to say: "Increase your seeking of forgiveness in your homes, at your tables, on your roads, and in your gatherings."
This is the time to hold yourself accountable before you are held accountable. A simple and heartfelt "Astaghfirullah" can erase mountains of sins before the files are raised to Allah.
Giving Charity and Supporting Others
Charity (Sadaqah) in Sha’ban prepares the heart to be generous. The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan. Following his footsteps, the Salaf would increase their charity in Sha’ban to aid the poor for the coming month of fasting. Charity extinguishes sins, softens the heart, and shifts your focus from "self" to "others."
Mending Relationships and Community Service
Perhaps the most critical deed in Sha’ban is an internal one, which is cleaning the heart. The Prophet ﷺ said regarding the middle of Sha’ban:
"يَطَّلِعُ اللَّهُ إِلَى خَلْقِهِ... فَيَغْفِرُ لِجَمِيعِ خَلْقِهِ إِلَّا لِمُشْرِكٍ أَوْ مُشَاحِنٍ" "Allah looks at His creation... and forgives all of His creation except for a polytheist or one who harbors hatred (Mushahin)."
Holding a grudge can block your forgiveness. A sound heart (Qalb Salim) is greater than many voluntary deeds. Use this month to reconcile, forgive, and serve your community.
How to Build Good Habits Before Ramadan
Ramadan does not create habits. Ramadan reveals them. If you enter the month running, you will fly. If you enter it crawling, you will struggle.
Here is how to build habits that stick:
1. Start Small but Stay Consistent. Do not burn out. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"أَحَبُّ الْأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ" "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are few." (Agreed Upon)
Action: One page of the Quran a day is better than 20 pages once a week.
2. Fix Your Daily Routine. Ramadan is not the time for experiments. It is time for execution.
Action: Adjust your sleep schedule now. Try waking up slightly earlier for Fajr to simulate Suhoor time.
3. Train Your Heart, Not Just Your Body. Worship is a state of the heart, not just physical movement. Abu Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "To be certain in faith is dearer to me than excessive worship."
Action: Monitor your intentions. Why are you fasting? Why are you reading?
4. Gradually Reduce Bad Habits. Do not wait for the first night of Ramadan to stop a sin. Allah says:
{إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ} "{Verily, Allah does not alter the state of a people until they change what is within themselves.}" (Quran 13:11)
Action: Reduce screen time and control your tongue now.
5. Set Intentions, Not Pressure The Prophet ﷺ said: "Indeed, actions are but by intentions." Do not overload your schedule with unrealistic goals. Seek acceptance from Allah rather than perfection in numbers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Sha’ban
As we strive to do good, we must also be wary of pitfalls that can spoil our efforts.
1. Neglecting Sha’ban entirely: Treating it like any ordinary month and entering Ramadan unprepared.
2. Overburdening oneself: Starting with such high intensity that you burn out before Ramadan even begins. Remember that this religion is easy, so approach it gently.
3. Practicing innovations (Bid’ah): Engaging in specific prayers or rituals for Sha’ban that have no basis in the Sunnah. Intentions do not validate incorrect actions.
4. Ignoring the Heart: Focusing on the limbs like prayer or fasting while the heart is full of envy or hatred.
5. Delaying Repentance: Thinking "I will repent in Ramadan." Death has no calendar, and the door of repentance is open now.
To ensure your worship follows the Sunnah and avoids innovation, consider enrolling in our Islamic and Hadith Studies classes to learn the correct methodology of worship under qualified teachers.
Closing Reflection: A Gentle Call to Return
Sha’ban is not a race. It is a gentle invitation to return to Allah. It asks you a simple question regarding whether you worship Allah only when the "season" opens or if your heart is attached to Him always.
Start today, even with a small step. A sincere deed in Sha’ban is better than temporary excitement in Ramadan.
If you are looking for a supportive environment to help you connect with the Quran and purify your heart, Sister Nourhan Academy is here to guide you. We have helped countless students find their path to the Book of Allah. You can join our Quran family today and let us plant the seeds together in Sha’ban so we may rejoice in the harvest of Ramadan.
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FAQ: Good Deeds in Sha’ban
Q: What should I do in Shaban?
The best actions are those prescribed in the Sunnah. These include fasting, especially in the first half, reciting the Quran, seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), and purifying the heart from malice.
Q: What are some good deeds I can do in Islam?
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Every act of kindness is charity." Good deeds include prayer, Dhikr, being kind to parents, speaking good words, and removing harm from the path.
Q: What good deeds can I do in Ramadan?
Ramadan is the season of multiplication. Focus on the obligatory fasting, Tarawih prayers, reciting the Quran, giving Zakat or Sadaqah, and feeding fasting people for Iftar.
Q: What is Allah's favourite deed?
As mentioned in the Hadith, Allah’s favorite deed is that which is consistent, even if it is small. He values the continuity of the heart's connection to Him.
Q: What are 5 good deeds I can start today?
praying on time
Reading a fixed portion of the Quran daily.
Daily Istighfar or seeking forgiveness.
Giving to a small charity.
Mending a broken relationship or Silat ar-Rahim
