Zaid RA was the most beloved to Nabi (SAW) and lived very close to Him (SAW). He was adopted by Nabi (SAW) and was known as Zaid bin Muhammad. But when the verse for adoption was revealed, then he was called as Zaid bin Haarisa. He is the only Sahabi whose name is mentioned in Quran. There are references for other Sahaba like Abu Bakr, Umar, Ali (RA). The son of Zaid RA, Usama was Hibbun-Nabi (most beloved to Nabi (SAW)). He used to play with Hassan and Hussain. One day, Usama RA asked him about the fasting in Shaban and Nabi (SAW) responded by saying “This is the month which most of the people are negligent, this month is between Rajab and Ramadan. This is the month in which deeds are presented to Allah Ta’ala and I would love my book of deeds to be presented to Allah Ta’ala in the state of fasting”. So we can see the great importance of the month of Sha’ban. Nabi (SAW) desired to increase in some deeds in this month so that good deeds are incorporated in the closing book of deeds. That is why he fasted mostly in this month.
Also in preparation for the month of Ramadan building energy and stamina starts in this month. We should start doing more good deeds in the month of Sha’ban to get well prepared for the month of Ramadan. Our pious elders used to say this month is the month of cleansing. The various forms of Nafl Ibadah one can do is: Nafl fasting, Zikr, Sadaqah and Tilawah. We must try to engage in good deeds, but simultaneously eliminate bad deeds, as sins destroy the good deeds. We must give up all forms of sins, both major and minor (Qur’an). Giving up sins (both open and hidden) is a very high form of Ibadah. Once Nabi (SAW) said to Abu Huraira RA: “If you give up sins, you will become the greatest worshiper”. So we must not undermine any form of Ibadah, be it doing good deeds or giving up sins. One of the great saints mentioned Rajab is like the blossoming of the tree, Shaban is the ripening of the fruit and Ramadan is like eating and enjoying the fruit!

Duration 00:33