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MUSLIMS MARK NISFU SHAABAN |
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Written by Samira Ali Gutoc
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Friday, 10 October 2003 |
Saturday -- October 11 -- marks the halfway to the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan, which will commence approximately on October 26. Muslims are encouraged to fast and observe optional prayers during this day, called Nisfu Shaaban.
In the Islamic calendar, Shaaban is the month when the Prophet Muhammad commanded Muslim believers to practice prayer and fasting, two of the five pillars of Islam. A respected figure in Islamic history, Imam Al Sajjad (AS) used to call his companions on this month and say: "Shaa'ban is my month, so fast this month out of love for your Messenger and for seeking nearness to your Lord." Imam Al-Sadiq also said, "Indeed, fasting the month of Shaa'ban is highly favored for such and such benefits ... until he said: even when one stains his hands with forbidden blood (commits the unlawful murder) he would be forgiven."
"Able-bodied" Muslims are encouraged to abstain from food, water and sex half-day during the day not only during Ramadhan but Shaaban.
The five pillars of Islam are the Shahada (declaration that there is no God but Allah and Mohammad is the Last messenger), prayer, pilgrimage, fasting and zakat (giving of charity).
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