On nisf Sha’abaan as Ramadan beckons 

The second half of Sha’abaan, the 8th month of lunar calendar, which begins today (February 14, 2025), has always been a major signifier for the countdown to Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, globally.

One particular instance is the 30th pre-Ramadan lecture being planned by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Muslim Alumni (UMA) scheduled to hold on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the J.F. Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, February 11, at the UNILAG Mosque Conference Centre, the National President of UMA, Dr. Mumini Alao, said the theme for this year’s lecture is “The Transformative Power of Ramadan.” The event aims to highlight the spiritual and personal benefits of the holy month while addressing important societal issues.

The main topic of discussion, “Islam at the Intersection of Humanity and Religion,” will explore how Muslims can balance their faith with the rights of others in society. Another topic, “Shari’ah in South West Nigeria,” will examine the historical and legal aspects of Shari’ah law in the region, particularly in light of recent happenings in Ekiti State.

To lead the discussions, the association has invited two prominent scholars—Professor Mashood Baderin of the University of London, an expert in Islamic Law and Human Rights, and Justice Abdur-Raheem Ahmad Sayi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Ilorin.

The event will also feature several dignitaries, including Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who will deliver a keynote address. Former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, will chair the occasion, while Oba (Professor) Saka Adeola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, will serve as the Royal Father of the Day. The Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, will be the Chief Host.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the lecture, UMA has introduced new initiatives, including a Qur’an Recitation Challenge for children in primary, secondary, and Arabic schools. Winners will be announced at the event. The association will also present special recognition awards to past guest speakers. Additionally, free medical check-ups will be available for attendees who arrive early.

Speaking on the importance of the lecture, Alhaji Abdulkabir Garba, a member of UMA, emphasized that one of the association’s goals is to promote peaceful coexistence. He noted that both Muslims and Christians are welcome to attend the event.

The Vice president of UMA, Professor Shakiudeen Odunuga also highlighted that over the past three decades, the UNILAG Muslim Alumni Pre-Ramadan Lecture has become one of the most anticipated religious gatherings. He assured that this year’s edition will be insightful and rewarding as we prepare for Ramadan.

Indeed, in the last two weeks (from January 31 precisely), Muslims have been in the midst of a great month, a month in which the blessings of Allah (SWT) continue to flow, and His gifts manifest. It is the month of Sha’abaan, which is flanked by two esteemed months: Rajab, the sacred month, and Ramadan, the honoured month.

The Holy Prophet enjoins seizing the opportunities in this month and draws Muslims’ attention to it by saying: “That (Sha’abaan) is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan.”

Through this Hadith, the holy Prophet underscores the importance of vigilance in our
lives and the necessity of making good use of the sacredness of our time in a manner that will ultimately benefit us. Thus, Muslims are encouraged to maximise the blessings of this month and be eager to make the best use of its moments.
 
It is important to note that the description of Sha’abaan as the moments of gentle breeze from the mercy of Allah by the Prophet (SAW) is for us to maximize the benefits.

Among the virtues of Sha’abaan is that it is the month in which your deeds are presented to your Lord and Creator. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked why he fasted extensively in Sha’abaan, and he responded: “It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I love that my deeds are raised while I am fasting.”

Mother of the faithful, Nana Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah (SAW) complete a full month of fasting except Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Sha’abaan (Bukhari and Muslim).

Thus, beneficial deeds in the remaining days of Sha’abaan will include increase in fasting, especially on Mondays and Thursdays, helping humanity generally in obedience to the Most Merciful and as preparation for Ramadan, following the example of the Prophet.

It should be reiterated that this is a month in which sins are forgiven, misdeeds are erased, and records are filled with good deeds. In it is a blessed night—the night of the middle of Sha’abaan—where Allah looks upon His servants, checking the purity of their hearts and the sincerity of their souls, then showers them with His mercy and grants them vast forgiveness.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Indeed, Allah looks upon His creation on the night of the middle of Sha’abaan and forgives all of them, except the idolater and the one who harbours hatred. (Ibn Majah).

As people of pure hearts, Muslims are enjoined to hasten to remove resentment and enmity, avoid jealousy and hatred, for they create a barrier between you and Allah’s pardon.

And to everyone who has disobeyed their parents, cut ties with their siblings, taken others’ rights unjustly, or wronged anyone in society: Rush to mend relations, return rights, and seek reconciliation. O people, forgive one another, set aside your disputes, maintain kinship ties, and treat your family, neighbours, and friends with kindness.

It is important to approach Ramadan with pure hearts, sound and compassionate mind and willingness to be upright in all our dealings with one another. Allahumo! Ballighina Ramadan! Aameen.