REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- During the 12 months of the Islamic calendar, the month of Sha'ban ranks eighth. History records that many major events occurred during the month of Sha'ban.
For example, the movement of the Qibla direction from Masjid al-Aqsa to the Ka'bah (QS al-Baqarah: 144). Another important event is the revelation of a verse from the Koran that recommends reciting prayers (QS al-Ahzab: 56).
Rasulullah SAW also explained that the lifting of records of human deeds also occurs every month of Sha'ban. This is conveyed in the hadith narrated by Abu Dawud and Nasa'i.
Once Usama asked the Prophet SAW, "O Messenger of Allah, it seems that not one month is more satisfied than the month of Sha'ban?"
The Prophet SAW replied, "People often forget that month because it is located between the month of Rajab and Ramadan, while in that month the practices of Lord Rabbul 'Alamin are appointed. So, I want my practice to be carried up while I am fasting."
In this month, many Muslims follow one of the Prophet's examples, namely the sunnah fast. Apart from that, there is also a tradition that has become so entrenched in Indonesia, namely the commemoration of the Nisfu Sya'ban night.
For some circles, the night of Nisfu Sya'ban is considered special. They based on the hadith from Mu'adz bin Jabal, from the Prophet SAW.
He said, "Allah comes to all His creatures on the night of Nisfu Sya'ban. He also forgives all beings except the polytheists and those who are hostile."
Another hadith is narrated from Abdullah bin Amr, the Prophet SAW said, "Allah 'Azza wa Jalla came to His creatures on the night of Nisfu Sya'ban, Allah forgives His servants except for two people, namely people who are enemies and people who kill the soul. "
In a hadith narrated by al-Dailami, Imam 'Asakir, and al-Baihaqy, Rasulullah SAW said, "There were five nights where prayers were not rejected on these nights, namely the first night of the month of Rajab, the night of Nisfu Sya'ban, the night of Friday, the night of Eid al-Fitr and the night of Eid al-Adha. "
The hadiths above, according to the number of scholars, include dhaif. However, there is a history from the tabiin generation, namely those who inhabit the State of Syria (Syria). They are known to enjoy enlivening the night of Nisfu Sha'ban with sunnah prayers.
In Indonesia, not a few usually hold certain events to liven up the Nisfu Syaban night. For example, reading prayers, either individually or in groups.
Alternatively, a member of the assembly recites the prayer, then the congregation follows it. Or, one person prays and the other congregation just guarantees it as he understands.
Another activity is to read the Yasin letter three times after sunset, then continue with prayer.
In essence, Sha'ban is a glorified month. Rasulullah SAW himself recommended that there be plenty of sunnah fasting in it. Moreover, in a few days since then we will enter the holy month of Ramadan.
Not all Indonesian Muslims agree with the tradition of living the Nisfu Syaban night. For this reason, mutual respect needs to be put forward.
Moreover, the practice of reviving the night of Nisfu Sya'ban is a matter of fur'iyyah which should be filled with worship to strengthen faith. Allah knows best.
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