IMANews: Shaʿbān 1447 AH, Jan/Feb 2026

As-Salāmu ‘Alaykum / Peace be upon you!

Crescent Moon for the Month of Sha'ban 1446 AH

Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 will be the first day of Shaʿbān 1447 AH. There were confirmed moon sightings with the naked eye on the eve of Thursday, January 30th in Florida..

We ask Allah SWT for success in performing good deeds and to hasten the Return of Our Master, Imam Mahdi (p).

Important Islamic Events this Month:

3 Shaʿbān Jan 22 Wiladat of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (p), 3 A.H.

4 Shaʿbān Jan 23 Wiladat of Abu Fadl al-Abbas (p), 26 A.H.

5 Shaʿbān Jan 24 Wiladat of Imam Ali ibn Hussain (p) , 38 A.H.

15 Shaʿbān Feb 3 Wiladat of Imam al-Mahdi (p), 255 A.H.

Daily Dhur, Maghrib, Isha and Friday congregational prayers are being held in person at the IMAN Center. Congregational Prayer Timings are published on the IMAN home page.

Weekly Dua Kumail program also takes place in person at the IMAN Center at 8:00 PM each Thursday.

Additional programs will be posted under ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS on the IMAN home page once all program details are finalized.

The Virtues and Forward-Looking Significance of the Month of Shaʿbān

The blessed month of Shaʿbān occupies a distinguished place in the spiritual calendar of the believers and holds special significance in the teachings of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ and the Ahl al-Bayt عليهم السلام.

Imam Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq عليه السلام is reported to have said:

“Shaʿbān is my month and the month of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ; whoever assists me in my month through worship shall be my companion on the Day of Resurrection.” 

This month is marked by the raising of deeds to Allah ﷻ, increased opportunities for repentance and forgiveness, and an emphasis on ṣalawāt upon Muḥammad and Āl Muḥammad.

Shaʿbān is further illuminated by the birth anniversaries of several members of the Ahl al-Bayt عليهم السلام, culminating in the blessed wilādat of Imam al-Mahdi (عجّل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف) on the 15th of Shaʿbān - a night associated in the narrations with divine mercy, answered supplications, and renewed hope in Allah’s promise of justice and guidance.

As we commemorate this sacred month, believers are called not only to prepare spiritually for Ramadhân, but also to renew their sense of responsibility, patience, and readiness to be among the sincere supporters of the Imam of our time (عج) through steadfast worship, moral refinement, and active participation in communal life.

IMAN Center Daily Congregational Salaat

Al-ḥamdu lillāh, our Qurʾān Study Circle sessions - held regularly following the daily Ṣalāt al-ʿIshāʾ - have now completed the study of Sūrat al-Baqarah. Community members who wish to benefit from or revisit these reflections may access the study materials through the Qur'an Study Circle resource.

Despite the demands of modern life and the challenges of winter evenings, maintaining regular attendance at Ṣalāt al-ʿIshāʾ in congregation - even once a week if not daily - remains a vital act of devotion. Congregational prayer strengthens our connection with Allah ﷻ, nurtures unity among the believers, and reflects the lived tradition of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ and his purified Household, the Ahl al-Bayt عليهم السلام, who consistently emphasized communal worship, spiritual discipline, and shared remembrance of Allah.

This call is especially meaningful in the blessed month of Shaʿbān, widely recognized in the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt عليهم السلام as the Month of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. It is a month in which deeds are raised to Allah ﷻ and a time marked by increased acts of worship, ṣalawāt upon the Prophet and his family, and spiritual preparation for Ramaḍān. Establishing or strengthening a routine of congregational prayer during Shaʿbān aligns with this sacred rhythm, serving as a spiritual training ground that prepares hearts and habits for the coming month of fasting and heightened devotion.

Equally essential is the preservation of Ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah as a firm and non-negotiable pillar of our communal life. The Qurʾān underscores its centrality, stating:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِن يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ (62:9)

 “Believers! When the call to prayer is made on the day of congregation, hurry towards the reminder of God and leave off your trading––that is better for you, if only you knew––” 

(Al-Jumu`ah 62:9).

The teachings transmitted from the Prophet ﷺ and the Imams from his Household عليهم السلام consistently affirm that prayer in congregation carries a far greater reward than prayer offered individually, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on unity, order, and collective devotion.

May Allah ﷻ grant us success in following the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ and the Ahl al-Bayt عليهم السلام, increase us in consistency and sincerity in prayer, and allow this blessed month of Shaʿbān to be a means of spiritual readiness as we approach the sacred month of Ramadhân.

Our Shaʿbān 1447 AH Guest Speakers and Presenters

Seyed Ali Ghazvini will be our guest speaker as we celebrate the birthdates of Imam Hussain ibn Ali (p), Abu Fadl al-Abbas (p), and Imam Ali ibn Hussain (p) on Saturday, January 24th, 2026. Serving as the Co-Founder and President of the Development and Relief Foundation, Seyed Ali Ghazvini has been instrumental since its inception. Under his visionary leadership, the organization has witnessed substantial growth, expanding its reach to numerous communities and regions in the United States, the Middle East, and Africa. His commitment has led to the provision of life-changing relief and essential services to thousands of underserved communities.

We also look forward to a discussion-driven session led by Dr. Maziar Gomrokchi and Dr. Hamidreza Qafqazi to explore how the Qur’an hints, guides, and points toward the promise of Imam Mahdi (PBUH) as we celebrate the birth if Imam al-Mahdi (p) on Saturday January 30th, 2026.

Dr. Maziar Gomrokchi completed his PhD at McGill University and has over 25 years of experience in studying, teaching, training, and research in Islamic Studies across several countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, Iraq, and Iran.

Dr. Hamidreza Qafqazi received his PhD from University of Ottawa. With a background in engineering and a long-standing personal interest in faith and spirituality,  he has participated in Islamic studies courses and explores religious themes—particularly hope, justice, and divine guidance—through an interfaith and reflective lens.

Further details of these programs will be posted on our web site under ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS in due course.

Ramadhân Planning

Several of our dedicated volunteers are unable to commit fully this year due to personal circumstances, and we want to ensure our programs remain engaging and enriching for all age groups. This is where you come in!

We are looking for passionate volunteers to help plan and run programs that bring our community together. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your support can make a big difference!

If you're willing to help, please email programs@iman-wa.org – we’d love to have you on board!

2026 membership

It is time to renew annual membership at IMAN if you have not already done.

Membership dues ($480.00 per annum) help cover operational expenses in the running of IMAN. These expenses include utilities, water, sewer, garbage, insurance, parking lot property taxes, kitchen/bathroom/cleaning supplies, landscaping, cleaning and general repairs and maintenance.

Membership dues can be remitted using a personal check to IMAN, 515 State St S, Kirkland, WA 98033 or using Zelle to accounts@iman-wa.org.

Honor your heart with a blood donation in February

February is Heart Health Month—a perfect time to care for yourself and others.

Did you know 1 in 2 U.S. adults has high blood pressure, and 1 in 7 hospital patients needs a blood transfusion?

Here’s how you can make a difference: donate blood with Bloodworks Northwest.

Each blood donation includes a quick health check, where you can monitor your blood pressure and pulse over time.

You can donate every 56 days, and the process only takes about an hour, including registration, the health check, a 10-minute donation, and a post-donation snack.

Your donation helps local patients battling cancer, recovering from surgeries, or facing emergencies.

Right now, there’s an urgent need for donors of all blood types, especially those with Type O blood.

Honor your heart and save lives— schedule your donation at IMAN Center on Friday, February 6. 

Social Services

Monthly community dinners IMAN hosts with St. John’s is a great opportunity to serve. Those interested to help, please contact Br. Abbas Kazmi or send mail to socialservices@iman-wa.org.

Sr. Sidra Naqvi continues to coordinate meals every other Sunday to the Seattle Tent City. Several spots have been reserved to provide future meals at shelters. If you are interested in helping, please contact Sister Sidra Naqvi (425) 273 1463 or e-mail iman@iman-wa.org.