Imam Ali bin Husayn Zain Al-Abideen (pbuh) told his companions: “The Holy Prophet (saw) used to observe fast during the whole month of Shaban. Therefore whosoever, in love of the Holy Prophet (saw), wishes to seek nearness to Allah and receive bounties, favours and rewards in this world and in the Hereafter, must connect Shaban with Ramadhan (in the matter of fasting and special prayers).