A MONTH FOR REHEARSAL & PREPARATION
It is like the Sunnah Salah we offer before and after the Fard Salah. For the Fard fast of Ramadan, we are taught to offer nafl fasts before and after (ie; in Sha’ban and Shawwal)
(Lataiful Ma’arif, pg.249)
The Sahabah (radiyallahu ’anhum) and Tabi’un (rahimahumullah) would also engage in what we would understand as ‘spiritual preparation’ for Ramadan.
Anas bin Mālik رضي الله عنه said:
During the month of Sha’bān, the Muslims would devote themselves to the Mushafs and recite from them. They used to distribute the zakāt* from their wealth in order to support the weak and poor for the upcoming Ramadān.
[Latāif al-Ma’ārif 135]
Hafiz Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (rahimahullah) writes:
‘Since Sha’ban is a prelude to Ramadan, Islam encourages certain deeds in this month, that are usually done in Ramadan. Like fasting and Quran recital. This prepares the soul to welcome Ramadan, when it arrives, with open arms.’
(Lataiful Ma’arif, pg.258)
"When Sha'bān arrived, Muslims would dedicate themselves to the Qur'ān and they would dispose of their zakāt*..."
—Al-Hāfidh ibn Hajar (Fathul Bari)
* The general rule is to pay zakat as soon as it is due, however there can be exceptions please read here:
https://islamqa.info/amp/en/answers/8400
Allah knows best.
