Sha’ban is a noble month. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) drew Muslims’ attention to its virtues. ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: “The Prophet (PBUH) did not observe voluntary Saum (fasting) so frequently during any other month as he did during Sha’ban.”
It is recommended to fast abundantly in Sha’ban, as it is a month in which the deeds of people are presented to Allah. Presenting the deeds to Allah while fasting is more hopeful for their acceptance. Usamah bin Zaid narrated: “I said, “O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any month as much as you are fasting in Sha‘ban.” He said, “That is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are presented to the Lord of the worlds, and I like that my deeds be presented when I am fasting.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]
It is permissible to fast during the second half of Sha’ban for whoever wants to fast an obligatory fast to make up for missed days of a previous Ramadan or expiation for a vow. Fasting during the second half of Sha’ban is also permissible when it coincides with a fixed habit of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and when it connects with fasting some days of the first half of Sha’ban. However, it is reprehensible to start fasting in the second half of Sha’ban except in the above-mentioned cases, based on the Prophetic Hadith “When there comes the middle of Sha’ban, don’t observe Saum (fasting)” [At-Tirmidhi]
Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) prohibited fasting on the day of doubt (the 30th of Sha’ban) saying “Do not observe Saum (fasting) for a day or two days preceding Ramadan. However, if a person is in the habit of observing Saum on a particular day (which may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day.” The wisdom of this prohibition includes separating optional fasting from obligatory, to prepare for the fasting of Ramadan, and so people do not arbitrarily fast on the day of doubt as a precaution and thus incorporate into Ramadan what is not part of it. This prohibition does not apply if this day coincides with one’s usual fast or is required for make-up or expiation.
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Mohammad, and his family, companions, and followers. And praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
