Sunnah to Fast in Sha'ban

It is narrated from Usama ibn Zayd (رضي الله عنه) that he asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ):

“I have never seen you offer fast in a month as you do in Sha'ban.”

To which, the Prophet (ﷺ) replied:

“It is a month between Rajab and Ramadan that people disregard. In that month deeds are presented to the Lord of the Worlds, so I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Nasai)

Aishah (رضي الله عنها) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not observe voluntary Saum (fasting) so frequently during any other month as he did during Shaban. He observed Saum all of the month of Shaban.

And in another narration: He (ﷺ) observed Saum during the whole month of Shaban except a few days.

[Al-Bukhari & Muslim].

 

 Clarifying the Doubt of Fasting the Second half of Sha'ban 

Imaam Al-Nawawi (رحمه الله) said: 

 

“He used to fast all of Sha’ban and fast all of Sha’ban except a few days.” The second phrase is an explanation of the first, pointing out that by “all” what is meant is “most”.

This hadeeth indicates that it is permissible to fast after halfway through Sha’ban, but only for one who joins that to what came before the halfway point.

 An exception from this prohibition is also made for one who is making up missed Ramadaan fasts.

 Source: Al-Majmoo’ (6/399)

 

Benefits of Fasting in the Month  Sha'ban

Fasting Sha'ban gives one the opportunity to start preparing for the month of Ramadan. When fasting, one must wake up early at Fajr time, and spends the day without eating and drinking, training himself for the fast of Ramadan.

Also reading the Noble Qur'an more in Sha'ban will aid one in reciting it in Ramadan. If one becomes accustomed with sitting and reading Qur'an in Sha'ban, by the permission of Allah, it will be easier for him in Ramadan.

Likewise, in this month the deeds of a person are presented in front of Allah, the Most-High, therefore, it becomes more beneficial if the deeds are presented at such a time when a person is in the condition of fasting.

And Allaah knows best.

 Compiled by: Abu Yusuf Bilal ibn Howard Robinson