By Haruna Razaq

In line with the practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), a Muslim is highly expected to fast in most days of the month of Sha‘baan. Although, fasting in this month is not obligatory, but meritorious to the extent that the Prophet (SAW) did not like to miss it. In fact, it is reported in a hadith that the Prophet (SAW), used to fast so much in the month of Sha‘baan that he was asked: “Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha‘baan so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month”.

He, (SAW), replied: “That (Sha‘baan) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting”.

Therefore, as mentioned earlier, a Muslims are expected to fast in the month of Sha‘baan but it should be noted that, this fasting must be in line with it etiquette which include, among others: (1) to commence the fast from the beginning of Sha‘baan to the middle of the month, and use the other part of the month to rest before Ramadan, this is in line with Hadith that says: that the Prophet (SAW) said:

“When Sha’baan is halfway through, do not fast.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (3237); Ibn Hibaan (1651); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

However, there are some exceptions from this prohibition, as follows: (i) one who has a habit of fasting, such as a man who habitually fasts on Mondays and Thursdays, which he may do even after halfway through Sha’baan. This is based on Hadith that says: “Do not anticipate Ramadaan by fasting one or two days before it, except a man who fasts regularly, who should observe his usual fast.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1914; Muslim, 1082.

(ii) Person who started fasting before halfway through Sha’baan, and connects what comes after the halfway point to what came before, (but should leaves some days before Ramadaan). This is not included in the prohibition either. The evidence for that is the Hadith of ‘A’ishah (RA) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to fast all of Sha’baan and fast all of Sha’baan except a little.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1970; Muslim, 1165.

This version narrated by Muslim. (iii) One who is making up missed Ramadaan fasts. According to An-Nawawi (RA) said in al-Majmoo’ (6/399): Our companions said: it is not correct to fast on the “day of doubt” just before Ramadaan, and there is no difference of scholarly opinion on this point … But if a person fasts it to make up a missed day or to fulfil a vow, or as an expiation, that is acceptable, because if it is permissible to observe a voluntary fast on that day, it is more likely to be permissible to observe an obligatory fast…

and if a person has to make up a day from Ramadaan, then he has to fast it, because the time left for him to make it up has become very short. But singling out 15th of Shaban for act of worship such as fast, tahjud, sadaqah etc. with the believe that it has special reward or that on this night the fate or destiny of people is decided etc. are subjected to criticism by Hadith Scholars.

E.g. Sheikh Sayyid Sabiq in Fiqhu Sunnah p.127 said: “it lacks authentic proof.” Also Sheikh Munajih said: “the 15th of Sha’baan is like any other night, and there is no sound report from the Prophet (SAW) to indicate that on this night, the fate or destiny of people is decided”. We ask Allah to make us of those who adhere totally to the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) inwardly and outwardly.