Fasting in the Middle of Sha‘bān: Sunnah or Innovation? Evidence from Authentic Aḥādīth
Reference: Fatāwā Rashidiyyah, Page 516
❖ The Question
The fasts observed in the middle of Sha‘bān, which some Ahl Ḥadīth brothers also practice — are these established from Aḥādīth or not?
What is their ruling? Are they Sunnah or Bid‘ah?
❖ The Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d!
From the authentic Aḥādīth, as far as I know, the following points are clear:
◄ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to fast in the month of Sha‘bān more than in any other month.
◄ However, with regard to the middle days of Sha‘bān specifically (the fifteenth or the central days), I have not come across any authentic Hadith proving their special virtue.
✔ Ruling
◈ Whoever fasts in this month without specifying the beginning, middle, or end is following the Sunnah and will receive reward for it.
◈ Aḥādīth in the Ṣiḥāḥ Sittah (the six authentic books) do establish that the Prophet ﷺ observed many fasts in Sha‘bān.
✿ Conclusion
➤ Fasting in Sha‘bān in general is Sunnah.
➤ Assigning special virtue to the middle of Sha‘bān for fasting is not proven by authentic Aḥādīth.
➤ Thus, one may fast in Sha‘bān, but without restricting it to a specific portion of the month.
ھذا ما عندی، واللہ أعلم بالصواب
