They say, "It is necessary or very virtuous to fast for three months (Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan) on end once in a person’s life." Did the Prophet (pbuh) have such a sunnah?
Dear Brother / Sister,
There is nothing like fasting for three months on end in the blessed three months. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) did not perform such fasting and he did not advise his ummah to fast for three months like that.
However, the virtue of fasting in the month of Shaban is mentioned and it is stated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) sometimes fasted the whole month of Shaban. (Bukhari, Sawm 52)
However, the narrations stating that he did not fast any month except Ramadan fully are stronger. (Bukhari, Sawm 53; Muslim, Siyam 34; Ibn Majah, Siyam 30; Tirmidhi, Sawm 57)
Besides, those who can have difficulty in Ramadan are advised to fast in the second half of the month of Shaban so that they will start Ramadan strongly and perform fasting in Ramadan easily and with pleasure. (see Fıkıh Ansiklopedisi)
Questions on Islam
- Will you give me information about the time of nafilah (supererogatory) fasting and sunnah fasting?
- Fasting during the Holy month of Shaban
- Frequently Asked Questions on Fasting
- What is the virtue of performing fasting on the 13th, 14th and 15th days of lunar months (Ayyam al-Bid)?
- Will you give information about fasting in order to welcome Ramadan or to bid farewell to Ramadan, and the number of days in the month of Ramadan?
- When is it appropriate to perform fasting about holy nights; on the day before the night or after the night?
- Sometimes in some countries, people start fasting earlier saying that the new moon has been seen. What is the criterion of seeing the new moon? How should the believers act regarding the issue?
- fasting
- Ramadan from the Tongue of the Prophet
- After the three months and the fast of Shawwal
