Question: What is the ruling concerning fasting the middle days of Sha’baan, and they are the 13th, 14th and 15th?

Answer: It is mustahab (highly recommended) to fast three days from every month, from Sha’baan or other than it as has been established upon the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that he commanded ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas ^[1] with this. And it has been established from him (صلى الله عليه وسلم) also that he encouraged Abu ad-Dardaa’ ^[2] and Abu Hurayrah ^[3] with this. And that you fast these three days month after month or that you fast one month, then leave it one month, then there is no harm in this as it is voluntary and not obligatory. And that which is better is that you continue upon that (fasting three days) in every month, if this is easy for you.

^[1] Translator’s Note: ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas (رضي الله عنه) narrated that that the Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Fasting three days every month is equivalent to fasting continuously.” (Agreed upon)

^[2] Translator’s Note: Abu ad-Dardaa’ (رضي الله عنه) said, “My beloved (صلى الله عليه وسلم) commanded me to do three things which I will not forego as long as I live: to fast three days of every month, to pray Duha (the forenoon prayer), and not to sleep until after praying the Witr.” (Muslim)

^[3] Translator’s Note: Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) said, “My friend (صلى الله عليه وسلم) ordered me to do three things: to fast three days every month, to do the two rak’ats of Duha (the forenoon prayer) and to do the Witr before sleeping.” (Agreed upon)