Q:
I know people who always perform Sawm (Fast) in Rajab and Sha‘ban and connect
them to Ramadan without breaking fast. Is there any Hadith regarding this
practice? If there is any, kindly provide the text?
(Part
No. 2; Page No. 510)
A:
It is not authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) or any of
the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them) used to
fast the entire month of Rajab or Sha‘ban. It is not authentically reported
that the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed Sawm for a complete month except
Ramadan. It was authentically reported that `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with
her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace
be upon him) used to observe Sawm until we thought that he would always fast,
and he would stop fasting until we thought he would not fast.
I
never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fast any month in full
apart from Ramadan, and I never saw him fasting in any month more than in
Sha‘ban. (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Moreover, Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be
pleased with them) reported saying: The
Prophet (peace be upon him) never fasted any month in full apart from Ramadan,
and he used to fast until one would say, ‘By Allah, he will always fast,’ and
he would stop fasting until one would say, ‘By Allah, he will not fast.’
(Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Based on this, fasting the entire months of
Rajab and Sha‘ban voluntarily goes against the conduct and Sunnah of the
Prophet (peace be upon him).
Moreover,
this act counts as Bid‘ah (innovation in religion); the Prophet (peace be upon
him) is reported to have said: Anyone
who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it
will have it rejected. (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
May
Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet
Muhammad, his family, and Companions!