Fasting in the month of Shaban was the way the Prophet (PBUH) entered Ramadan strongly, without struggling. Aisha (RA) said she never saw him fast more in any month except Ramadan itself.
It wasn't a duty but a love. A soul reaching for its Creator before the blessed month even began.
This is your moment too.
Shaban is not just a waiting room for Ramadan. It's a sacred window, a chance to be remembered by Allah while you're remembering Him.
So why did the Prophet (PBUH) choose this month? What did he know that we often forget? Let's begin there.
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Why is Fasting in the Month of Shaban Valuable?
In the Islamic calendar, Shaban is the month that is between two important months, Rajab and Ramadan. Yet the profit gave the fasting in Shaban a very high value, here’s why:
The Prophet's Practice & Hadiths
When Usama ibn Zayd asked the Prophet why he was fasting so much during the month of Shaban, his response was as beautiful as it is simple.
"That is a month neglected by the people between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds, and I love for my deeds to be raised while I am fasting."
-(Sunan an-Nasa'i, graded Hasan)
Aisha (RA) confirmed this practice:
"I never saw the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)fast for a complete month except Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Shaban."
- (Bukhari & Muslim)
This was purely voluntary. An act of devotion and piety. He was worshiping when the rest of the world was in forgetfulness.
Spiritual Benefits of Pre-Ramadan Fasting
Benefits of fasting in the month of Shaban include the following:
Spiritual Preparation for Ramadan: Shaban serves as a spiritual “warmup” to prepare for the Ramadan fast, as it increases the ability to fulfill Ramadan obligations. Before Ramadan, focus on increasing your prayers, giving more, and concentrating on the Quran to help unify your worship.
Raising of Deeds: The Prophet (ﷺ) enjoyed fasting Shaban because he would be in a worshiping state when his deeds were presented to Allah.
Following the Sunnah: The Prophet (PBUH) fasted more in Shaban than in any other month.
A Time for Repentance: It is time to prepare for Ramadan with a pure heart, through Istighfar (forgiveness), a time to seek and renew.
Increased Rewards: Fasting in the month of Shaban is optional, yet for pure and sincere intent to please Allah, the reward will be greater.
Wisdom Behind Increasing Fasting
Ibn Rajab explains that fasting in the month of Shaban is like the Sunnah prayer before Fajr; it glorifies what comes after. Just as the Sunnah helps you get ready for the obligatory prayer, Shaban helps you get ready for Ramadan. You don’t enter the blessed month cold. You enter spiritually awake and physically ready.
The first days of Ramadan won't hit you as hard. You've already trained.
When and How to Fast in Sha'ban
Knowing why to fast is one thing. Knowing when makes it practical. Let’s specify the time to fast, including the 2026 calendar, and which days to avoid.
Best Days to Fast: White Days & Mondays/Thursdays
Not sure where to start? The Prophet (PBUH) is a good one to follow.
The White Days (Ayyam al-Beed):
It’s Sunnah to fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of Shaban because it’s customary to fast for three days every lunar month. These days are called “the white days” because they fall on the full moon.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"If you fast three days of the month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th."
-(Tirmidhi, graded Hasan)
Mondays & Thursdays:
The Prophet (PBUH) fasted on these days, and it is because this is the day works are presented to Allah. Continue this tradition through Shaban.
Days to Avoid: After the 15th & The Day of Doubt
Here's where people get confused.
After the 15th of Shaban:
Hadith tells us not fast the second half of Shaban: "When Shaban is half over, do not fast." (Abu Dawud)
However, Scholars have different opinions:
If you fast consistently (Mondays/ Thursdays), you may continue
If you will be beginning your fasting after the 15th for the first time, you should refrain
You can always do your fasts from the previous Ramadan anytime.
The Day of Doubt (30th Shaban):
If you do not see the moon and do not know if it is Ramadan or Shaban, do not fast, as it can be a risk. Ammar ibn Yasir said, "The one who fasts the day of doubt has disobeyed the Prophet ﷺ."
Fasting on the 15th of Sha'ban: Facts vs Myths
The 15th of Shaban attracts much attention, some of which is warranted and much of which is not. It is a day which many treat as a festival, and others do not celebrate it at all. The reality lies somewhere in the middle, and some clarifications are warranted.
What's Authentic
The Prophet (PBUH)said:
"Allah looks at His creation on the night of the middle of Shaban and forgives all of them, except a polytheist or one who harbors hatred."
- (Ibn Majah, graded Sahih by Al-Albani)
This hadith refers to the night and not specifically the day of fasting.
What's Not Authentic
Some fake thoughts:
Special prayers with specific rakaats for this night? No basis.
Does this night determine your rizq or your life span? Weak narrations.
Treating it like a mini-Eid with celebrations? Cultural, not religious.
Scholars' Views
If the 15th falls on a Monday, Thursday, or if you're fasting the White Days, fast it normally, but the 15th with the belief it has special virtue? Most scholars say avoid this
The night may be spent in extra worship, but without innovative practices
Keep it simple. Stick to what's authentic.
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Conclusion
Fasting in the month of Shaban isn’t about being extreme. It’s about being prepared.
The Prophet (PBUH) taught us to engage in consistent worship, in a month when many people neglect it, so that you spiritually enter Ramadan with a strong connection to Allah.
This week, set a goal to do one fast and then gradually increase. You will be grateful for the preparation when Ramadan arrives.
How about enhancing the knowledge of Islam you practice?
Sister Nourhan Academy is here to support Muslims in the recitation of the Quran and the study of Islam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of fasting in Shaban?
Shaban is the month when your deeds are presented to Allah. This is the month when the Prophet (PBUH) used to fast the most out of all months except Ramadan. He, worshipping Allah whilst his deeds were being presented, loved it, and that’s one of the reasons it’s considered a preparation for Ramadan, spiritually and physically.
What days should you fast in Shaban?
Mondays, Thursdays, and the White Days (13th, 14th, 15th) are considered the best. It's also okay to fast in the first two weeks of the month. After the 15th, if you don't already fast regularly, try to avoid starting new fasts.
Are you supposed to fast on the 15th of Shaban?
There’s no additional merit in fasting on the 15th of Shaban on its own. If it falls on a Monday, Thursday, or the “White Days,” then fasting is recommended. However, you shouldn’t single it out in other weeks because the narrations are weak.
Should women prioritize makeup fasts in Shaban?
Yes. Scholars agree that making up missed Ramadan fasts takes priority over voluntary fasting. Shaban is the ideal time to complete these before Ramadan begins.
