The month of Sha’ban

The month of Sha`ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find some peculiar instructions  in thesunnah of the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم   . It is reported in the authentic ahadith that  the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم   used to fast most of the month in Sha‘ban. These fasts were not  obligatory on him but Sha`ban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan.  Therefore, some preparatory measures are suggested by the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم    through his oral instructions and his practice. Some of these are given below: 1. The blessed Companion Anas رضي الله عنه   reports that the Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم    was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts  of Sha`ban in honour of Ramadan."  [رواه الترمذي(رقم ٦٦٣) وقال حديث غريب]   2. The blessed Companion Usama ibn Zaid رضي الله عنه reports that he asked the Holy  Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم:  "Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha`ban so frequently that  I have never seen you fasting in any other month." The Holy Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلّم replied: That (Sha`ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people.  And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before  the Lord of the universe. so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am  in a state of fasting." [سنن النسائي رقم ٢٣٥٩]