Chapter on the Merit of Fasting in Muḥarram, Shaʿbān, and the Four Sacred Months

1246 – Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The most virtuous fast after Ramadan is Allah’s month of Muḥarram, and the most virtuous prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer.” Related by Muslim.

1247 – ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) never fasted in any month more than he fasted in Shaʿbān; indeed, he would fast the whole of Shaʿbān.” In another narration: “He would fast Shaʿbān except for a few days.” Agreed upon.

1248 – Mujība al-Bāhilīyah narrates on the authority of her father or her uncle that he visited the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), then departed and returned a year later. His outward appearance had changed, so he said, “O Messenger of Allah, do you not recognize me?” The Prophet asked, “And who are you?” He replied, “I am the Bāhilī who came to you last year.” The Prophet said, “What has altered you? You used to look well.” He answered, “Since leaving you I have not eaten food except at night.” The Messenger of Allah said, “You have worn yourself out!” Then he said, “Fast the month of patience and one day from every month.” The man requested, “Add more for I have strength.” He said, “Fast two days.” The man said, “Add more.” He replied, “Fast three days.” Again the man said, “Add more.” The Prophet finally said, “Fast during the Sacred Months and leave off; fast during the Sacred Months and leave off; fast during the Sacred Months and leave off,” joining his three fingers together and then spreading them apart. Reported by Abū Dāwūd.

(The ‘month of patience’ is Ramadan.)