What is the ruling on fasting after the middle of the month of Sha'ban?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
The majority view, supported by a hadith transmitted by Al-Ala bin Abd al-Rahman from his father from Abu Hurayrah, states that when the middle of Sha'ban arrives, one must refrain from voluntary fasting until Ramadan begins. This hadith is considered authentic by Al-Tirmidhi. This ruling is interpreted to mean that voluntary fasting is discouraged for one who did not fast prior to the middle of the month.
Supporting text
Imam Ahmad disputed the authenticity of the hadith prohibiting fasting after the middle of Sha'ban, noting that it contradicts narrations showing the Prophet continued his fast from Sha'ban into Ramadan. This contradiction is resolved by holding that the prohibition applies to those who had not previously been fasting, while the Prophet's continuous fasting applied to him who fasted the entire month previously.