Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 219
The Prohibition of Observing Saum (Fasting) after the Middle of Sha’ban
1224. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not observe Saum (fasting) for a day or two days preceding Ramadan. However, if a person is in the habit of observing Saum on a particular day (which may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
1225. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not observe Saum (fasting) before the advent of Ramadan. Observe Saum at sighting of the crescent of Ramadan and terminate it at sighting the crescent (of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast, complete (the month as) thirty (days).”
[At-Tirmidhi].
1226. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “When there comes the middle of Sha`ban, don’t observe Saum (fasting).”
[At-Tirmidhi].
1227. `Ammar bin Yasir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: He who observes the fast on a doubtful day, has in fact disobeyed Abul-Qasim, (i.e., Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam)).
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
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