Sha'ban (the eighth month and the fast before Ramadan)

Sha'ban is the eighth month, named for the tribes dispersing to their raids after Rajab, or for branching between Rajab and Ramadan. ¹

The Prophet fasted so much of Sha'ban that it was said he did not break fast; it is the month in which deeds are raised, and he liked to be fasting when his deeds were raised. ¹

Reports tell of the merit of keeping the night of mid-Sha'ban and of God's pardon of His servants in it, save the idolater and the rancorous; scholars disputed its grade, some strengthening it and others weakening it. ¹

It is forbidden to anticipate Ramadan by fasting a day or two before it, except for one whose habit of fasting preceded, and fasting the day of doubt is disliked by many jurists. ¹