Sawm during Rajab and Sha`ban

(Part No. 2; Page No. 510)  A: It is not authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) or any of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them) used to fast the entire month of Rajab or Sha‘ban. It is not authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed Sawm for a complete month except Ramadan. ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) is authentically reported to have said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to observe Sawm until we thought that he would always fast, and he would stop Sawm until we thought he would not fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fast any month in full except Ramadan, and I never saw him fasting in any month more than in Sha‘ban. (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Moreover, Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) narrated, saying: The Prophet (peace be upon him) never fasted any month in full except Ramadan. He (peace be upon him) used to fast until one would say, ‘By Allah, he will always fast,’ and he (peace be upon him) would stop fasting until one would say, ‘By Allah, he will not fast.’ (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Based on this, fasting the entire months of Rajab and Sha‘ban voluntarily is inconsistent with the guidance and Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Moreover, this act counts as a Bid‘ah (innovation in religion). The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: Anyone who introduces anything into this matter of ours (Islam) that is not part of it will have it rejected. (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.