The Priority and Benefits of Nisfu Sya'ban Fasting: Forgiveness of Sins and Answered Prayers

Nisfu Sya'ban fasting is a voluntary fast performed on the 15th day of the month of Sya'ban in the Islamic calendar. This fast has significant importance and benefits in the life of a Muslim. Here is an explanation of Nisfu Sya'ban fasting, its virtues, and its evidence.

Understanding Nisfu Sya'ban Fasting

Nisfu Sya'ban fasting is a voluntary fast observed on the 15th day of the month of Sya'ban in the Islamic calendar. Nisfu Sya'ban or the middle of Sya'ban is a special night, during which Allah SWT grants forgiveness and mercy to His servants who worship and pray on that night. Therefore, Muslims are recommended to observe fasting on that day.

Virtues of Nisfu Sya'ban Fasting

Nisfu Sya'ban fasting has many virtues and benefits in the religious life of a Muslim. Some of the virtues of Nisfu Sya'ban fasting are as follows:

a. Great Reward

Nisfu Sya'ban fasting is a highly recommended voluntary act by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This fast will receive a great reward from Allah SWT.

b. Forgiveness of Sins

On the night of Nisfu Sya'ban, Allah SWT grants forgiveness and mercy to His servants who worship and pray. By observing Nisfu Sya'ban fasting, our sins can be forgiven by Allah SWT.

c. Answered Prayers

On the night of Nisfu Sya'ban, the prayers we offer are more likely to be answered by Allah SWT. Therefore, by observing Nisfu Sya'ban fasting, our prayers can be more easily answered.

d. Maintaining Health

Nisfu Sya'ban fasting can also help maintain the body's health. By fasting, the body can cleanse itself of toxins and harmful substances that exist in the body.

Evidence for Nisfu Sya'ban Fasting

Some evidence used by some scholars who support Nisfu Sya'ban fasting are:

1. A hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah and recorded by Imam Ahmad and Tirmidzi, in which the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "When the middle night of Sya'ban comes, then observe fasting on that day and offer prayers abundantly on that night. Allah SWT sends down mercy and forgiveness on that night and forgives all creatures except the polytheist and the one who has enmity." However, there are differences of opinion among scholars regarding its validity.
2. Some scholars believe that Nisfu Sya'ban is a very special night, just like the Night of Decree in the month of Ramadan. Therefore, fasting on that day can obtain blessings and great rewards.
3. There are several hadiths that encourage increasing good deeds in the month of Sya'ban, such as the hadith narrated by Aisyah RA that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) often fasted in the month of Sya'ban, except for the end of the month.

Regarding Nisfu Sya’ban fasting, there are several hadiths that show the virtue of fasting during the middle of the month, including the following:

 

1.       The hadith narrated by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and An-Nasa'i from Abu Hurairah, he said: "The Prophet SAW said, 'Do not forget to fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each month.'" (HR. Bukhari)

2.       The hadith narrated by Ahmad, Muslim, and An-Nasa'i from Abu Hurairah, he said: "The Prophet SAW said, 'Fast three days every month, and fast the first three days of Dzulhijjah.'"

 

From the two hadiths above, it can be learned that the Prophet SAW encouraged fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each month in order to obtain the virtues contained in the fast. Although there is no hadith explicitly mentioning "mid-month fasting", fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each month is considered as mid-month fasting because these three dates fall in the middle of the Hijri month. Fasting on these dates is considered to have great virtue and reward, so it is highly recommended for every capable Muslim to perform.