The month of Sha'ban is a sacred month in Islam, its glory evident in the Prophet's habit of fasting during this month. There is one night in Sha'ban that holds special significance: the middle night (nishfu) of Sha'ban. Numerous hadiths of the Prophet testify to the sacredness of the night of nishfu Sha'ban, and scholars differ on its status. Most scholars believe thatdhoif him and some othersvalid like Al-Imam Ibn Hibban[1].
As for enlivening the night of Nisfu Sya'ban with worship, this has been done by some people. the Salaf especially from among the ulama Syam And Basrah. Al-Imam Ibn Taimiyah said:
وأما ليلة النصف فقد روى في فضلها أحاديث وآثار ونقل عن طائفة من God willing سلف وله فيه حجة فلا ينكر مثل هذا وأما الصلاة فيها حماعة فهذا مبني على قاعدة عامة في الاجتماع على الطاعات والعبادات
“"As for the night of nishfu Sha'ban, several hadiths and atsars have been narrated which explain the virtues of the night of nishfu Sha'ban, and it is also narrated that some Salaf scholars enliven this night with prayer, so if someone performs prayers on that night alone then this has followed the guidelines of the Salaf and that is a proof for him, and it is not appropriate for the actions he performs to be criticized. As for carrying out prayers in congregation then this follows the rules general discussion about gathering in goodness and worship[2]"
Next, how to enliven the night? Scholars differ in their opinions. Here are some opinions on this matter:
First, Liven up the night by praying individually. This is the opinion of Imam Al-Auza'i, most Hanafiyah and Malikiyah scholars, Ibn Rajab, as well as some Hanabilah scholars[3].
Second, Liven up the night by gathering at the mosque and carrying out the worship servicessharia like prayer, reading the Koran, advice or lectures, all of which are carried out together. This is the opinion of Tabi'in scholars from Syria such as Khalid bin Ma'dan, Makhul, and Luqman bin Amir. This opinion is an opinion supported by Imam Ishaq bin Rahuyah and some Hanabilah scholars[4].
Third, Similar to the second opinion, but prayers are still performed individually. This is the opinion of the Shafi'i school of thought.[5].
Fourth, Same as the second opinion but with the condition that there are not a large number of congregation members and it is not made into an annual routine. This is the opinion of Imam Ibn Taymiyah[6].
Fifth, The final opinion states that the night of Nisfu Sha'ban is the same as other nights, it has no virtue whatsoever, so it should be passed like other nights, and lived as other nights are lived. This is the opinion of most of the Tabi'in from Hijaz, such as Imam Atha' ibn Abi Rabah, Abdullah ibn Abi Mulaikah, and Imam Malik.[7], Rahimahumullah ajma'in.
So, that's about celebrating the night of Nisfu Sya'ban. As for fasting on the day of Nisfu Sya'ban or the 15th of Sya'ban, it is permissible because it is part of ayyamul bidh[8] which is recommended to fast every month.
And Allah knows best
[1] Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali, Latha'iful Ma'arif, p. 245
[2] Ibn Taymiyyah Al-Harrani, Majmu' Al-Fatawa, vol. 23, p. 132
[3] Dr. Abdul Ilah Al-'Arfaj, Lailah An-Nishfi Min Sya'ban, p. 70
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid, p. 71
[8] Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbal, Latha'iful Ma'arif, p. 245
