Junaid Jamshed - An Inspiration

On 7th December, we lost yet another iconic figure of Pakistan. Junaid Jamshed. I grew up listening to his songs as a little girl. Dil Dil Pakistan will always be an all time favourite. However, this is not how I would like to remember him...

Junaid Jamshed was a man who left behind his passion for music, his fame and his popularity for the sake of Allah (SWT). His transformation from a famous musician to a preacher of Islam has and will always amaze me. Subhan Allah! As sad and depressing as his loss is, Junaid Jamshed left us with a valuable parting lesson - to let go of one's worldly desires for the sake of Allah (SWT) may be hard but not impossible.

May Allah (SWT) accept all his contributions to the deen, increase his rank in Jannah, and rest his soul in peace. And May Allah (SWT) give sabr to his family and friends to cope with this terrible loss. Ameen!

Let his example be an inspiration for us to turn to Allah (SWT) before we return to Allah (SWT). May Allah (SWT) guide us to the right path and call us back to Him when The Almighty is pleased with us as His faithful servants. Ameen!

Let us also not forget the 40+ other people who were also aboard that doomed flight. They were also someone's relatives and friends and Junaid Jamshed's demise should not over shadow the fact that many other people lost their lives in this tragic accident. May Allah (SWT) rest their souls in peace and give sabr to all those affected by this tragedy. Ameen!

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon!

Looking Forward to Ramadan?

Are you stockpiling on samosas? 

If not, you're in big trouble, mate, because Ramadan is starting and what is Ramadan without a truckload of samosas, right?

Last year during this time, I went around making use of technology and social media to gather content for the yearly Ramadan article, and the idea was well received. So, I decided to do the same thing this year and asked the following question:

What is the one thing you look forward to most during Ramadan? 

As requested, I got a mix of serious and funny responses, and here are some of the best ones for you:

“I get excited for the Ramadan zeal. The miraculous energy you get that allows you to wake up for Tahajjud, read pages after pages of the Qur’an and go to the mosque every night on top of the regular schedule. Prior to Ramadan, I will slack off on my Qur’an recitation, skip events at the mosque because I’m too tired from work or because, “I just don’t have the time.” But SubhanAllah, when Ramadan comes I’m 100% more productive, more energized and constantly connected with Allah, all the while going about my daily routine. May Allah give us Barakah in our time and allow us to make the best out of this Ramadan.”

“Thawaab (reward for doing good deeds), forgiveness of sins, purification of heart and stronger Imaan (faith).”

“Internal peace, thawaab, forgiveness of sins and making Dua’a.”

“

 ”

That picture was honestly, one of the replies I got. 

“I look forward to abstaining from all the wrong, bad and evil things; and InShaaAllah hope to continue on the same track after Ramadan ends.  I hope that I be the best person and human I can possibly be. InShaaAllah!
I also hope that I get to live through the entirety of the month as many of us who witnessed last Ramadan aren’t with us today.
Also the fun things; staying up all night to stay up for Fajr, stuffing ones face, sleeping all day until Maghrib, and then waking up again to stuff the face.”

“I look forward to the Barakah that Ramadan brings; and reaping the rewards.”

“Looking forward to bringing myself back on track and maintain my prayers.”

“Reaping the samosa.”

“I look forward to samosa and fruit chat (salad).”

“I like the hustle and bustle that Ramadan brings, so I will be looking forward to that.”

“Going to the masjid (mosque) for Taraweeh.”

“To achieve Taqwa (God-consciousness) and be able to maintain it even after Ramadan ends.”

“I was unable to finish the recitation of the Qur’an last year so I am looking forward to that this time.”

“Serenity, calm and quiet during the day, I guess.”

“Shorter duty timings!”

“Inner peace, forgiveness and being a better person.”

“Laylatul Qadr! I hope I am able to worship as much as I can and am not overcome by laziness during the last ten days so that I can get the rewards of worshiping on the night of Layalatul Qadr, no matter which day it falls on.”

So, these are a variety of some of the replies I got. Some made me laugh, others gave me ideas on how I could make my Ramadan much better than the last. What are you looking forward to this Ramadan? Tell us by leaving your answers in the comments below.

To learn more about Ramadan, you can check out this article: The Virtues of Ramadan.

To get ideas about how to get most out of Ramadan, read this: Get The Best Out of Ramadan. 

To see my Ramadan article from last year, click here: Ramadan - A Gift For Muslims.

And...

To make sure everyone's happy with you this Ramadan, stop reading this article and get back to those samosas, before everyone be like:

Ramadan - A Gift For Muslims

Assalam Alaikum Brothers and Sisters!

Any guesses what this article is going to be about?

No, it's not about the Fifa 2014 World Cup, though I will not deny the fact that I am enjoying the action-filled matches.

This article is going to be about a certain time of the year...

... a time when:

~ We will all know the time of Maghrib Salah accurate to the last second.
~ There will be daily pictures of massive amounts of a variety of salads and fried foods and so many other eatables we may never have seen before.
~ There will be a competition on how many parties we all get invited to. I say the one with the least invitations wins!
~ There will be daily memes on dates, The Hunger Games, etc which all of us really enjoy, though some of us like to pretend otherwise.
~ Socialising in the masajid during Taraweeh will become a highlight of the day.
~ The 'Haram Police' will be on duty round the clock. Yeah suddenly, everyone will know about the Haram and Halal!
~ We will all be staying up all night. Am I right or am I right?
~ We will have a date everyday. YAY!
~ And how can I forget the oh-so-important shopping that will become more intense as the days progress!

Well, by now, I am sure you will already have a little clue as to what I am talking about. I left a lot of hints up there!

So, let me take this opportunity to wish you all:

On a more serious note, it is also that time of the  year when:

~ The devils will be chained.
~ The gates of the Hellfire will be closed.
~ The gates of the Heaven will be opened.
~ The blessings of 'Suhoor' will be abundant.
~ The joys of iftar will be widespread.
~ The opportunity to fulfill one major pillar of Islam will be with us.
~ The opportunity to spend the night in Taraweeh will be with us.
~ The opportunity to get unlimited rewards will be with us.
~ The opportunity to have all our sins forgiven will be widespread.
~ The night worth more than a thousamd months will appear for us.
~ Access through the gate of Ar-Rayyan will be available.

May Allah (SWT) allow us to benefit from these 29/30 days. Ameen!

Since this blog already had two separate Ramadan-related articles (click on the links to read the articles) titled The Virtues of Ramadan and How To Get The Best Out of Ramadan, I did something a little different this time and hope you appreciate the idea and benefit from the following paragraphs.


I decided to make use of my Whatsapp and Facebook (finally found something worthy to do through social media) and posted the following question:

What are you planning to do differently this Ramadan that you haven't done before, to get the best out of it?

Here are a mixture of replies I got (my comments are in brackets)...

"I am going to read the Qur'an with translation and also do a lot of ahadith." (All the best with that little brother.)

"I am going to read Tafseer Ibn Katheer so I know what I am reading in the Qur'an and hopefully finish." (InShaAllah! My duaas are with our sister. I should take out my notes and revise them too. Owing to my bad memory, there is a lot I have forgotten that needs to be revised.)

"I plan to memorise some Surahs. I've never memorised Surahs before, usually just read the Qur'an." (Another realistic goal, and May Allah (SWT) make her successful in acheiving it.)

"Attend Islamic lectures on a daily basis." (InShaAllah our sister gets to learn a lot of stuff and then share it with us.)

"Frankly dunno, but I've decided to complete my Eid shopping before Ramadan starts." (Totally agree! I know looking good on the occasion of Eid is important, and for that one needs to do tons and tons of shopping. Focus on the shopping before Ramadan, and InShaAllah there will be sufficient time for 'Ibadah' during Ramadan.)

"Great question! Mainly I will increase my Duaas. Ramadan makes you realise the capacity you have to practice your religion and all the moments you have to ask of Allah (SWT). I want to try and use everything that's challenging or upsetting to me to push me closer and towards Allah (SWT). Because you are fasting, you are more aware of Allah (SWT), so dhikr and duaas should come much easier. It's a matter of making it into a habit. Also I would try to increase in sunnahs.
Other things would be to not procrastinate until the last 'Ashara' (last 10 days) and eat better. If you're gaining weight by the end of Ramadan by eating fried foods... you lost the point of it!" (This is one of the more detailed replies I got. I don't think I have to add much to this one, except for duaas for our sister.)

"I am not going to get typhoid this time, InShaAllah" (Quite right. It's not easy to be fasting if you're unwell. May Allah (SWT) bless us all with good health and the true spirit of Fasting this Ramadan, Ameen!)

"I want to complete the Qur'an atleast once  which I fail to do every Ramadan so have divided the pages of the Qur'an. Will read five or more pages before and after each Salah, and this way I can complete it once or one and half times. Also, in Sehri I won't eat tooooo much and drink tons, I will take it easy. Will not sleep toooo much and do ibadah mostly." (Reading replies like these from the younger generation is really nice. And you read what she said, not toooo  much eating or toooo much sleeping; so you actually make time for Ibadah. May Allah (SWT) make it easy for the little one.)

"Well, for many Ramadans now, I was not doing well - low motivation, kept missing days, bad schedule etc. Last year I wanted to fix all that but I was also nervous, because I had started working out and I did not want to stop that. Alhamdulillah, I set myself a routine, and followed it day by day. The key points were healthy food (lots of fruits for energy), nap after work, etc. and just sticking to the set routine. It worked very well and it was the best Ramadan I had. I plan to do the same this year." (Well, here's to hoping and praying this Ramadan is just as great as last years! InShaAllah all the efforts pay off.)


Some of these friends of mine said since I asked everyone what they were doing, it was only fair I told them my plans too. My idea was to be more consistent with my Sunnah prayers, and also try to help a poor or needy person everyday, but I also said that I wasn't sure how to help them out. So, one of these lovelies suggested that I send a plate of food to the local masjid everyday, and that is what I will try to do.

And may Allah (SWT) help us all to achieve our goals this Ramadan, and benefit from it and avail all the oppurtunities that come our way to collect good deeds, have our sins forgiven, and rekindle our relationship with the Almighty Allah (SWT). Ameen!

Before we go our separate ways, here's my favourite Ramadan lecture by Sheikh Noman Ali Khan. Be sure to listen till the end, it's very informative and sure to make you chuckle a couple of times as well.

Wassalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakathu!

Something Nice

"The little unremembered acts of kindness and love are the best parts of a person’s life."

William Wordsworth

Ever caught yourself smiling; as you strolled through an isle in a super market; because it brought back memories of someone who had done something nice for you? That feels good, doesn't it?

Ever did something nice for someone without telling them, and not expecting anything in return? Yes, that also definitely feels good.

The point is; when you do something nice, it makes you feel good about yourself. And, if you do it with a clean heart, then you're definitely getting rewarded for it too. 

Little acts of kindness never hurt anyone. So let's try to implant them in our daily lives!

Here are a few ideas...

~ Say Assalam Alaikum when greeting friends or family members. Actually, try this with someone who you don't get along with. Who knows, it might be the start of a new friendship. If not, all the good deeds will be in your pocket. That's a bonus!

~ Make Dua'a for people without telling them. In Saheeh Muslim and Sunan Ibn Majah, it is narrated from Abu Darda that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The Dua of a person for his Muslim brother in his absence will be answered. At his head there is an angel, and every time he prays for him for something good, the angel who has been appointed to be with him says, 'Ameen, may you have likewise.'

~ Tell your parents you love them! 'Love you Mum, Love you Dad!' 

It's not only on Mother's Day or Father's day that you appreciate your parents, or do you?

~ If you are blessed enough to still have your grandparents around, spend some time with them. If they live in another country, email them or write them a letter.

~ Smile - it's a Sunnah

~ Say 'Alhamdulillah' for all the blessings that you have, rather than complain about all the things you don't.

~ Be polite. Say 'please' and 'thank you' often. 

~ Do not litter!

~ This is a hard one, but try to forgive someone who has really done you wrong from the bottom of your heart.

~ Leave a generous tip for a pleasant waiter.

~ Help a poor or needy person. It could be money, or meal for a day, or clothes in good condition that you don't need anymore.

~ Appreciate people for the things they do for you.

~ Compliment others! If you're a girl, tell another girl she's beautiful and don't be jealous of her beauty. If you're a boy, lower that gaze bro! HARAAM!!! ;)

These are all the little things I could think of. Do you have more? Share it with us by leaving your replies in the comments below.

I Resolve To...

Is it just me or has this year really zoomed by?

Don't stare at the screen with that blank face! Depending on the moon, we will be starting the new Hijri year 1435 in a day or two, InShaAllah...

... but you already knew that, didn't you?

With the end of every year begins a new one and I pray to Allah (SWT) that this year brings a lot of blessings to everyone around the globe. Ameen!

Around this time last year, I wrote an article about the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

This year, I wanted to do something different. So, I thought and I thought and I thought...

Then at 3 a.m. one night, or shall I say morning, (by the way isn't that when the most brilliant ideas strike?), I knew what I wanted to write about...

New Year's Resolutions!

It seemed like a brilliant idea until I woke up next morning. I started doubting whether Muslims should even bother with things like New Year's Resolutions.

 

I did a bit of research and went around asking friends, and family, (and anybody who was ready to answer), the following question:

Do you think Muslims can make New Year's Resolutions for the new Islamic Year or avoid it because it is the tradition on the non-believers?

I got mixed answers and opinions.

"I think they can unless I am missing out on any Islamic rulings on this."

"Make resolutions everyday!"

"There shouldn't be a problem."

"Avoid it!"

"Resolutions can be made any time: on Ramadan, or Eid or Hajj. I think people need to realise that just because they are doing it for the New Hijri Year, doesn't mean that it is more Islamic, as there is no such tradition in Islam. However, making good resolutions and going according to them is a good thing; it doesn't have to be New Year."

"Avoid it as it is the tradition of the non believers. We are not supposed to copy them otherwise on the Day of Judgement, we will be awaken amongst them."

"If you sincerely want to improve your character and life style, go for it. Just bear in mind that it should not be limited to New Year only and your Niyah (intention) should be to please Allah (SWT) and not to follow some social trend."

"When's the new Islamic Year?" 

So after much thought, more research and weighing all the opinions, I came to the following conclusion.

We can make resolutions, because no where in Islamic teachings is it mentioned not to, as long as our Niyah (intention) is: 

1. to please Allah (SWT).

2. to improve ourselves and become better people. 

3. not to make resolutions because everyone else does so. 

4. not to show off to others by sticking to our resolutions.

Keeping all that in mind, I thought of some ideas that could top a New Year's Resolutions list:

~ If you don't offer Salah already, start with one, and be firm about praying that one Salah everyday. Then gradually increase it till you reach five. If you already offer your Fard Salahs, try offering the Sunnahs and the Nafils. And if you do all that, please tell me your secret.

~ Fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 

“Deeds are shown (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be shown when I am fasting.” 

[Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 747; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1041. ]

~ If fasting twice a week seems too much, fast three days a month. These days could be at the beginning of the month, in the middle or at the end, and may be done separately or consecutively. But, it is better to fast on the 'ayaam al-beed', which are the days on which the moon is full: namely the 13th, 14th and 15th of each lunar month. 

It was narrated from Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 

“Fasting three days of each month is fasting for a lifetime, and ayaam al-beed are the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.” 

Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2420; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1040. 

~ Read an ayah of the Qur'an a day, and try to learn its meaning too. Just one ayah. It doesn't sound too hard, does it? 

~ Do a good deed everyday, and don't tell anyone about it. Let there be a daily little secret between you and Allah (SWT) and He will definitely reward you for it.

It needn't be something huge and complicated either. It could be a simple thing as giving a small sum of money to the poor, or helping and old lady cross the road.

Why go far? Start at home. Help a younger sibling with homework. Do you daily chores without your Mum having to shout herself hoarse.

~ Forgive someone who has hurt you in the past. We all know the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) famous saying:

“Have mercy on those on the earth, and the One in heaven will have mercy on you” 

[Tirmidhi].

Also, shove that ego aside and apologise to those who have been hurt by you.

Are there more points you can come up with? What is your take on the topic? Will you be making any resolutions this year, or will you be like:

Leave your answers in the comments below. I would love to know what you have to say on this topic. 

The Story of Ibn Jud'an

When one thinks about the pre-Islamic times in Makkah, certain names come to mind - such as 'Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet's (peace be upon him) grandfather, or Waraqah Bin Naufal. But there is one more person who is little remembered today: 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an, the first cousin of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq's father.

In the early years of his life, 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an was neither successful nor happy. In fact, growing up hungry and poor, he soon became embittered by life. For solace or perhaps, out of spite, he turned to evil and committed many crimes. He was caught so often for his evil acts that he was considered by most to be an incorrigible criminal. People thought that he was evil incarnate and that there was no way that he could ever improve. Everyone hated him, including his fellow clansmen, his family, and even his own father; and he reciprocated that hatred with equal or greater vehemence.

One day, as he was walking in the valleys of Makkah, ruefully thinking about his bitter existence, he noticed a small opening in a mountain, perhaps an entrance to a cave. He thought that there might be something harmful inside, maybe a venomous snake. That foreboding did not stop him from approaching; instead, it encouraged him to go to it, for his situation was so hopeless, he actually wanted to be killed by some venomous lizard, so that he could part from his miserable existence.

When he came near the mouth of the cave, he saw a lean shape inside, and through the darkness, he perceived it to be a snake in an erect position, the position most favoured by a venomous snake when it is ready to strike. Overcome by madness, 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an was terrified and suddenly realised that he did not want to die. He imagined that the snake was coming at him, and so he jumped wildly , trying to fend off a lethal bite. After a short while, he calmed down, realising it was only him who was moving and that the snake was actually in a still position. When he came nearer, he realised that it was only a statue of a snake, which was made of gold and had two eyes made of precious emeralds.

He broke the emeralds off and took them. He then entered deeper into the cave, and from the writings he saw around him, he realised that the cave was a graveyard for kings of the Jurhum tribe. At the end of each grave was a gravestone made of gold; on it was written a short history of the king who was buried underneath. Surrounding the graves were treasures of gold, silver, pearls, precious stones and much more.

'Abdullah Bin Jud'an picked up a few small treasures, made a sign outside the cave so that he could find it again, and then returned to his people. He was generous with his newly found wealth, giving to his family, friends, and even to the needy. He was especially generous in gathering people together and serving them food. As time went on, he gained status in society until he became one of the leaders of the Quraish. 

Whenever he ran out of funds, he would return to the cave and take some more. His generosity extended even beyond the boundaries of Makkah. Once when the people of As-Sham were suffering from hard times, 'Abdullah Bin Jud'an sent 2000 camels to them, loading each one with wheat, oils and other provisions.

Every night someone stood on the roof of the Ka'bah and called out, "Come to the bowls (filled with food) of 'Abdullah Bn Judan."

Yet in spite of all that, the following is related about him in Sahih Muslim. 'Aisha (RA) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), "Indeed, Ibn Jud'an used to provide food (for the people) and he would be hospitable to his guest[s]. Will any of that benefit him on the Day of Resurrection?"

The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered, "No. Indeed, on no day did he ever say: O my Lord, forgive me of my sins on the Day of Recompense."

[Disclaimer: This article is not written by me. It has been lifted from a Darussalam publication, Gems and Jewels.]

The Fifteenth of Sha'baan

The 15th of Sha'baan is fast approaching, and along with it the millions of ideas on what you should and shouldn't do or else you will end up in Heaven or Hell.

So far I have come across the following things:

~ Do fresh Ghusul and Wudu: First of all, tell me what exactly is 'fresh' Ghusul?

~ Forgive others: Someone once asked me what if I forgive them for this day or until the end of Ramadan and then go back to not forgiving them?

~ Settle all your current debts: What if we don't have the means to settle the current debts? Should we take loan from someone else to settle current debts and then leave the loan to be settled until the 15th of Sha'baan of next year.That would turn into one vicious cycle - 'The Debt Settling Cycle of 15th of Sha'baan'?

I am, by no means, suggesting that performing Ghusul and Wudu, forgiving others, and settling debts is wrong. But why do it just on this day?  

I came across this article which suggested  a number of Dua'as to be read a certain number of times, fasting on this day, Wazeefa for fogiveness (I don't even know what Wazeefa is!) and performing a certain number of Nawafil Salaat. It all sounded very complicated and overwhelming!And none of it was supported by a reference to any authentic Ahadith. 

I received a message this afternoon which read: 'In these five nights (one of them being 15th of Sha'baan), Allah (SWT) does not grant 'Maghfirah' to those who commit Shirk, hold grudges, drink alcohol, murder unlawfully and women with a bad character.

Think about it for a minute...

Would Allah (SWT) forgive anyone who has committed these deeds? The answer is no. Not unless that person seeks for forgiveness and sincerely repents and never goes down that wrong path again. There are other conditions that come with seeking forgiveness and repenting, which will be discussed in another article.

Misconceptions of Sha'baan:

#1: Fasting on 15th of Sha'baan is a deed of great reward.

Fasting ONLY on 15th of Sha'baan is a bi'dah (innovation) and not according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus should be totally avoided. Fasting frequently in Sha'baan was the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, he (peace be upon him) prohibited his ummah from fasting after 15th of Sha'baan due to fear of becoming too weak to be able to fast in Ramadan.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said :

“When half of shaban has passed, do not fast” 

(Abu Dawood Bab 12: Hadith 2337- Classed Hasan Sahih by Albani)

#2: Shab-e-Baraat - the 15th of Sha'baan is a Special Night for prayers in Islam.

There is no such thing as Shab-e-Baraat. Word Shab-e-Baraat never appears in the Qur'an or Hadith. Shab-e-Baraat is infact NOT an Arabic Word.

#3: On this blessed night Allah Tala descends down to forgive people.
Allah (SWT) descends down EVERY night to forgive the people who repent.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said:

“When it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the heaven of the world and says, ‘Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’“

[Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 333]

#4: This is the blessed night on which the taqdeer (destiny) is decided.

Who will live, who will die, who will get how much rizq, etc. The following verses of the Qur'an are presented as evidence stating that this verse is talking about a blessed night on which everything is decreed and that night is 15th of Sha'baan.

"Verily, We Sent it down on a blessed night. Verily, We are ever warning. There in is decreed every matter of ordainments. As a command from Us. Verily, We are ever sending, (As) a mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower."

[Surah Dukhaan 44:4]

The verse is being misquoted. This verse is about a Night in Ramadan NOT Sha'baan. The verse is talking about revelation of Qur'an on a blessed night. Read the first four ayahs of Surah Dukhaan again!

Indeed we sent IT (i.e. The Quran) on a blessed night (Lailtul Qadr in Ramadan) Allah (SWT) has informed us in Surah Baqarah that the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an." 

[Surah Al Baqarah 2:185]

Conclusion

There is no Sahih report that speaks of the virtue of the middle of Sha’baan that may be followed, not even  in the chapters on al-Fadaa’il (chapters on virtues in books of hadith, etc.). Some maqtoo’ reports (reports whose isnaads do not go back further than the Taabi’een) have been narrated from some of the Taabi’een, and there are some Ahadith, the best of which are mawdoo’ (fabricated) or da’eef jiddan (very weak). These reports became very well known in some countries which were overwhelmed by ignorance. These reports suggest that people’s lifespans are written on that day or that it is decided on that day who is to die in the coming year. On this basis, it is not prescribed to spend this night in prayer or to fast on this day, or to single it out for certain acts of worship. One should not be deceived by the large numbers of ignorant people who do these things. And Allah (SWT) knows best.

If a person wants to pray qiyaam on this night as he does on other nights – without doing anything extra or singling this night out for anything – then that is OKAY. The same applies if he fasts the day of the 15th of Sha’baan because it happens to be one of the ayyaam al-beed, along with the 14th and 13th of the month, or because it happens to be a Monday or Thursday. If the 15th of Sha’baan coincides with a Monday or Thursday, there is nothing wrong with fasting on that day, so long as he is not seeking extra reward that has not been proven (in the saheeh texts).

And Allah (SWT) knows best.