Do not anticipate Ramadan by Fasting

The Prophet (pbuh) said “Do not anticipate Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it begins, but if a man habitually fasts, then let him fast.”

[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary:

Imam Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy upon him) said:

The words of the Prophet (pbuh), “Do not anticipate Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it begins, but if a man habitually fasts, then let him fast,” clearly indicate that it is not allowed to anticipate Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it begins, for those who do not have a habitual pattern of fasting or who are not continuing to fast after starting to fast before (i.e. in the first half of Sha’baan). If one is not continuing to fast or does not have a regular pattern of fasting, then it is haram (prohibited).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy upon him) said in his commentary on the above hadith “Do not anticipate Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it begins…”

The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) differed concerning this prohibition and whether it meant that this is haram (prohibited) or makrooh (disliked). The correct view is that it means it is haram, especially on the day of doubt. (Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen).

And Allah knows best!