Is it permissible to fast after mid-Sha'ban except for one who has a make-up fast to perform, and did the Prophet fast twenty-nine days of Sha'ban, breaking his fast only on the Day of Doubt?

Scholars have differed regarding the authenticity of the hadith: "When Sha'ban is halfway through, do not fast until Ramadan." Some authenticated it and acted upon it, thus disallowing fasting after the middle of Sha'ban except for those who habitually fast. The majority, however, did not accept this hadith, citing other hadiths that permit fasting in Sha'ban, and that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to fast frequently in it, even connecting it to Ramadan. The correct view is that fasting after the middle of Sha'ban is not disliked at all, and this is the opinion of the majority.