Sha'ban

Dear scholars, I really need your advice! Here in Bangladesh, people always celebrate the 15th night of the month of Sha`ban, which they call “the Night of Shabe-e-Barat”. What do you think of such a practice? Please enlighten me on this issue.

As-Salamu `alaykum. Can we fast in the last five days before Ramadan starts? Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. If I missed fasts in the previous Ramadan and I did not make them up, what should I do? Should I make up for them or fast the recommended fasts in Sha`ban? Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum.there is a controversy regarding offering the Tarawih Prayer on the eve of the 30th of Sha`ban — laylat ash-shak or the Night of Doubt — in which the crescent moon of Ramadan is to be sighted in order to determine if the next day is Ramadan or not. (The eve of the 30th is the night following sunset on the 29th of Sha`ban, or in other words, the night preceding the 30th.) Many people perform the Tarawih Prayer on that night following `Isha' Prayer before making sure whether Ramadan will start. Those people may later discover that that night is proved not to be the first night of Ramadan. Some other people wait until they make sure if Ramadan will start to see whether they can offer the Tarawih Prayer or not. Which of these is the more correct approach?

Dear scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. I would like to know if the 15th night of Sha`ban has a special significance and if the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) celebrated it. I would like also to know if there are special prayers or specific invocations recommended during this night. Jazakum Allah khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum. May Allah reward you abundantly. My question is: Are there any specific days in the month of Sha`ban in which fasting is commendable? Thanks.

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it permissible to fast after the middle of Sha`ban? I heard that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting after halfway through Sha`ban.  Jazakum Allahu khayran.

As-salamu `alaykum. I have heard a lot of Muslims talking about the 15th of Sha`ban as a time for fasting and extra worship, yet I have never read any authentic hadiths to support this. What is your opinion regarding that?

Respected scholars, as-salamu `alaykum. Is it recommended to fast frequently during the months of Rajab and Sha`ban or not? Jazakum Allahu khayran.