The ruling on voluntary fasting after the middle of Sha'ban

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, a questioner says: Does a prohibition exist regarding voluntary fasting after the middle of the month of Sha'ban? And what is the explanation of this prohibition?

Answer:
Yes, I have a hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in which he said: The intended meaning, and Allah knows best, is the one who did not fast from the beginning of the month and only starts fasting after the middle of the month. As for the one who was fasting from the beginning of the month, he continues his fasting after the middle of Sha'ban; he continues. As for the one who was not fasting for the entire first half and then wants to start fasting from the second half, this hadith indicates that he does not fast.