Which is better: to fast one day and break the fast the next, or to fast on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays? Is it permissible to fast during the month of Sha'ban by fasting four days a week if it is better to fast one day and break the fast the next?

The best voluntary fasting is the fasting of David (peace be upon him), which is to fast one day and break the fast the next, for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Fast one day and break the fast one day; that is the fasting of David (peace be upon him), and it is the best of fasting." It is the most beloved to Allah because it is the most difficult for the soul.

It is permissible to combine the fasting of David with days for which fasting is proven to be recommended. So, if a day on which you would break your fast coincides with a day for which fasting is a Sunnah, such as 'Arafah or 'Ashura', then it is better to fast it.

There is no harm in increasing one's fasting in Sha'ban, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast a great deal during it.