Q 2: is performing Qiyam-ul-Layl (optional Prayer at night) on the night of `Eid (the Festival of the Sacrifice/breaking the fast) and the 15th of Sha`ban obligatory or Bid`ah (innovation in religion)? Is it a Sunnah (commendable) or Mustahab (desirable), because I recently heard someone talking about this who said: Anyone who celebrates the night of `Eid and the middle of Sha`ban with Qiyam-ul-Layl, their heart will never die on the day hearts will die.

A: It is not recommended to celebrate only the night of `Eid and the 15th of Sha`ban with acts of worship like performing night prayer and Allah's remembrance, it is Bid`ah, not Sunnah. As for the Hadith: Anyone who celebrates the night of `Eid and the middle of Sha`ban with Qiyam-ul-Layl, their heart will never die on the day hearts will die. It was mentioned by Al-Suyuty in "Al-Jami` Al-Saghir" in the following words: Anyone who celebrates the night of `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast) and `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice) with Qiyam-ul-Layl, their heart will never die on the day hearts will die. The Hadith has been related by Al-Tabarany, and Al-Suyuty classified it as Da`if (weak). The author of "Fayd Al-Qadir" reported, on the authority of Ibn Hajar, that he said. "It is Hadith Mudtarib (a Hadith with disagreement over a transmitter or the text), as the Sanad (chain of narrators) contains `Umar ibn Harun and he is weak, it contradicts another chain of narration with a different Sahabah (Companion), and it is not directly narrated from the Prophet. It is also related by Al-Hasan ibn Sufyan on the authority of `Ubadah, and that contains Bishr ibn Rafi`, who is accused of fabricating Hadith. (Part No. 8; Page No. 171) Accordingly, it is clear that this Hadith is Da`if and therefore may not be used as evidence.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.