Nisfu Syaaban

Alhamdulillah, 15th of Syaaban marks the countdown to Ramadhan has begin. Much joy in my heart as the days draw nearer to the end of this month. I pray to Allah, that He would unite us with our families during this most auspicious month of tranquility and hasanah. Numerous reminders I receive for my fellow brothers and sisters about nisfu syaaban. Some reminded us to fast on the 15th of the month and others about the various rituals during the nights. Here are some links that I would like to share from a quick google search

http://www.matri-perlis.com/forum/index.php?topic=221.msg3396
http://www.darulkautsar.com/pemurniansyariat/NisfuSyaaban.htm

Indeed nisfu Syaaban is a clear indicator that the blessed month of Ramadan is around the corner. What I could gather is one can fast as many as days as one likes before Nisfu Syaaban. But after Nisfu Syaaban, the 15th Syaaban, one should not fast, except for those who are used to fast on certain days, every Mondays and Thursdays for example.
But if one is not used to that pattern, and he wants to fast after Nisfu Syaaban, then it is not advisable for him to do so. In hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad, Rasulullah s.a.w said:
Which means: When Nisfu Syaaban comes, stop fasting until Ramadan.Since Nisfu Syaaban is a sign to us that Ramadan will be coming shortly, it is well advised that we take that seriously. We should begin our preparations for Ramadan. I want to remind myself and my family to increase our general acts of worship, such as performing sunat prayers, tahajud prayers, reciting Al-Quran, remembering Allah through zikir, and to seek his forgiveness. And welcome Ramadhan with open arms and hearts... Ahlan Wa Sahlan Ya Ramadhan!!!