[1] The apparent contradiction here can be resolved through the following 3 explanations for the Prophet's (sawa) behaviour: 1. To prevent people from believing that fasting in the months of Shaʿbān and Ramaḍān together, without an intermission, was an obligation, and thereby to prevent them from creating an innovation in the religion. 2. To indicate that what the Messenger of Allāh (sawa) himself was doing constitutes an act of special devotion. 3. The weaknesses and circumstances of people, compared to the strength of body and character of the Prophet (sawa), meant that he was required to enact protective legislation.