Sunnah fasting means Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) fasting of optional fasts, a means of gaining Allah’s delightfulness, and righteousness, and seeking forgiveness.
All these voluntary fasts are some days like Mondays and Thursdays, White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month), Ashura (10th of Muharram), Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah), and the six days of Shawwal.
These fastings allow Muslims to adhere to the Sunnah, become strong in the issue of faith, and be disciplined in life.
This piece of writing describes the importance, benefits, and Sunnah of fasting days.
Sunnah Fasting Days
Fasting is also one of the most pious deeds in Islam. Like compulsory fasts in the month of Ramadan, Sunnah fasting days are also called voluntary fasts.
These are those days on which Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) usually fasted frequently or commanded his people to observe fast.
Observing fast on these days consists of immense blessings, rewards for the soul, and self-control which empower the believers to seek Allah.
Today we will cover the importance of Sunnah fasting days, why they are rewarding in a spiritual sense as well as in the physical realm, and the advised specific days to fast according to true Islamic tradition.
The Significance of Sunnah Fasting
Fasting not only becomes an act of obedience, but also a way of purification of the self, self-restraint, and seeking the pleasure of Allah.
Fasting is stressed in many hadiths by the Prophet (ﷺ), and Allah has promised monumental rewards to those people who fast sincerely.
Spiritual Benefits of Sunnah Fasting
- Forgiveness of Sins: The Prophet (ﷺ) clarified that fasting washes away sins, especially if done in sincerity for Allah.
- Closeness to Allah: Fasting voluntarily brings a person closer to Allah because it is a manifestation of sincere compliance.
- Multiplier of Reward: The Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have said, “Every action of the son of Adam is multiplied except for fasting; for fasting is upon Me and I will reward it accordingly.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim)
- Enhancer of Taqwa (Piety): Fasting makes one possess control over self and he earns piety also; the Quran states:
“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Physical and Psychological Advantages of Sunnah Fasting
- Enhances digestion and cleanses the body
- Enhances concentration and acuteness of mind
- Helps one to control lust and sins
- Enhances gratitude and tolerance
Sunnah Fasting Optional Days
The Prophet (ﷺ) would fast on some days of the week and would instruct his Companions to fast on those days as well. Some of the most important Sunnah fasting days are discussed below:
1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
The Prophet (ﷺ) would fast on Mondays and Thursdays every day and instructed his followers to do the same.
Hadith Evidence:
Abu Hurairah (RA) related that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had stated:
“Deeds are brought up (to Allah) on Monday and Thursday, and I would like my deeds to be brought up while fasting.” (Tirmidhi, Nasai)
Reason & Benefits:
- Our actions are placed before Allah on these days.
- It is the practice of adherence to the Prophet (ﷺ).
- It is a day-to-day fasting routine continuity.
2. The White Days (Ayyam al-Bid) – 13th, 14th, and 15th of Every Lunar Month
These are the middle three days of the lunar Islamic month when the moon is in full. Prophet (ﷺ) advised strongly fasting on these days.
Hadith Proof:
Abu Dharr related that the Messenger of Allah informed them: “If you fast for three days of the month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th”. Tirmidhi, Nasai
Logic & Rewards:
Fasting is like a whole month because the reward of ten good deeds is offered for each.
Observes.
Has a fasting routine for a month.
3. Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah)
The Day of Arafah is the second most important day of fasting next to Ramadan, particularly for those who are not going for Hajj.
Hadith Evidence:
The Prophet (ﷺ) stated:
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah forgives the sins of last year and this year.” (Muslim)
Reason & Benefits:
- Forgiveness of sins for two years.
- One of the holiest days in Islam.
- A way of seeking forgiveness and mercy of Allah.
4. Fasting on Ashura (10th Muharram) and 9th or 11th
The Prophet (ﷺ) was fond of the day of Ashura because Allah delivered Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh. Fasting on this day and another day either the 9th or 11th did not contradict practicing their religion by Jews.
Hadith Evidence:
Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Fasting on the Day of Ashura erases the sins of the last year.” Muslim.
- Expiation of sins committed in the past.
- Based on the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Musa (ﷺ).
- A means of worship and thankfulness to Allah.
5. Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
Fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan is most rewarding.
Hadith Evidence:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then adds six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.” (Muslim)
Reason & Benefits:
- It increases the reward of fasting throughout the year.
- It preserves the fasting habit.
- It is a continuation of Ramadan’s spiritual high.
6. Fasting during the First Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the most sacred days of the year. Fasting during the first nine days is highly desirable, particularly on the Day of Arafah.
Hadith Evidence:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“There are no days for which Allah loves righteous deeds more than the first ten days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah.” (Bukhari)
Reason & Benefits:
- More blessings and rewards.
- A means of seeking the acceptance of Allah before Eid al-Adha.
General Guidelines for Sunnah Fasting
Intent: It is acceptable to make an intention in the morning for discretionary fasts, provided that one has not eaten or drunk.
Don’t create undue difficulty: Fasting shouldn’t be made too difficult. If made difficult, it is better to quit.
Sunnah fast-breaking: Breaking one’s fast with water and dates, the same way the Prophet (ﷺ) used to do so.
Combine fasting with good works: Salah, sadaqah, and dhikr for added rewards.
Conclusion
Sunnah fasting days provide a wonderful opportunity to earn extra rewards, seek forgiveness, and develop one’s iman.
Starting from fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the two White Days, the Day of Arafah, until the six days in Shawwal, all supererogatory fasts are replete with wonderful virtues.
Following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) assists in instilling self-restraint, gratitude, and spiritual growth in Muslims.
May Allah reward us for making us ponder about those Sunnah of fasting and accepting our worship. Ameen.
What are 5 Days Haram to Fast?
Fast is highly recommended in Islam with maximum rewards but, there are some days when fasting is forbidden and haram; those days were reserved as food days, happy days, instead of fasting it is the reminder of Allah. Five Forbidden Days cannot be fast are:
1. Eid al-Fitr – First of Shawwal
It is the day of Eid after Ramadan. Fasting is strictly not allowed on this day as it is a day of celebration and thanksgiving, where one is permitted to eat, drink, and give thanks to Allah.
Evidence for Hadith:
Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) related that the Prophet ﷺ said, “No fasting is done on the two Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.” – Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim)
It is the final day of a fasting month and Muslims must break their fast and rejoice.
2. Eid al-Adha (10th of Dhul-Hijjah)
The festival of sacrifice is Eid al-Adha. It is a remembrance of the submission of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Fasting during this day is as taboo as on Eid al-Fitr since it is a day when one must feast, dine together, and do the sacrifice (Qurbani).
Fasting on this day was prohibited by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself, as it is a day of food and enjoying the favors of Allah on us.
3, 4, and 5. The Three Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah)
Three days after Eid al-Adha are known as the Days of Tashreeq. It is also the blessed day that comes under the domain of blessed days and individuals consume, drink, and recall Allah over these three days. Individuals can’t fast during these days other than in a single condition.
Hadith evidence:
Hadith of Allah said: “The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” (Muslim)
The sole exception is Hajj Tamattu’, who don’t possess an offering. They may fast on these days if they are unable to fast before Eid al-Adha, as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196).
These five days, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the three Tashreeq days are divinely ordained by Islam as days of festivity, feasting, and thanksgiving to Allah.
They are forbidden from fasting as a way to mark their significance and importance. With these actions, Muslims are acting on the instruction of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and submitting to the will of Allah.
Conclusion
Sunnah fasting is a highly rewarding act of obedience through which a Muslim spiritually matures, seeks forgiveness from Allah, and emulates the life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Voluntary fasts on specific days such as Mondays and Thursdays, White Days, Arafah, Ashura, and six days of Shawwal are greatly rewarded spiritually and in this world.
The believers achieve self-restraint and gratitude along with proximity to Allah.
On the other hand, Islam also has certain days when fasting is not possible and they are Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Tashreeq three days.
They are days of feasting, enjoyment, and not fasting but worshipping Allah’s bounty.
By following the fast days that were commanded in the Sunnah and refraining from the forbidden days, Muslims exhibit themselves as humble to Allah and devoted to performing the Prophet’s (ﷺ) commandments.
Let Allah grant us strength and piety in a way that will allow us to gain the virtue of voluntary fasting and accept our worship deeds. Ameen.
This is a good, well conducted, and a site to come and learn. May Ya Allah reward you all. Ameen.
And Thanks from me to you all.