What voluntary fasting is

A voluntary fast follows the same rules as the fast of Ramadan. You make the intention, and you avoid food, drink and marital relations from dawn until sunset.

These fasts are recommended, not required. They bring extra reward and help you build self-control. If you owe missed days from Ramadan, it is wise to make them up first.

Weekly and monthly fasts

The Prophet ﷺ often fasted on Mondays and Thursdays. He said that deeds are shown to Allah on these days, and he liked to be fasting when his deeds were shown.

He also encouraged fasting three days in every month. The best known choice is the white days, which are the 13th, 14th and 15th of each lunar month. They are called white because the nights are bright with the moon. A Hijri calendar helps you know these dates.

Fasts that come once a year

Three of the most loved yearly fasts are these.

  • Six days of Shawwal: After Ramadan, fasting six days in the month of Shawwal is like fasting the whole year, as the Prophet ﷺ taught. You may keep them together or spread them across the month.
  • The Day of Arafah: This is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is strongly recommended for people who are not on Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said that it is an expiation for the year before it and the year after it. Pilgrims standing at Arafah are not advised to fast, so they keep their strength for worship.
  • The 9th and 10th of Muharram: The 10th is called Ashura. The Prophet ﷺ fasted it, and he said that if he lived to the next year he would also fast the 9th. So many Muslims fast both days.

The fast of Dawud

The fast most loved by Allah is the fast of Prophet Dawud (peace be upon him). He fasted one day and did not fast the next. The Prophet ﷺ said there is nothing better than this, so no one needs to fast more than this.

This level is hard for many people. Choose a level that you can keep without harming your health, your family or your work. A small fast kept regularly is better than a large one that you must stop.

When fasting is forbidden or not advised

Fasting is forbidden on the two Eids, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. These are days for eating, joy and thanks to Allah.

Do not single out Friday alone for fasting. The Prophet ﷺ discouraged this. You may fast on Friday if you also fast the day before or the day after it, or if it falls on a day that you usually fast.

If you are ill, travelling or have duties that make fasting hard, a qualified scholar can help you decide.

General information for learning, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.

Sources

  • Quran 2:183
  • Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Fasting)
  • Sahih Muslim (Book of Fasting)
  • Jami at-Tirmidhi (Chapters on Fasting)
  • Sunan an-Nasa'i (Book of Fasting)