Voluntary Fasting in Islam
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Beyond the obligatory fast of Ramadan, Islam encourages voluntary fasting (sawm al-tatawwu') on specific days throughout the year. The Prophet Muhammad regularly fasted outside of Ramadan, and the rewards for voluntary fasting are immense.
Recommended Fasting Days
Mondays and Thursdays: The Prophet said: 'Deeds are shown to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and I love that my deeds be shown while I am fasting' (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 747). Three Days Each Month: Preferably the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month (Ayyam al-Bid, the white days). The Prophet said these are equivalent to fasting the entire year (Sahih Muslim 1162). Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah): For non-pilgrims, the Prophet said: 'I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Arafah may atone for the sins of the year before it and the year after it' (Sahih Muslim 1162). Day of Ashura (10th Muharram): The Prophet fasted this day and said it expiates the sins of the previous year (Sahih Muslim 1162). He recommended fasting the 9th alongside it to differ from the Jews. Six Days of Shawwal: The Prophet said: 'Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year' (Sahih Muslim 1164). Most of Sha'ban: Aisha reported that the Prophet fasted most of Sha'ban (Sahih al-Bukhari 1969).
Prohibited Fasting Days
Fasting is prohibited on: the two Eid days, the Days of Tashreeq (11th-13th Dhul Hijjah, though some scholars allow it for the pilgrim who cannot afford a sacrifice), and singling out Friday or Saturday for fasting without cause.