يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you might become righteous –
Yā ayyuhalladhīna āmanū kutiba 'alaykumus-siyāmu kamā kutiba 'alalladhīna min qablikum la'allakum tattaqūna
When to Read
This verse establishes the fundamental principle of fasting for believers. While it doesn't contain a specific dua for the fast of Prophet Dawud, it serves as the foundational ayah for all voluntary (nafl) fasting, including the 'fast of Dawud' (sawm Dawud). It's recited as a reminder and basis for undertaking such fasts.
How to Read
This ayah is recited as the primary reference and reminder of the obligation and wisdom behind fasting. It's contemplated before embarking on voluntary fasts like the fast of Dawud to reinforce the intention and understanding of why we fast – to achieve Taqwa (righteousness, God-consciousness).
Virtues & Benefits
The Quranic ayah 2:183 highlights the ultimate goal of fasting: 'la'allakum tattaqūna' – 'that you may become righteous'. This implies that all forms of fasting, including the fast of Dawud, are a means to develop God-consciousness, self-discipline, and inner purity. The fast of Dawud, specifically, is known for its balance and is considered a highly virtuous form of voluntary fasting, as it allows for a break and a return to worship, making it sustainable and spiritually enriching.