Sunnah of Fasting (Voluntary Fasts)

The desert sun beat down, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, with his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), felt the bite of thirst and hunger. It was a normal day, yet on such days, the spiritual ascent of a believer could reach extraordinary heights. The practice of voluntary fasting isn't just about abstaining from food and drink; it’s a deeply personal journey of connecting with Allah, refining the soul, and embodying the Sunnah of our beloved Messenger ﷺ.

Let’s explore this beautiful practice, not just as a set of rules, but as a vibrant path walked by the best of creation and those who followed them.

The Practice of Voluntary Fasting

Voluntary fasting, known in Arabic as sawm al-tatawwu', refers to any fast observed outside of the obligatory month of Ramadan. This encompasses a wide array of practices, from the consistently observed to the occasional, all carrying immense reward and spiritual benefit. It's a way for us to proactively seek Allah’s pleasure, to earn His favor, and to draw closer to Him.

The beauty of voluntary fasting lies in its flexibility. While Ramadan is a fixed period for all, tatawwu' allows us to tailor our worship to our capacity and spiritual inclination. It’s an opportunity to cleanse our bodies and purify our intentions, making our worship a continuous act of devotion rather than confined to specific times.

The Foundation: Evidence from Quran and Sunnah

The Quran encourages us towards acts of goodness, and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ provides the practical roadmap for these acts, including voluntary fasting.

Allah says in the Quran:

Arabic: وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ Translation: "And hasten towards forgiveness from your Lord and a garden [paradise] as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous." Transliteration: Wa sari'oo ila maghfiratin min Rabbikum wa jannatin 'ardhuha as-samawatu wal-ardhu u'iddat lil-muttaqeen — Al 'Imran 3:133

This ayah is a general call to strive for good, and fasting is certainly one of the most potent ways to achieve that.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself was a prime example of observing voluntary fasts. His practices were not merely acts of devotion; they were lessons for us, showing us how to live Islam.

Beloved Fasts: Monday and Thursday

One of the most frequently observed voluntary fasts by the Prophet ﷺ was on Mondays and Thursdays. The wisdom behind this is profound.

He ﷺ was asked about fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and he replied:

Arabic: ذَٰلِكَ يَوْمٌ فِيهِ عُرِضَ الْإِسْلَامُ وَيَوْمٌ يُعْرَضُ فِيهِ عَمَلُ الْعِبَادِ Translation: "It is the day on which Islam was presented, and it is the day on which the deeds of the servants are presented." Transliteration: Dhalika yawmun feehi 'urida al-Islam wa yawmun yu'radu feehi 'amalul-'ibad — Sunan Abi Dawud 2437 (Hasan). While this narration is graded Hasan, the practice is established through other authenticated narrations and the Prophet's own consistent observance.

So, on these days, our deeds are shown to Allah. What a beautiful way to meet Him – while we are engaged in fasting, a practice that symbolizes our submission and sincerity! It’s like preparing your best presentation for your boss, but here, the Audience is the Creator of everything.

‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) also mentioned his consistent observance:

Arabic: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتَحَرَّى صَوْمَ الِاثْنَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيسِ Translation: "The Prophet ﷺ used to be keen on fasting Mondays and Thursdays." Transliteration: Kana an-Nabiyyu ﷺ yataharra sawm al-ithnayn wal-khamis — Sunan At-Tirmidhi 750 (Sahih)

This "keenness" indicates it wasn't an occasional thing; it was a regular part of his blessed routine. Imagine incorporating this into your weekly rhythm – just two days a week, dedicated to this spiritual discipline.

The Fasts of Six Days of Shawwal

Following Ramadan, the month of Shawwal offers a special opportunity. Fasting six days in Shawwal is a practice highly encouraged by the Prophet ﷺ.

He ﷺ said:

Arabic: مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ Translation: "Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of [fasting in] Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a whole year." Transliteration: Man sam raḍamāṇa thumma atba'ahu sittan min shawwāl kāna kaṣiyāmi ad-dahr — Sahih Muslim 1164

Think about this: a whole year of reward for just a few extra days of fasting! This is Allah’s immense generosity. It's a way to extend the benefits of Ramadan, to keep the spiritual momentum going, and to truly capitalize on the spiritual atmosphere we cultivated.

This fast doesn't have to be consecutive. You can spread them throughout the month, perhaps fasting a couple of days one week and the rest the next. It’s a beautiful way to bridge the gap between the obligation of Ramadan and the regular rhythm of life, while continuing to reap its blessings.

The Month of Allah: Muharram and Ashura

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is considered a sacred month. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized its importance and specifically highlighted the day of ‘Ashura (the 10th of Muharram).

He ﷺ mentioned the significance of ‘Ashura:

Arabic: صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ سَنَةً بَعْدَهُ وَسَنَةً قَبْلَهُ وَصِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاءَ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ أَنْ يُكَفِّرَ سَنَةً Translation: "Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah, I expect Allah to expiate thereby the sins of the year preceding it and the year following it. And fasting on the day of 'Ashura', I expect Allah to expiate thereby the sins of the year preceding it." Transliteration: Siyaamu yawmi 'Arafah ahtasibu 'alallahi yukaffira sanatan ba'dahu wa sanatan qablahu wa siyaamu yawmi 'Ashura ahtasibu 'alallahi yukaffira sanah — Sahih Muslim 1162

This is a powerful incentive! One day of fasting, and your sins from two years are washed away. Of course, this refers to minor sins, and the intention must be pure, seeking only Allah’s forgiveness.

It’s also recommended to fast the day before or the day after ‘Ashura (the 9th and 11th of Muharram) to differentiate our fast from that of the Jews. The Prophet ﷺ said:

Arabic: لَئِنْ عِشْتُ إِلَى قَابِلٍ لَأَصُومَنَّ التَّاسِعَ Translation: "If I remain alive until the next year, I will definitely fast the ninth [day of Muharram]." Transliteration: La'in 'ishtu ila qabil la'aṣūmanna at-tāsi'a — Sahih Muslim 1134

This shows his foresight and his desire to clearly distinguish our practice. So, aiming for the 9th and 10th, or the 10th and 11th, is the ideal way to observe ‘Ashura.

The Month of Allah: Dhu al-Hijjah and the Day of 'Arafah

The first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the month of Hajj, are incredibly blessed. The Prophet ﷺ highlighted their superiority.

He ﷺ said:

Arabic: مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ Translation: "There are no days during which the righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." Transliteration: Ma min ayyamin al-'amalu as-salihu feehinna ahabbu ila Allahi min hadhihi al-ayyami al-'ashr — Sunan At-Tirmidhi 757 (Sahih)

The Companions asked: "O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the way of Allah?" He replied: "Not even Jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out with his self and his wealth and does not return with anything from it." (Sunan At-Tirmidhi 757).

Fasting during these ten days, especially on the Day of ‘Arafah (the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah), is highly recommended. As mentioned earlier, fasting on ‘Arafah expiates sins for the preceding and succeeding year. This is a golden opportunity for those not performing Hajj.

For those on Hajj, however, it is discouraged to fast on the Day of ‘Arafah, so they can have the strength to perform the rituals. This is a beautiful example of how Islamic rulings are nuanced and adapted to the circumstances.

Fasting Every Other Day: Dawud’s Fast

The Prophet ﷺ also mentioned the practice of fasting every other day, known as the fast of Prophet Dawud (David) (peace be upon him).

He ﷺ said:

Arabic: أَحَبُّ الصِّيَامِ إِلَى اللَّهِ صِيَامُ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ، كَانَ يَصُومُ يَوْمًا وَيُفْطِرُ يَوْمًا Translation: "The most beloved fasting to Allah is the fasting of Dawud (peace be upon him); he used to fast every other day." Transliteration: Ahabbu as-siyami ila Allah siyamu Dawud (peace be upon him), kana yusumu yawman wa yufthiru yawman — Sahih al-Bukhari 6050

This is a sustainable and balanced approach to voluntary fasting. It allows one to experience the spiritual benefits without the potential strain of consecutive fasting days. It’s a rhythm that keeps the body and soul in tune with remembrance of Allah.

Other Recommended Fasts

• Fasting Three Days of Each Month: The Prophet ﷺ advised fasting three days each month. The best days for this are the Ayyam al-Bidh (the White Days) – the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month – because their nights are illuminated by the moon.

  Arabic: كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَأْمُرُ بِحَاجٍّ أَنْ يَصُومَ ثَلَاثَ أَيَّامٍ كُلَّ شَهْرٍ، وَلَمْ يُبَالِ أَنْ يَصُومَهَا فِي أَيِّ أَيَّامِ الشَّهْرِ كَانَ Translation: "The Prophet ﷺ used to order us to fast three days of every month, and he said: 'These are the days of the white ones (i.e., the days of the full moon): the thirteenth, the fourteenth, and the fifteenth.'" (Note: This narration is slightly different, but the meaning is clear from other similar hadith, such as Sahih Muslim 722 where the Prophet explicitly states the White Days). Transliteration: Kana an-Nabiyyu ﷺ ya'muru biḥājin an yaṣūma thalātha ayyāmin kulli shahr, wa lam yubāli an yaṣūmahā fī ayyi ayyāmi ash-shahr kāna — Sunan An-Nasa'i 2421 (Sahih)

• Fasting in Sha'ban: The Prophet ﷺ increased his fasting in Sha'ban, the month preceding Ramadan. When asked why, he said:

  Arabic: ذَٰلِكَ شَهْرٌ يَغْفُلُ النَّاسُ عَنْهُ بَيْنَ رَجَبٍ وَرَمَضَانَ، وَهُوَ شَهْرٌ تُرْفَعُ فِيهِ الْأَعْمَالُ إِلَى رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُرْفَعَ عَمَلِي وَأَنَا صَائِمٌ Translation: "That is a month that people neglect between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds, and I would like my deeds to be raised while I am fasting." Transliteration: Dhalika shahrun yaghfulu an-nasu 'anhu bayna Rajaba wa Ramadana, wa huwa shahrin turfa'u feehi al-a'malu ila Rabb al-'alamin, fa-uhibbu an yurfa'a 'amali wa ana sa'im — Sunan An-Nasa'i 2357 (Sahih)

This highlights the spiritual significance of seemingly ordinary months. It's a call to be mindful and to utilize every opportunity for closeness to Allah.

Implementing Voluntary Fasts in Your Life

The beauty of these Sunnah fasts is their accessibility. They don't require special preparations or travel. Here’s how we can weave them into our lives:

1. Start Small and Be Consistent: If you’re new to voluntary fasting, begin with the Monday and Thursday fasts. Two days a week is a manageable start. Once that feels comfortable, you can add the six days of Shawwal, or three days a month.
2. Plan Ahead: Look at your calendar. Mark the days you aim to fast. For example, commit to fasting the first and third Monday of the month, or the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar calendar.
3. Sync with the Lunar Calendar: For fasts like ‘Ashura, ‘Arafah, and the three days of the month, keep an eye on the Islamic calendar. Websites and apps can help you track these dates.
4. Listen to Your Body: Voluntary fasting is not meant to be a punishment or a source of hardship. If you are ill, traveling, or experiencing a temporary inability to fast, it's perfectly fine to miss it. The intention and effort are what matter most. The Prophet ﷺ said: "If a servant falls sick or travels, the reward of his worship is recorded for him as if he were not doing it, and he is safe from its burden." (Sahih al-Bukhari 3047).
5. Combine with Other Sunnahs: Use the opportunity of fasting to focus on other aspects of the Sunnah. Lower your gaze, control your tongue, engage in remembrance of Allah, read Quran, and be kind to others. Fasting enhances these actions.

The Wisdom Behind the Practice

Why do we fast voluntarily? The reasons are multifaceted, touching upon our physical, spiritual, and moral well-being.

• Gaining Allah’s Love and Proximity: Voluntary acts of worship are the most direct path to earning Allah’s love. The Hadith Qudsi (a narration where Allah speaks through the Prophet ﷺ) says:

  Arabic: وَمَا تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ عَبْدِي بِشَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا افْتَرَضْتُ عَلَيْهِ، وَمَا يَزَالُ عَبْدِي يَتَقَرَّبُ إِلَيَّ بِالنَّوَافِلِ حَتَّى أُحِبَّهُ Translation: "My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more pleasing to Me than the religious duties I have imposed upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts so that I shall love him." Transliteration: Wa ma taqarraba ilayya 'abdi bi-shay'in aḥabba ilayya mimma iftaradhtu 'alayhi, wa ma yazalu 'abdi yataqarrabu ilayya bi an-nawafili ḥatta uḥibbahu — Sahih al-Bukhari 6502

  This is the core reason. By observing voluntary fasts, we are actively pursuing Allah’s love.

• Cultivating Self-Discipline and Patience: Fasting is a powerful tool for self-control. It teaches us to resist desires, to be patient in hardship, and to break free from the tyranny of the ego (nafs). When we can control our hunger and thirst, we are better equipped to control our anger, our speech, and our other impulses.

• Developing Empathy and Compassion: By experiencing hunger, even for a short period, we are reminded of the less fortunate who face this deprivation daily. This fosters empathy, encouraging us to be more charitable and mindful of those in need.

• Spiritual Purification: Fasting cleanses the body of toxins and purifies the soul from sins. It quiets the physical distractions that often hinder our spiritual connection. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  Arabic: الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ، فَإِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ صَوْمِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَلَا يَرْفُثْ وَلَا يَصْخَبْ، فَإِنْ سَابَّهُ أَحَدٌ أَوْ قَاتَلَهُ فَلْيَقُلْ إِنِّي امْرُؤٌ صَائِمٌ Translation: "Fasting is a shield (or 'a protection'), so when one of you is fasting, he should not indulge in sexual misconduct or argumentation, and if anyone curses him or fights with him, he should say, 'I am fasting.'" Transliteration: As-sawmu junnah, fa-idha kana yawmu sawmi aḥadikum fa-la yarfuth wa la yasḥab, fa-in sabbahu aḥadun aw qatalahu fa-layaqul, innī imru'un ṣā'im — Sahih al-Bukhari 1894, Sahih Muslim 1151

  This hadith teaches us that fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about refining our character and conduct.

• Seeking Forgiveness for Sins: As seen with ‘Ashura and ‘Arafah, these fasts carry the immense reward of expiating sins. It’s a tangible way to seek Allah's mercy and a fresh start.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Even with the best intentions, sometimes we can fall into common pitfalls. Let’s be aware of them:

• Over-burdening Oneself: Trying to fast too much too soon can lead to burnout or neglecting important obligations. Remember the Prophet’s ﷺ teaching about balance. He ﷺ never fasted an entire month continuously except Ramadan, and he would fast so much in Sha'ban that 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) remarked, "I have never seen the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fast a complete month except Ramadan, and I have not seen him fast more in any month than he did in Sha'ban." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1970). This indicates that while Sha'ban had many fasts, it wasn't a full month of continuous fasting, and even then, it was a special case.

• Neglecting Obligations: Voluntary fasts should never come at the expense of obligatory duties, whether it's prayer, family responsibilities, or work. The Prophet ﷺ warned against fasting continuously to the point of exhaustion or neglecting others.

• Focusing Only on Abstinence: As the hadith on "junnah" (shield) highlights, fasting is about more than just not eating or drinking. It’s about improving one's character. Complaining, backbiting, or engaging in arguments while fasting negates much of its spiritual benefit.

• Making Up Ramadan Fasts with Voluntary Fasts: Sometimes, people might confuse making up missed Ramadan days with voluntary fasting. While the intention is good, it’s important to fulfill the obligation of making up missed Ramadan days first. The reward for voluntary acts is separate from fulfilling obligations.

• Fasting Without Intention: Every act of worship requires intention (niyyah). While the intention can be made during the day before one eats or drinks, it's best to make the intention for voluntary fasts the night before, mirroring the Prophet’s ﷺ practice.

A Personal Reflection

I remember when I first started trying to implement the Monday and Thursday fasts consistently. Some weeks were easier than others. There were days I’d wake up and feel a pang of hunger or a strong craving for that morning coffee. In those moments, I’d recall the Hadith Qudsi about Allah loving the one who draws near to Him with voluntary acts. It wasn't just about abstaining; it was about a conscious choice to prioritize my connection with Allah, even in small, daily sacrifices. It became a gentle reminder throughout the day: I am doing this for Allah. This simple thought transformed the physical discomfort into spiritual solace.

It also became a catalyst for better behavior. If I knew I was fasting, I’d be more mindful of my words and actions. I’d try to be more patient with my family or colleagues, knowing that a harsh word or an angry outburst would detract from the reward of my fast. It was a practice that slowly but surely began to shape my character, making me more aware of my actions and their impact.

Bringing it All Together

Voluntary fasting is a treasure trove of blessings, a Sunnah that offers immense spiritual and physical benefits. It's a personal journey of drawing closer to Allah, a way to refine our character, and a beautiful act of worship that requires dedication but offers unparalleled rewards.

From the consistent Monday and Thursday fasts to the special opportunities in Shawwal, Muharram, and Dhu al-Hijjah, there are ample ways to embrace this practice. Let's not let these opportunities pass us by.

My takeaway for you, and for myself, is to identify one Sunnah fast that feels achievable this week. Perhaps it’s fasting Monday. Or maybe it’s aiming for the 13th of the lunar month for the White Days. Start small, be consistent, and remember that every voluntary act of obedience offered sincerely is a step towards Allah’s love and pleasure. May Allah make it easy for us and accept our efforts.