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Fasting holds a deeply significant place in Islam, not only as an obligatory act during the month of Ramadan but also as a profound spiritual practice that offers immense rewards. Beyond the mandatory fasts, there are additional voluntary fasts, known as Sunnah fasts, which were also performed by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
In this article, we will learn about the different types of Sunnah fasts, their significance, and the teachings from the Hadith and Quran that emphasize their importance.
Sunnah fasts are the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He encouraged Muslims to engage in these Sunnah fasts as a means of drawing closer to Allah, purifying the soul, and deepening one’s awareness of the divine presence. The following are the common Sunnah fasts days:
Mondays and Thursdays are the most well-known fast. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly fasted on Mondays and Thursdays and encouraged his supporters to do the same.
Fasting on Monday and Thursday helps Muslims grow their connection with Allah. It is also a great practice that increases self-control and discipline. Fasting on Mondays is very important because on Monday, the Prophet (PBUH) was born, and fasting on Thursdays is to maintain a healthy routine for the body and soul.
According to a Hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
“The deeds of people are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
(Tirmidhi-747)
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After Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to fast for an additional six days during Shawwal. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime.”
(Sunnah Ibn Majah 1716)
This Hadith emphasises the incredible reward associated with these fasts, as fasting the whole month of Ramadan, followed by six days of Shawwal, is equal to fasting for an entire year in terms of religious benefits.
The White Days, or Ayyam Al-Beed, are the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each Islamic lunar month. These days are known as "white" because the full moon helps the night sky.
Regular fasting on the White Days develops discipline and serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual benefits. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged fasting on these days and said,
“Fasting three days each month equals fasting for a lifetime.”
(Sunan an-Nasa'i 2409)
The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah falls on the Day of Arafah, one of the most critical days in the Islamic year. It is the day when millions of Muslims gather on the vast plain of Arafat during Hajj to seek Allah's forgiveness and grace. Even if you are not performing Hajj, it is highly recommended that you fast on this day. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
“Fasting on the day of Arafah is an expiation for the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1730)
This Hadith explains the forgiveness and mercy Muslims can have by fasting on this day. It is a very good chance for Muslims to obtain an apology for their past sins and to prepare religiously for the coming year. If you want to learn about 5 Duas for fasting, click this link.
Ashura, on the 10th of Muharram, is another very important day for Sunnah fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regularly fasted on Ashura and encouraged his followers to do the same. The significance of Ashura dates back to the time of Prophet Musa (Moses) when Allah saved the Children of Israel.
According to a famous hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA), when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) migrated to Madinah, he noticed that the Jews were fasting on the day of Ashura. He inquired about the reason for this fasting, and they responded, saying, "This is a blessed day. On this day, Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy [Pharaoh], and so Musa fasted on this day to give thanks to Allah."
Upon hearing this, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
"We have more right to Musa than you."
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
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The first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, leading up to the Day of Arafah, are full of blessings and hold great virtue in Islam. Fasting during these days is recommended for those who can do so, as it is a time of increased spirituality and devotion. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,
"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Tirmidhi 757)
Sunnah fasts provide Muslims with a means to uphold acts of worship throughout the year, beyond the obligatory fasting during Ramadan. Fasting brings spiritual benefits, forgiveness, and heightened consciousness of Allah in one's life. Through fasting, believers draw closer to their Creator, maintain spiritual discipline, and strengthen their faith.
Fasting on special days, such as Mondays and Thursdays, the white days, the six days of Shawwal, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, holds unique significance and benefits for Muslims. These practices are rooted in the principles found in the Hadith and the Quran. They contribute to an increase in devotion, regular prayer, worship, and continuous spiritual growth.
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