Prayer TimesIn addition to Ramadan, Muslims may also fast in other months. Fasting on these days is considered voluntary, and those who fast are promised great reward.
However, it is not permitted to fast on the following five days: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the days of Tashreeq, which are the 11th, 12th, and 13th days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Shariah recommends fasting on the following days:
<p>Mondays and Thursdays</p>
The Mother of the Believers, ‘Aisha said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.” (Tirmidhi).
In another hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Deeds are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Tirmidhi).
<p>The Day of Arafah, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah</p>
According to the narration of Abu Qatadah, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “I hope that fasting on the Day of Arafah will expiate for the sins of the previous and coming year.” (Tirmidhi).
<p>The white days, i.e., the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month</p>
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to fast on the white days whether he was traveling or at home.
<p>The month of Shawwal</p>
The month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan, also has its own virtues. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts in Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a whole year.” (Muslim).
Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an:
“Whoever brings a good deed will have ten times the like thereof to his credit.” (Al-An‘am: 160)
Scholars connect this verse to the observance of six days of fasting in Shawwal and the reward for it being as if one fasted for a whole year.
It is also important to know the following about fasting in Shawwal:
<p>Fasting in Shawwal is a voluntary fast. That is, each person fasts by their own choice.</p>
<p>The voluntary fast of Shawwal is observed only in the month of Shawwal. It is best to start fasting after Eid al-Fitr.</p>
<p>This fast can be done consecutively or with breaks, at the beginning, middle, or end of Shawwal. However, it is better to fast consecutively right after Eid.</p>
<p>If you have missed days of fasting in Ramadan, you should make up those days first, and then observe the Shawwal fast. This is because the hadith says: “Whoever after the month of Ramadan...”</p>
<p>Those who did not fast in Ramadan may also fast in Shawwal. However, it is important to remember that fasting in Ramadan is obligatory.</p>
<p>Fasting in Shawwal, like other fasts, lasts from dawn to sunset.</p>
May Allah Almighty accept our fasting and prayers!
Hasan AMANKUL, Deputy Head of the Shariah and Fatwa Department, SAMK
This content was drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by an editor.