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Fasting 3/4 - Muslimah - 10-06-2003
Praise be to Allah and prayer and peace be upon His Messenger Mohamed, his family members and companions.
In the two previous messages about fasting we covered the meaning of fasting in general (which is to refrain from something), categories who are compelled to fast (sane adults either male or female), others who are allowed not to fast, or compelled not to fast. We included as well rules which a Muslim should observe during fasting hours in order to maintain its validity.
We also indicated that fasting Ramadan is obligatory, while there are other occasions, which are recommended for voluntary fasting. This in addition to other certain occasions which a Muslim is not allowed to fast.
The rules, which govern voluntary fasting, will be the topic of this message.
Occasions which are not supposed to be fasted:
1. Feast days: Scholars are consensus that fasting feast days are not allowed according to the hadeeth:” It was narrated under the authority of Omar (may Allah be please with him) that the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) instructed not to fast on feast days saying that Al Fitr day indicates breaking your fast after Ramadan, while you should eat of your sacrifice slaughtered on the Adha day” reported by Ahmed.
2. Altashareeq days: Those are the three days which succeed the slaughter day according to the hadeeth:” It was narrated under the authority of Ibn Abass (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah sent someone to inform people: Do not fast during these three days as they are days of food, drink and copulation”.
3. Friday: one is not allowed to volunteer by fasting a Friday. However, one may combine the fasting of a Thursday before or a Saturday after. Also if a Friday coincided with an occasion (like Arafa or Ashoura which will be highlighted later), it could be fasted then. It is explained in a hadeeth as follows: “ It was narrated under the authority of Abdullah Ibn Omar: that the Messenger of Allah came to Jowairyia Bint Alhareth who was fasting on a Friday. He asked her did you fast yesterday? She said no. He said do you intend to fast tomorrow? She answered no. He told her then break your fast” reported by Albzar. 5. Continuous fasting throughout the year: In a hadeeth the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) said, “One’s fasting will not be accounted in case it was continuous throughout the year” reported by Ahmed, Bokhary and Muslim.
6. A woman is not allowed to volunteer for fasting without her husband’s approval: It was narrated under the authority of Abou Horira that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “A woman is not supposed to volunteer fasting for even one day unless with her husband’s approval except for Ramadan” reported by Ahmed. In case the husband is away or ill and unable for copulation, she is allowed then for fasting.
Occasions which are recommended to be fasted:
1. 6 days of the month of Shawal (the following month of Ramadan): Under the authority of Abi Ayoub Alansary that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said, “whoever fasts Ramadan succeeded with 6 days of Shawal will be rewarded as if fasted the whole year”. The days could be fasted sequential or individually.
2. The first nine days of Dhul Hija with emphasis on the Day of Arafa (when people gather at mount Arafa for Haj) but only for one who is not performing Haj. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PAPBUH) said “ Fasting the day of Arafa for those who are not performing Haj eliminates the sins of two years, the past and future one, While fasting the day of A`ashoura (will be explained later) eliminates sins of the past year” reported by consensus.
3. Fasting the 10th of Moharam (A`ashoura): It was narrated under the authority of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Prophet (PAPBUH) when he moved to Medina noticed that the Jews fast the day of A`ashoura so he asked them why? They said it is a good day when Allah rescued Moses (peace be upon him) and children of Israel from their enemy. So Moses (peace be upon him) fasted that day. Prophet Mohamed (PAPBUH) said “we are more obliged towards Moses (PUH) and he fasted the day instructing Muslims to fast it” reported by consensus. To further explain there are three options for the way of fasting Ashoura::To fast:
9th, 10th and 11th Dhul Hija.
To fast 9th and 10th only.
To fast the 10th only.
4. Fast as many days of Shaban as possible:It was narrated under the authority of Osama Ibn Zaid (may Allah be pleased with them) that he asked Prophet Mohamed (PAPBUH) Oh Messenger of Allah I did not notice you fast as many days in any other month like during Shaban? He said: this is a month which people usually ignore being between Rajab and Ramadan. It is also a month when deeds are taken to be presented before Allah, and I would like my deeds to be presented while I’m fasting” reported by Abou Dawoud.
5. Fasting during the sacred months (made forbidden by Allah it means that war is not allowed during those months): The four months Dhul Qe`ada, Dhul Hija, Moharam and Rajab: It is recommended to fast as many days as possible during those months. It was narrated under the authority of a man from Bahela that he came to meet the Prophet (PAPBUH) and said Oh Messenger of Allah I’m the man who met you last year. The Prophet (PAPBUH) asked him what changed your appearance which was better? He answered since I met you; I became in the habit of not eating any food except in the evening. The Messenger of Allah said: why did you torture yourself? He further advised him saying you may fast the month of patience (Ramadan) and one day of each month. The man said advise me for more I’m strong. He said fast two days each month. The man said more. He said fast part of the sacred months and leave some and he contracted his three fingers and retracted them” reported by Ahmed and Abou Dawoud.
6. Fasting Mondays and Thursdays each week throughout the year: It was narrated under the authority of Abou Horira that the Prophet (PAPBUH) mostly fasted Mondays and Thursdays about which he was asked. He explained” Deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays when Allah Forgives each Muslim or a believer except those who are in conflict. Allah Says delay their case” reported by Ahmed.
7. Fasting 3 days of each month: Abou Dhar Alghafary (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “ The Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) instructed us to fast 3 days of each month: 13th, 14th, and 15th which he explained that they count for fasting the whole year” reported by Alnesa`y.8. Fasting day after day: It was narrated under the authority of Abi Salama Bin Abdel Rahman according to Abdu Allah Ibn Amr who said” The Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) told me: I was informed that you stay up all night praying and fasting all day, I replied yes. He said fast and not fast, pray and sleep your body has a right over you, your wife has a right over you and your guest has a right over you. It is sufficient that you fast three days of each month. I said I could do more, he said fast three days of each week. I said I could still do more. He said fast in the manner of Daoud the Prophet of Allah and never exceed this limit. I asked how was that manner. He said he used to fast day after day” reported by Ahmed.
General Rule:
One who is fasting voluntarily is allowed to break the fast:
1. It was narrated under the authority of Om Hani may Allah be pleased with her: that the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) came to me on the day of entering into Mecca and drank. He handed me to drink but I told him I was fasting. He said one who is fasting voluntarily supervises him/herself you may fast or break the fast if you wish” reported by Ahmed.
2. It was narrated under the authority of Abi Said Alkhodri (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: I prepared food for the Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) who came along with his companions. However, as soon as the food was served one of the group said I’m fasting. The Messenger of Allah (PAPBUH) said your brother invited you and cost himself. He further explained break your fast and compensate with another day if you wish” reported by Albayhaqy. Accordingly most of the scholars see the possibility for one to break the fast and compensate with another day.
Praise be to Allah and peace and prayer upon His Messenger
May Allah accept and make this useful knowledge for everyone.