Recommended voluntary fasts, such as Mondays, six days of Shawwal, Arafah and Ashura, and the days on which fasting is discouraged or forbidden.
Beyond Ramadan, Muslims can fast voluntarily. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged it and also taught moderation.
Reported voluntary fasts
- Mondays: when Abu Qatada asked about fasting on Monday, the Prophet ﷺ said it was the day he was born and the day revelation came to him (Sahih Muslim 1162).
- Six days of Shawwal: Abu Ayyub reported that whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted perpetually (Sahih Muslim 1164).
- Arafah and Ashura: in the same report, Abu Qatada narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said he hoped from Allah that fasting on the day of Arafah would expiate the sins of the year before and the year to come, and fasting on Ashura the sins of the year before (Sahih Muslim 1162).
- Three days each month: the Prophet ﷺ advised Abdullah ibn Amr to fast three days a month, which is like a year of fasting (Sahih al-Bukhari 1976). Many scholars recommend the 13th, 14th and 15th of the lunar month.
- The fast of David: in the report in Sahih Muslim 1162, fasting one day and not the next is called the fast of David.
Days on which not to fast
- Abu Sa‘id reported that the Prophet ﷺ forbade fasting on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (Sahih al-Bukhari 1991).
- Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet ﷺ said none of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts a day before or after it (Sahih al-Bukhari 1985).
Voluntary fasting should not harm your health, your family duties or your work. Start gradually.
Key points
- The Prophet ﷺ fasted outside Ramadan and encouraged voluntary fasts, but told people not to overburden themselves.
- Reported voluntary fasts include Mondays, six days of Shawwal, the day of Arafah, Ashura, and three days each month.
- Fasting on the two Eid days is forbidden, and fasting on Friday alone is discouraged.
- Scholars differ on details such as the six days of Shawwal.
Hadith
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Massenger (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said:It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.
Sahih Muslim, no. 1162 .
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. it would be as if he fasted perpetually.
Sahih Muslim, no. 1164 .
Narrated Abu Huraira:I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "None of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts a day before or after it."
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1985 .
Narrated Abu Sa`id:The Prophet (ﷺ) forbade the fasting of `Id-ul-Fitr and `Id-ul-Adha (two feast days) and also the wearing of As-Samma' (a single garment covering the whole body), and sitting with one's leg drawn up while being wrapped in one garment. He also forbade the prayers after the Fajr (morning) and the `Asr (afternoon) prayers.
Sahih al-Bukhari, no. 1991 .
Hadith text and grading above are shown as supplied by their source. HikmahBridge does not grade Hadith itself. See Sources & Methodology.
Scholarly notes
Six days of Shawwal: the Shafi‘i and Hanbali schools recommend it; the Hanafi school allows it; the Maliki school traditionally disliked it out of concern that people might take it to be obligatory. Friday alone: the majority regard fasting Friday alone as disliked; the report above allows it when combined with the day before or after. The exact days of the monthly fasts and the order of merit among voluntary fasts are also discussed differently. Follow your school or a trusted teacher.
FAQ
Can I fast the six days of Shawwal before making up my missed Ramadan days?
Scholars differ, and some hold that the missed days should come first. Ask your local teacher which view applies to you.
Can I combine a voluntary fast with making up a missed fast?
This is discussed differently by scholars. Ask a knowledgeable teacher for your school’s position.
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