In this blessed month, the month of Allah, Muharram, comes a season for voluntary fasting. Here are four occasions where voluntary fasting is recommended to multiply rewards and atone for any deficiencies in obligatory fasts:
- Fasting in the Month of Allah, Muharram
This is the best fasting after Ramadan, with the most significant day being the tenth (Ashura), followed by the ninth. Fasting on Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year as stated in the hadith, and it is recommended to fast on the ninth along with the tenth to differ from the Jews.
Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The most excellent fast after Ramadan is in God’s month al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.” (1)
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the Day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, “This is the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “We have more claim over Moses than you.” So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day). (2)
Ibn 'Abbas reported that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) fasted on the day of 'Ashura and commanded that it should he observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him, “Messenger of Allah, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem.” Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “When the next year comes, God willing, we would observe fast on the 9th.” But the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) died before the advent of the next year. (3)
These hadiths highlight the virtue of Muharram, with the most commendable act being fasting, which Allah has attributed to Himself and rewards for it.
- Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
This fasting is legislated to increase the reward of fasting Ramadan, so that when combined, it is like fasting the entire year.
Abu Aiyub Al-Ansari narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal will be (rewarded) as if he had fasted the entire year.” (4)
Fasting the six days of Shawwal demonstrates ongoing obedience to Allah and continues the spiritual training from Ramadan, linking one act of worship to another and elevating the believers’ ranks in piety, distinguishing them in the sight of Allah.
- Fasting the First Nine Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
The best day for fasting is the ninth (Day of Arafah) for those not performing Hajj, as fasting on this day expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja).” Then some companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things.” (5)
- Fasting Most of Sha’ban
This is the month in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) was reported to have fasted the most after Ramadan.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “God’s messenger used to fast to such an extent that we thought he would never break his fast, and he would go without fasting to such an extent that we thought he would never fast. I never saw God’s messenger fast a complete month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Sha'ban.” (6)
Fasting on these virtuous days also brings great reward, so it is recommended for Muslims to fast them diligently and seek the multiplied reward.
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(1) Sahih Muslim.
(2) Agreed upon.
(3) Sahih Muslim.
(4) Sahih Muslim.
(5) Sahih Al-Bukhari.
(6) Agreed upon.
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