Book Thirty One-The Book on Fasting

Hadith Number 115.

Narrated by Talha bin 'Ubaid-Ullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and said, "O Allah's Messenger! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers." He replied: "You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory prayers in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray Nawafil." The bedouin further asked, "Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards fasting." He replied, "You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as Nawafil." The bedouin further asked, "Tell me how much Zakat Allah has enjoined on me." Thus, Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) informed him about all the rules (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, "By Him Who has honoured you, I will neither perform any Nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be granted Paradise)."


Hadith Number 116.


Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) observed the fast on the 10th of Muharram ('Ashura), and ordered (Muslims) to fast on that day, but when the fasting of the month of Ramadan was prescribed, the fasting of the 'Ashura was abandoned. 'Abdullah did not use to fast on that day unless it coincided with his routine fasting by chance.


Hadith Number 117.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (The tribe of) Quraish used to fast on the day of Ashura' in the Pre-Islamic period, and then Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered (Muslims) to fast on it till the fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed; whereupon the Prophet said, "He who wants to fast (on 'Ashura) may fast, and he who does not want to fast may not fast."


Hadith Number 118.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) added, "By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. (*) So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times."

* Although all practices of worshipping is for Allah, here Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala singles out fasting, because fasting cannot be practiced for the sake of showing off as nobody can know whether one is fasting or not except Allah. Therefore fasting is a pure performance that cannot be blemished with hypocrisy. (Fath-al-Bari Vol 5 page 10)


Hadith Number 119.

Narrated by Abu Wail from Hudhaifa: Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) asked the people, "Who remembers the narration of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) about the affliction?" Hudhaifa said, "I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, 'The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity." 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "I do not ask about that, but I ask about those afflictions which will spread like the waves of the sea." Hudhaifa replied, "There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions." 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) asked, "Will that gate be opened or broken?" He replied, "It will be broken." 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of Resurrection." We said to Masruq, "Would you ask Hudhaifa whether 'Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu) knew what that gate symbolized?" He asked him and he replied "He ('Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhu)) knew it as one knows that there will be night before tomorrow, morning.


Hadith Number 120.

Narrated by Sahl (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it."

Hadith Number 121.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Whoever gives two kinds (of things or property) in charity for Allah's Cause, will be called from the gates of Paradise and will be addressed, 'O slaves of Allah! Here is prosperity.' So, whoever was amongst the people who used to offer their prayers, will be called from the gate of the prayer; and whoever was amongst the people who used to participate in Jihad, will be called from the gate of Jihad; and whoever was amongst those who used to observe fasts, will be called from the gate of Ar-Raiyan; whoever was amongst those who used to give in charity, will be called from the gate of charity." Abu Bakr (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "Let my parents be sacrificed for you, O Allah's Messenger! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates. Will there be any one who will be called from all these gates?" The Prophet replied, "Yes, and I hope you will be one of them."


Hadith Number 122.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened."


Hadith Number 123.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."


Hadith Number 124.

Narrated by Ibn Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I heard Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, "When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see it) then regard the crescent (month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days)".


Hadith Number 125.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."


Hadith Number 126.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).


Hadith Number 127.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)"


Hadith Number 128.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Allah said, 'All the deeds of Adam's sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.' Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarrelling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting."


Hadith Number 129.

Narrated by 'Alqama : While I was walking with 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) he said, "We were in the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he said, 'He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women, and save his private parts from looking at other women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power."

Hadith Number 130.

Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) mentioned Ramadan and said, "Do not fast unless you see the crescent (of Ramadan), and do not give up fasting till you see the crescent (of Shawwal), but if the sky is overcast (if you cannot see it), then act on estimation (i.e. count Sha'ban as 30 days)."


Hadith Number 131.

Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The month (can be) 29 nights (i.e. days), and do not fast till you see the moon, and if the sky is overcast, then complete Sha'ban as thirty days."


Hadith Number 132.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The month is like this and this," (at the same time he showed the fingers of both his hands thrice) and left out one thumb on the third time.


Hadith Number 133.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) or Abu-l-Qasim said, "Start fasting on seeing the crescent (of Ramadan), and give up fasting on seeing the crescent (of Shawwal), and if the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete thirty days of Sha'ban."


Hadith Number 134.

Narrated by Um Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) vowed to keep aloof from his wives for a period of one month, and after the completion of 29 days he went either in the morning or in the afternoon to his wives. Someone said to him "You vowed that you would not go to your wives for one month." He replied, "The month is of 29 days."


Hadith Number 135.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) vowed to keep aloof from his wives for one month, and he had dislocation of his leg. So, he stayed in a Mashruba for 29 nights and then came down. Some people said, "O Allah's Messenger! You vowed to stay aloof for one month," He replied, "The month is of 29 days."


Hadith Number 136.

Narrated by Abu Bakra (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The two months of 'Id i.e. Ramadan and Dhul-Hijjah, do not decrease (in superiority)." (*)

* There are many interpretations of this Hadith, but the most common on is this: The good deeds done in these two months are rewarded fully whether these months are of 29 or 30 days. There is no harm if Muslims unknowingly stat fasting on a wrong day, or stay at Arafat during Hajj on a day other than the prescribed one, on condition that the crescent should be watched carefully. For example, if two person witness that they have seen the crescent and the people fast or stay at Arafat accordingly, but later the two witnesses turn out to be liars, the acts of worship performed by the Muslims will not be rejected by Allah (Fath-al-Bari Vol 5 pages 26-27)



Hadith Number 137.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "We are an illiterate nation; we neither write, nor know accounts. The month is like this and this, i.e. sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of thirty days."


Hadith Number 138.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "None of you should fast a day or two before the month of Ramadan unless he has the habit of fasting (Nawafil) (and if his fasting coincides with that day) then he can fast that day."


Hadith Number 139.

Narrated by Al-Bara (Radhi Allahu Anhu): It was the custom among the companions of Muhammad that if any of them was fasting and the food was presented (for breaking his fast), but he slept before eating, he would not eat that night and the following day till sunset.

Qais bin Sirma-al-Ansari was fasting and came to his wife at the time of Iftar (breaking one's fast) and asked her whether she had anything to eat. She replied, "No, but I would go and bring some for you." He used to do hard work during the day, so he was overwhelmed by sleep and slept. When his wife came and saw him, she said, "Disappointment for you." When it was midday on the following day, he fainted and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was informed about the whole matter and the following verses were revealed: "You are permitted To go to your wives (for sexual relation) at the night of fasting." So, they were overjoyed by it. And then Allah also revealed: "And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (of the night)." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187)

Hadith Number 140.

Narrated by 'Adi bin Hatim (Radhi Allahu Anhu): When the above verses were revealed: 'Until the white thread appears to you, distinct from the black thread,' I took two (hair) strings, one black and the other white, and kept them under my pillow and went on looking at them throughout the night but could not make anything out of it. So, the next morning I went to Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and told him the whole story. He explained to me, "That verse means the darkness of the night and the whiteness of the dawn."


Hadith Number 141.

Narrated by Sahl bin Saud (Radhi Allahu Anhu): When the following verses were revealed: 'Eat and drink until the white thread appears to you, distinct from the black thread' and of dawn was not revealed, some people who intended to fast, tied black and white threads to their legs and went on eating till they differentiated between the two. Allah then revealed the words, 'of dawn', and it became clear that meant night and day.


Hadith Number 142.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Bilal used to pronounce the Adhan at night, so Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Carry on taking your meals (eat and drink) till Ibn Um Maktum pronounces the Adhan, for he does not pronounce it till it is dawn.


Hadith Number 143.

Narrated by Sahl bin Sad (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I used to take my Suhur meals with my family and then hurry up for presenting myself for the (Fajr) prayer with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam).


Hadith Number 144.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Zaid bin Thabit (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said, "We took the Suhur with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Then he stood for the prayer." I asked, "What was the interval between the Suhur and the Adhan?" He replied, "The interval was sufficient to recite fifty verses of the Qur'an."


Hadith Number 145.

Narrated by 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) fasted for days continuously; the people also did the same but it was difficult for them. So, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbade them (to fast continuously for more than one day). They slid, "But you fast without break (no food was taken in the evening or in the morning)." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "I am not like you, for I am provided with food and drink (by Allah)."


Hadith Number 146.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Take Suhur as there is a blessing in it."


Hadith Number 147.

Narrated by Salama bin Al-Akwa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Once the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered a person on 'Ashura (the tenth of Muharram) to announce, "Whoever has eaten, should not eat any more, but fast, and who has not eaten should not eat, but complete his fast (till the end of the day).


Hadith Number 148.

Narrated by ‘Aishah and Um Salama (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) : At times Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to get up in the morning in the state of Janaba after having sexual relations with his wives. He would then take a bath and fast.

Hadith Number 149.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was fasting, and he had more power to control his desires than any of you. Said Jabir, "The person who gets discharge after casting a look (on his wife) should complete his fast."


Hadith Number 150.

Narrated by Hisham's father : ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to kiss some of his wives while he was fasting," and then she smiled.


Hadith Number 151.

Narrated by Zainab: (Daughter of Um Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha)) that her mother said, "While I was (lying) with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) underneath a woollen sheet, I got the menstruation, and then slipped away and put on the clothes (which I used to wear) in menses. He asked, "What is the matter? Did you get your menses?" I replied in the affirmative and then entered underneath that woollen sheet. I and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to take a bath from one water pot and he used to kiss me while he was fasting."


Hadith Number 152.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (At times) in Ramadan the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to take a bath in the morning not because of a wet dream and would continue his fast.


Hadith Number 153.

Narrated by Abu Bakr bin 'Abdur-Rahman (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): My father and I went to ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) and she said, "I testify that Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) at times used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaba from sexual intercourse, not from a wet dream and then he would fast that day." Then he went to Um Salama (Radhi Allahu Anha) and she also narrated a similar thing.


Hadith Number 154.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allah." Narrated 'Amir bin Rabi' (Radhi Allahu Anhu), "I saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) cleaning his teeth with Siwak while he was fasting so many times as I can't count." And narrated Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu), "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, 'But for my fear that it would be hard for my followers, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak on every performance of ablution." The same is narrated by Jabir and Zaid bin Khalid (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) from the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who did not differentiate between a fasting and a non-fasting person in this respect (using Siwak).

‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is a purification for the mouth and it is a way of seeking Allah's pleasures." Ata' and Qatada said, "There is no harm in swallowing the resultant saliva."


Hadith Number 155.

Narrated by Humran : I saw 'Uthman (Radhi Allahu Anhu) performing ablution; he washed his hands thrice, rinsed his mouth and then washed his nose, by putting water in it and then blowing it out, and washed his face thrice, and then washed his right forearm up to the elbow thrice, and then the left-forearm up to the elbow thrice, then smeared his head with water, washed his right foot thrice, and then his left foot thrice and said, "I saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) performing ablution similar to my present ablution, and then he said, 'Whoever performs ablution like my present ablution and then offers two Rakat in which he does not think of worldly things, all his previous sins will be forgiven."


Hadith Number 156.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): A man came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and said that he had been burnt (ruined). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him what was the matter. He replied, "I had sexual intercourse with my wife in Ramadan (while I was fasting)." Then a basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he asked, "Where is the burnt (ruined) man?" He replied, "I am present." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) told him to give that basket in charity (as expiation).

Hadith Number 157.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): While we were sitting with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) a man came and said, "O Allah's Messenger! I have been ruined." Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked what was the matter with him. He replied "I had sexual intercourse with my wife while I was fasting." Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him, "Can you afford to manumit a slave?" He replied in the negative. Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him, "Can you fast for two successive months?" He replied in the negative. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him, "Can you afford to feed sixty poor persons?" He replied in the negative. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) kept silent and while we were in that state, a big basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). He asked, "Where is the questioner?" He replied, "I (am here)." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said (to him), "Take this (basket of dates) and give it in charity." The man said, "Should I give it to a person poorer than I? By Allah; there is no family between its (i.e. Al-Madinah’s) two mountains who are poorer than I." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) smiled till his pre-molar teeth became visible and then said, 'Feed your family with it."


Hadith Number 158.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A man came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and said, "I had sexual intercourse with my wife on Ramadan (while fasting)." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him, "Can you afford to manumit a slave?" He replied in the negative. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him, "Can you fast for two successive months?" He replied in the negative. He asked him, "Can you afford to feed sixty poor persons?" He replied in the negative. (Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) added): Then a basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he said (to that man), "Feed (poor people) with this by way of atonement." He said, "(Should I feed it) to poorer people than we? There is no poorer house than ours between its (Al-Madinah) mountains." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Then feed your family with it."


Hadith Number 159.

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was cupped while he was in the state of Ihram, and also while he was observing a fast.


Hadith Number 160.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was cupped while he was fasting.


Hadith Number 161.

Narrated by Thabit Al-Bunani: Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu) was asked whether they disliked the cupping for a fasting person. He replied in the negative and said, "Only if it causes weakness."


Hadith Number 162.

Narrated by Ibn Abi Aufa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We were in the company of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on a journey. He said to a man, "Get down and mix Sawiq (powdered barley) with water for me." The man said, "The sun (has not set yet), O Allah's Messenger." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) again said to him, "Get down and mix Sawiq (*) with water for me." The man again said, "O Allah's Messenger! The sun!" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to him (for the third time) "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me." The man dismounted and mixed Sawiq with water for him. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) drank it and then beckoned with his hand (towards the East) and said, "When you see the night falling from this side, then a fasting person should break his fast."

* Sawiq-A kind of mash made of powdered roasted wheat or barley grain (also with sugar and dates)


Hadith Number 163.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami said, "O Allah's Messenger! I fast continuously."


Hadith Number 164.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): (The wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami asked the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), "Should I fast while travelling?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish."


Hadith Number 165.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) set out for Makkah in Ramadan and he fasted, and when he reached Al-Kadid, he broke his fast and the people (with him) broke their fast too. (Abu 'Abdullah said, "Al-Kadid is a land covered with water between Usfan and Qudaid.")

Hadith Number 166.

Narrated by Abu Ad-Darda (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We set out with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on one of his journeys on a very hot day, and it was so hot that one had to put his hand over his head because of the severity of heat. None of us was fasting except the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and Ibn Rawaha (Radhi Allahu Anhu).


Hadith Number 167.

Narrated by Jabir bin 'Abdullah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was on a journey and saw a crowd of people, and a man was being shaded (by them). He asked, "What is the matter?" They said, "He (the man) is fasting." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "It is not righteousness that you fast on a journey." (*)

* The Hadith of this chapter show that it is permissible for one to fast or break his fast while traveling. But it is recommended for a healthy strong person to fast, whereas a weak or sick person is recommended not to fast. The saying of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) “It is not righteousness that you fast on a journey." is applicable to a particular case, i.e. when one is so weak or sick that fasting would harm him. In such a case one has to break his fast, for Allah does not like His devotees to harm themselves needlessly.




Hadith Number 168.

Narrated by Anas bin Malik (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We used to travel with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and neither did the fasting persons criticize those who were not fasting, nor did those who were not fasting criticize the fasting ones.


Hadith Number 169.

Narrated by Tawus : Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) set out from Al-Madinah to Makkah and he fasted till he reached 'Usfan, where he asked for water and raised his hand to let the people see him, and then broke the fast, and did not fast after that till he reached Makkah, and that happened in Ramadan." Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) used to say, "Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (sometimes) fasted and (sometimes) did not fast during the journeys so whoever wished to fast could fast, and whoever wished not to fast, could do so."


Hadith Number 170.

Narrated by Nafi : Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) recited the verse: "They had a choice either to fast or to feed a poor person for every day, and said that the order of this Verse was cancelled. (Referring to Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 184)


Hadith Number 171.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Sometimes I missed some days of Ramadan, but could not fast in lieu of them except in the month of Sha'ban." Said Yahya, a sub-narrator, "She used to be busy serving the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)."


Hadith Number 172.

Narrated by Abu Said (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Isn't it true that a woman does not pray and does not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her religion."


Hadith Number 173.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Whoever died and he ought to have fasted (the missed days of Ramadan) then his guardians must fast on his behalf."


Hadith Number 174.

Narrated by Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): A man came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and said, "O Allah's Messenger! My mother died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied in the affirmative and said, "Allah's debts have more right to be paid." In another narration a woman is reported to have said, "My sister died..."

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): A woman said to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) "My mother died and she had vowed to fast but she didn't fast." In another narration Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) is reported to have said, "A woman said to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), "My mother died while she ought to have fasted for fifteen days."

Hadith Number 175.

Narrated by Umar bin Al-Khattab (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "When night falls from this side and the day vanishes from this side and the sun sets, then the fasting person should break his fast."


Hadith Number 176.

Narrated by Abdullah bin Abi Aufa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We were in the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on a journey and he was fasting, and when the sun set, he addressed somebody, "O so-and-so, get up and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Messenger! (Will you wait) till it is evening?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Messenger! (If you wait) till it is evening." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "It is still daytime." (*) The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He got down and mixed Sawiq for them. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) drank it and then said, "When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast."


* Perhaps the companion of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) thought that the sun had not set but was still hidden behind a hill or the like, or it was cloudy and thus was not sure of the setting of the sun. (Fath-al-Bari Vol 5 page 100)


Hadith Number 177.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin Abi Aufa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): We were travelling with Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he was fasting, and when the sun set, he said to (someone), "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Messenger! (Will you wait) till it is evening?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) again said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Messenger! It is still daytime." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." So, he got down and carried out that order. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) then said, "When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast," and he beckoned with his finger towards the east.


Hadith Number 178.

Narrated by Sahl bin Sad (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast."


Hadith Number 179.

Narrated by Ibn Abi Aufa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I was with the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on a journey, and he observed the fast till evening. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to a man, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me." He replied, "Will you wait till it is evening?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me; when you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast."


Hadith Number 180.

Narrated by Abu Usama from Hisham bin 'Ursa from Fatima: Asma bint Abi Bakr (Radhi Allahu Anha) said, "We broke our fast during the lifetime of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) on a cloudy day and then the sun appeared." Hisham was asked, "Were they ordered to fast in lieu of that day?" He replied, "It had to be made up for." Ma'mar said, "I heard Hisham saying, "I don't know whether they fasted in lieu of that day or not."


Hadith Number 181.

Narrated by Ar-Rubi' bint Mu'awadh (Radhi Allahu Anha): "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) sent a messenger to the village of the Ansar in the morning of the day of 'Ashura (10th of Muharram) to announce: 'Whoever has eaten something should not eat but complete the fast, and whoever is observing the fast should complete it.' "She further said, "Since then we used to fast on that day regularly and also make our boys fast. We used to make toys of wool for the boys and if anyone of them cried for, he was given those toys till it was the time of the breaking of the fast."


Hadith Number 182.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Do not practice Al-Wisal (fasting continuously without breaking one's fast in the evening or eating before the following dawn)." The people said to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), "But you practice Al-Wisal?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "I am not like any of you, for I am given food and drink (by Allah) during the night."

Hadith Number 183.

Narrated by Abdullah bin Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbade Al-Wisal. The people said (to him), "But you practice it?" He said, "I am not like you, for I am given food and drink by Allah."


Hadith Number 184.

Narrated by Abu Sa'id (Radhi Allahu Anhu): That he had heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, "Do not fast continuously (practise Al-Wisal), and if you intend to lengthen your fast, then carry it on only till the Suhur (before the following dawn)." The people said to him, "But you practice (Al-Wisal), O Allah's Messenger!" He replied, "I am not similar to you, for during my sleep I have One Who makes me eat and drink."


Hadith Number 185.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbade Al-Wisal out of mercy to them. They said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal?" He said, "I am not similar to you, for my Lord gives me food and drink."


Hadith Number 186.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbade Al-Wisal in fasting. So, one of the Muslims said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal. O Allah's Messenger!" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "Who amongst you is similar to me? I am given food and drink during my sleep by my Lord." So, when the people refused to stop Al-Wisal (fasting continuously), the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) fasted day and night continuously along with them for a day and then another day and then they saw the crescent moon (of the month of Shawwal). The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to them (angrily), "If it (the crescent) had not appeared, I would have made you fast for a longer period." That was as a punishment for them when they refused to stop (practising Al-Wisal).


Hadith Number 187.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said twice, "(O you people) Be cautious! Do not practice Al-Wisal." The people said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal?" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "My Lord gives me food and drink during my sleep. Do that much of deeds which is within your ability."


Hadith Number 188.

Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Do not fast continuously day and night (practise Al-Wisal) and if anyone of you intends to fast continuously day and night, he should continue till the Suhur time." They said, "But you practise Al-Wisal, O Allah's Messenger!" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "I am not similar to you; during my sleep I have One Who makes me eat and drink."


Hadith Number 189.

Narrated by Abu Juhaifa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) made a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abu Ad-Darda (Radhi Allahu Anhu) Salman paid a visit to Abu Ad-Darda' and found Um Ad-Darda' dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied, "Your brother Abu Ad-Darda' is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world." In the meantime Abu Ad-Darda' came and prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested Abu Ad-Darda' to eat (with him), but Abu Ad-Darda' said, "I am fasting." Salman said, "I am not going to eat unless you eat." So, Abu Ad-Darda' ate (with Salman). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abu Ad-Darda' got up (to offer the night prayer), but Salman told him to sleep and Abu Ad-Darda' slept. After sometime Abu Ad-Darda' again got up but Salman told him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman told him to get up then, and both of them offered the prayer. Salman told Abu Ad-Darda', "Your Lord has a right on you, your soul has a right on you, and your family has a right on you; so you should give the rights of all those who has a right on you." Abu Ad-Darda' came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and narrated the whole story. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Salman has spoken the truth."


Hadith Number 190.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to fast till one would say that he would never stop fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say that he would never fast. I never saw Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of Sha'ban.

Hadith Number 191.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never fasted in any month more than in the month of Sha'ban. He used to say, "Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds)." The most beloved prayer to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was the one that was done regularly (throughout the life) even if it were little. And whenever the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) offered a prayer he used to offer it regularly.


Hadith Number 192.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) never fasted a full month except the month of Ramadan, and he used to fast till one could say, "By Allah, he will never stop fasting," and he would abandon fasting till one would say, "By Allah, he will never fast."


Hadith Number 193.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to leave fasting in a certain month till we thought that he would not fast in that month, and he used to fast in another month till we thought he would not stop fasting at all in that month. And if one wanted to see him praying at night, one could see him (in that condition), and if one wanted to see him sleeping at night, one could see him (in that condition) too.


Hadith Number 194.

Narrated by Humaid : I asked Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu) about the fasting of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). He said "Whenever I liked to see the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) fasting in any month, I could see that, and whenever I liked to see him not fasting, I could see that too, and if I liked to see him praying in any night, I could see that, and if I liked to see him sleeping, I could see that, too." Anas further said, "I never touched silk or velvet softer than the hand of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and never smelled musk or perfumed smoke more pleasant than the smell of Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)."


Hadith Number 195.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (Radhi Allahu Anhu): "Once Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) came to me," and then he narrated the whole narration, i.e. your guest has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you. I then asked about the fasting of Dawud. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) replied, "Half of the year," (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day).


Hadith Number 196.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to me, "O 'Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast during the day and offer prayers all the night." 'Abdullah replied, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger!" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Don't do that; fast for few days and then give it up for few days, offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you, and your guest has a right on you. And it is sufficient for you to fast three days in a month, as the reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times, so it will be like fasting throughout the year." I insisted (on fasting) and so I was given a hard instruction. I said, "O Allah's Messenger! I have power." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Fast like the fasting of the Prophet Dawud (Alayhi Salam) and do not fast more than that." I said, "How was the fasting of the Prophet of Allah, Dawud (Alayhi Salam)?" He said, "Half of the year," (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day).

Afterwards when 'Abdullah became old, he used to say, "It would have been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month)."


Hadith Number 197.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was informed that I had taken an oath to fast daily and to pray (every night) all the night throughout my life (so Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) came to me and asked whether it was correct): I replied, "Let my parents be sacrificed for you! I said so." The Prophet said, "You can not do that. So, fast for few days and give it up for few days, pray and sleep. Fast three days a month as the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times and that will be equal to one year of fasting." I replied, "I can do better than that." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to me, "Fast one day and give up fasting for a day and that is the fasting of Prophet Dawud and that is the best fasting." I said, "I have the power to fast better (more) than that." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "There is no better fasting than that."

Hadith Number 198.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The news of my daily fasting and praying every night throughout the night reached the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). So he sent for me or I met him, and he said, "I have been informed that you fast everyday and pray every night (all the night). Fast (for some days) and give up fasting (for some days); pray and sleep, for your eyes have a right on you, and your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you." I replied, "I have more power than that (fasting)." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Then fast like the fasts of (the Prophet) Dawud". I said, "How?" He replied, "He used to fast on alternate days, and he used not to flee on meeting the enemy." I said, "From where can I get that chance?" ('Ata' said, "I do not know how the expression of fasting daily throughout the life occurred.") So, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, twice, "Whoever fasts daily throughout his life is just as the one who does not fast at all."


Hadith Number 199.

Narrated by Mujahid from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said (to 'Abdullah), "Fast three days a month." 'Abdullah said, (to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) "I am able to fast more than that." They kept on arguing on this matter till the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Fast on alternate days, and recite the whole Qur'an once a month." 'Abdullah said, "I can recite more (in a month)," and the argument went on till the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Recite the Qur'an once each three days." (i.e. you must not recite the whole Qur'an in less than three days).


Hadith Number 200.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to me, "You fast daily all the year and pray every night all the night?" I replied in the affirmative. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "If you keep on doing this, your eyes will become weak and your body will get tired. He who fasts all the year is as he who did not fast at all. The fasting of three days (a month) will be equal to the fasting of the whole year." I replied, "I have the power for more than this." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Then fast like the fasting of Dawud who used to fast on alternate days and would never flee from the battle field, on meeting the enemy.


Hadith Number 201.

Narrated by 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was informed about my fasts, and he came to me and I spread for him a leather cushion stuffed with palm fires, but he sat on the ground and the cushion remained between me and him, and then he said, "Isn't it sufficient for you to fast three days a month?" I replied, "O Allah's Messenger! (I can fast more)." He said, "Five?" I replied, "O Allah's Messenger! (I can fast more)." He said, "Seven?" I replied, "O Allah's Messenger! (I can fast more)." He said, "Nine (days per month)?" I replied, "O Allah's Messenger! (I can fast more)" He said, "Eleven (days per month)?" And then the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "There is no fast superior to that of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Dawud it was for half of the year. So, fast on alternate days."


Hadith Number 202.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): My friend (the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)) advised me to observe three things:

1. To fast three days a month.
2. To pray two Rakat of Duha prayer. (fore-noon prayer)
3. To pray Witr before sleeping.


Hadith Number 203.

Narrated by Anas (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) paid a visit to Um-Sulaim and she placed before him dates and ghee. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Replace the ghee and dates in their respective containers for I am fasting." Then he stood somewhere in her house and offered an optional prayer and then he invoked good on Um-Sulaim and her family. Then Um-Sulaim said, "O Allah's Messenger! I have a special request (today)." He said, "What is it?" She replied, "(Please invoke for) your servant Anas." So Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) did not leave anything good in the world or the Hereafter which he did not invoke (Allah to bestow) on me and said, "O Allah! Give him (i.e. Anas) property and children and bless him." Thus I am one of the richest among the Ansar and my daughter Umaina told me that when Al-Hajjaj came to Basra, more than 120 of my offspring had been buried.



Hadith Number 204.

Narrated by Mutarrif from 'Imran Ibn Husain (Radhi Allahu Anhu): That the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked him (Imran) or asked a man and Imran was listening, "O Abu so-and-so! Have you fasted the last days of this month?" (The narrator thought that he said, "the month of Ramadan"). The man replied, "No, O Allah's Messenger!" The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said to him, "When you finish your fasting (of Ramadan) fast two days (in Shawwal)." Through another series of narrators 'Imran said, "The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, '(Have you fasted) the last days of Sha'ban?" (*)


* The man whom the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) asked seemed to have had the habit of fasting the last days of every month, but did not carry on this habit in the month of Sha’ban, for Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) had forbidden the fasting of the day preceding Ramadan immediately. In this narration the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) orders the man to make up for the days of Sha’ban which he missed by fasting some days in Shawwal, and that indicates that one should keep his habits of worship, and there is no harm if one fasts the last days of Sha’ban if it is his habit to fast the last days of every month. (Fath-al-Bari Vol 5 page 134-135)

Hadith Number 205.

Narrated by Muhammad bin 'Abbas: I asked Jabir "Did the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbid fasting on Fridays?" He replied, "Yes." (Other narrators added, "If he intends to fast only that day.")


Hadith Number 206.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, "None of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts a day before or after it."


Hadith Number 207.

Narrated by Abu Aiyub from Juwairiya bint Al-Harith : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) visited her (Juwairiya) on a Friday and she was fasting. He asked her, "Did you fast yesterday?" She said, "No." He said, "Do you intend to fast tomorrow?" She said, "No." He said, "Then break your fast." Through another series of narrators, Abu Aiyub is reported to have said, "He ordered her and she broke her fast."


Hadith Number 208.

Narrated by Alqama: I asked ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) "Did Allah s Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam), use to choose some special days (for fasting)?" She replied, "No, but he used to be regular (constant) (in his service of worshipping). Who amongst you can endure what Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) used to endure?"


Hadith Number 209.

Narrated by Um Al-Fadl bint Al-Harith (Radhi Allahu Anha): "While the people were with me on the day of 'Arafat they differed as to whether the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was fasting or not; some said that he was fasting while others said that he was not fasting. So, I sent to him a bowl full of milk while he was riding over his camel and he drank it."


Hadith Number 210.

Narrated by Maimuna (Radhi Allahu Anha): The people doubted whether the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was fasting on the day of 'Arafat or not, so I sent milk while he was standing at 'Arafat, he drank it and the people were looking at him.


Hadith Number 211.

Narrated by Abu 'Ubaid: (The slave of Ibn Azhar) I witnessed the 'Id with 'Umar bin Al-Kattab (Radhi Allahu Anhu) who said, Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) has forbidden people to fast on the day on which you break fasting (the fasts of Ramadan) and the day on which you eat the meat of your sacrifices (the first day of 'Id ul Fitr and 'Id ul-Adha).


Hadith Number 212.

Narrated by Abu Sa'id (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) 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.


Hadith Number 213.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): Two fasts and two kinds of sale are forbidden: fasting on the day of 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha and the kinds of sale called Mulamasa and Munabadha. (These two kinds of sale used to be practiced in the days of Pre-Islamic period of ignorance; Mulamasa means when you touch something displayed for sale you have to buy it; Munabadha means when the seller throws something to you, you have to buy it.)



Hadith Number 214.

Narrated by Ziyad bin Jubair : A man went to Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) and said, "A man vowed to fast one day (the sub-narrator thinks that he said that the day was Monday), and that day happened to be 'Id day." Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) said, "Allah orders vows to be fulfilled and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) forbade the fasting on this day (i.e. Id)."


Hadith Number 215.

Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri (Radhi Allahu Anhu): (Who fought in twelve Ghazawat in the company of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam)). I heard four things from the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and they won my admiration. He said:

1. "No lady should travel on a journey of two days except with her husband or a Dhi-Mahram.
2. "No fasting is permissible on the two days of Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha.
3. "No prayer (may be offered) after the morning compulsory prayer until the sun rises; and no prayer after the 'Asr prayer till the sun sets.
4. "One should travel only for visiting three Masajid: Masjid-ul-Haram (Makkah), Masjid-ul-Aqsa (Jerusalem), and this (my) Mosque (at Al-Madinah)."


Hadith Number 216.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha) and Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) : Nobody was allowed to fast on the days of Tashriq except those who could not afford the Hadi (Sacrifice).

Hadith Number 217.

Narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): Fasting for those who perform, Hajj-at-Tamattu' (in lieu of the Hadi which they cannot afford) may be performed up to the day of 'Arafat. And if one does not get a Hadi and has not fasted (before the 'Id) then one should fast of the days of Mina. (11, 12 and 13th of Dhul Hajjah).


Hadith Number 218.

Narrated by Salim's father : The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "Whoever wishes may fast on the day of 'Ashura'."


Hadith Number 219.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered (the Muslims) to fast on the day of 'Ashura', and when fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed, it became optional for one to fast on that day ('Ashura') or not.


Hadith Number 220.

Narrated by ‘Aishah (Radhi Allahu Anha): Quraish used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' in the Pre-Islamic period, and Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) too, used to fast on that day. When he came to Al-Madinah, he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast, too. Later when the fasting of the month of Ramadan was prescribed, he gave up fasting on the day of 'Ashura' and it became optional for one to fast on it or not.


Hadith Number 221.

Narrated by Humaid bin 'Abdur Rahman: That he heard Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan (Radhi Allahu Anhu) on the day of 'Ashura' during the year he performed the Hajj, saying on the pulpit, "O the people of Al-Madinah! Where are your Religious Scholars? I heard Allah's Messenger (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) saying, 'This is the day of 'Ashura'. Allah has not enjoined its fasting on you but I am fasting it. You have the choice either to fast or not to fast (on this day).'"


Hadith Number 222.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) came to Al-Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, "This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Musa fasted this day." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, "We have more claim over Musa than you." So, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day).


Hadith Number 223.

Narrated by Abu Musa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The day of 'Ashura' was considered as 'Id day by the Jews. So the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered, "I recommend you (Muslims) to fast on this day."


Hadith Number 224.

Narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma): I never saw the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) seeking to fast on a day more (preferable to him) than this day, the day of 'Ashura', or this month, i.e. the month of Ramadan. (*)


* This is only the opinion of Ibn Abbas (Radhi Allahu Anhuma) which might differ from what other people think, for in a narration reported by Qatada (Radhi Allahu Anhu) from the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) it is mentioned that fasting on the day of Arafat expiates the sin of two years, while fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of only one year. This indicates that fasting on the day of Arafat is superior to that of Ashura.


Hadith Number 225.

Narrated by Salama bin Al-Akwa (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered a man from the tribe of Bani Aslam to announce amongst the people that whoever had eaten should fast the rest of the day, and whoever had not eaten should continue his fast, as that day was the day of 'Ashura'.