Fasting all days except Friday

  • Author: Fatwa No. 89715
  • Publish date:26/07/2009
  • Section:FATWA FOR ALL
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Question:

I am interested in know if it is proper for me to fast all days except Fridays in order to be nearer to Allah. 
 
Fatwa:
 
All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.  
 
The scholars  differed in opinion regarding fasting consecutively apart from 'Eed days and the three days following 'Eed Al-Adh-Haa. The majority of scholars  are of the view that this is desirable if this does not lead to being weakened to an extent that one is unable to perform an obligation, or fulfil a right. However, other scholars disliked it as the Prophet forbade us to fast the whole year.
 
We advise the dear questioner that if he is able to fast, then he can fast every other day, as the Prophet advised 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr Ibn Al-'Aas , may Allah be pleased with him,saying: "Fast one day and break fast the other day, this is the fasting of the Prophet Daawood (David) , may Allah exalt his mention,and it is the best fasting." [Al-Bukhari] So this is our advice for the questioner, as fasting every day usually weakens the person from performing an obligation, or not fulfilling his rights or his wife's (or family's) rights or his guest and neighbours rights. The best in religion is to be moderate.
 
Lastly, it should be noted that it is forbidden to fast on 'Eed days and the three days following 'Eed Al-Adh-Haa, except for a pilgrim who is performing Hajj At-Tamattu' and was financially unable to sacrifice. It is confirmed that the Prophet forbade us from fasting these days.
 
Allah Knows best.
Fatwa answered by:The Fatwa Center at Islamweb

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