Types of fasting in Islam apart from the usual Ramadhan Fasting

The month of Ramadan is a month devoted to fasting. It is a month circulating around obligatory fasting, as it is a pillar of Islam. Do you ever wonder why Ramadan is considered such a holy month? It is because fasting is an incredible act of worship that is very much loved by Allah (s.w.t).

It is said that Allah (s.w.t) considers fasting as a deed dedicated to Him as opposed to the individual. Therefore, it is no surprise that fasting is a beloved action of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). So much so, that there were days that he would fast outside of the month of Ramadan:

Sunnah fasting (voluntary fasting). Because as it was such a strong act of worship that was greatly loved by the Creator (Allah (s.w.t)), then it made sense that this act be voluntarily practiced throughout the rest of the year. And on these occasions, they carry more reward and more blessings from Allah (s.w.t).

1. 6 Days in the month of Shawal

Ramadan is the month immediately preceding Shawal. The first few days of Shawal are Eid ul-Fitri, which marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. But during the month of Shawal, it was by Abu Ayoob that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said : “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime” [Muslim]. How merciful and generous of Allah (s.w.t) to grant us such a blessing. To fast for 6 short days and receive the rewards of a year, or even more. Allah (s.w.t) knows best. It isn’t hard. And it definitely is not too much work, in comparison to the fruits of the labor.

2. Mondays and Thursdays

It was reported that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) used to try to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. For on these days, you gain more rewards for the good deeds that you have accomplished. As we know, Allah (s.w.t) loves consistent deeds. He loves deeds that are done regularly and not intermittently. Therefore by fasting on Mondays and Thursday, there you are regularly showing your love and worship to Allah (s.w.t). You are consistently appreciating Him and doing deeds to please Him, which is the purpose of all of this.

3. 10th Day of Muharram : Day of Ashura

Muharram is the marking month of a new Islamic Year, which coincides with the Prophet’s (pbuh) migration to Mecca. But also on this month, on the 10th day : is the day that commemorates the day Allah (s.w.t) saved Prophet Must and the Children of Bani Israel from Firaun and their adversaries. Also known as the Day of Ashura. Not only is this a historical and beautiful day to show our appreciation and submission to Allah (s.w.t), but Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) also stated that this day, by Allah (s.w.t)’s permission, would abolish a believer’s sin of the past year.

4. 9th Day of Dhul-Hijjah : Arafah

The month of Dhul-Hijjah is known as the month of the pilgrimage. It is the month of performing Hajj. And although some of us are not that fortunate to go to Hajj every year, or have not been blessed yet, then there is a way that we can devote ourselves the same way.

It is recommended to fast the first 9 days of the month specifically, on the 9th day : the day of Arafah, it is more emphasised to fast on this day. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) says that fasting on this day can expiates your sins from the preceding year and the current year according to the Muslim hadith.

      5. Fasting Daud

Daud fasting is fasting that is most liked by Allah. Rasulullah SAW said:

“At best pray according to God is the prayer of the Prophet Daud AS — And fasting the most favored of God is the fasting of David. Prophet Daud used to sleep at night and wake up in the middle-third and one-sixth of sleep laig on. Daud was a day of fasting and not fasting the next day. “(Reported by Bukhari)

     6. Fasting During the Month of Sha'ban

It is advisable to multiply fast in this month, its virtues are all good deeds and bad appointed to testified later in the afterlife.

7. Mid Fasting Month

13^th, 14^th and 15^th of every Muslim Month. One who never misses fasting of the Prophet Muhammad is a day of fasting mid or Ayyamul Bidh. In the middle of the month will take place every full moon, the full moon is a moment of the most unstable for every human being. By fasting, the appetite will be unbearable.

Narrated: Abu Dhar
"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
'Whoever fasts three days in every month, then that is (similar to) fasting every day (life time).' Then Allah Mighty and Sublime is He, attested to that in His Book, by revealing: (Quran 6:160) Whoever brings a good deed, shall have ten times the like thereof. So a day is like ten."