Voluntary fasting in Islam is a great act of worship that strengthens the bond between a Muslim and their Lord, and increases piety and faith in the heart. Fasting is not limited to the obligatory fasts; it extends to voluntary fasting, which serves as a means to draw closer to Allah and earn greater rewards. In our article today, we will explain what voluntary fasting is, its importance, its rulings, and its types.
Voluntary fasting
Voluntary fasting refers to any fast other than the obligatory ones. It is when a Muslim chooses to fast without it being a requirement, intending to seek closeness to Allah and increase in rewards. It also serves as an opportunity to make up for any shortcomings in the obligatory fasting, like Ramadan.
Its Importance
Voluntary fasting has a great virtue in Islam. It expiates sins and brings a servant closer to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and the great reward of multiplied blessings. It trains the soul to resist desires and overcome temptations.
A Muslim who strives to fast sincerely for the sake of Allah earns great and multiplied rewards, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from Hellfire for seventy autumns.”
Fasting purifies the soul and refines it, helping us to train it in patience and piety. It is an opportunity to reflect on the great blessings of Allah and draw closer to Him through acts of obedience and voluntary deeds.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: “Whoever spends two things in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Paradise: ‘O servant of Allah, this is good.’ Whoever is of the people of prayer will be called from the gate of prayer, whoever is of the people of jihad will be called from the gate of jihad, and whoever is of the people of fasting will be called from the gate of al-Rayyan.”
There is a gate in Paradise called al-Rayyan through which those who fast will enter. Thus, it paves the way for us to enter through the gate of those who fast, the gate of al-Rayyan.
We also fast following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who was keen on fasting voluntary days such as Mondays, Thursdays, and three days of each lunar month.
Additionally, fasting has health and psychological benefits, such as improving digestive health, restoring body balance, detoxifying the body, and enhancing mental well-being.
The Rulings of voluntary fasting
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) entered upon me one day and asked, ‘Do you have anything (to eat)?’ We said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘Then I am fasting.'”
It is not required to have the intention for voluntary fasting from the night before. Voluntary fasting is valid even if the intention is made during the day, provided the person has not violated any conditions that would break the fast, such as eating or drinking before making the intention during the day.
However, if one wishes to break their fast, there is no harm in doing so, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The fasting person who fasts voluntarily is in control of himself; if he wishes, he may fast, and if he wishes, he may break his fast.”
Types of voluntary fasting
Voluntary fasting in Islam is varied, and some of the most well-known types include:
1- Voluntary fasting | Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.”
Thus, it is recommended to fast six days in Shawwal, which follow the fasting of Ramadan.
2- Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to be keen on fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged fasting on these two days as deeds are presented before Allah on them.
3- Voluntary fasting | Fasting on the Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the greatest pillar of Hajj. It is one of the best days to fast for non-pilgrims, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.”
4- Fasting on the Day of Ashura
The fast of Ashura is observed on the tenth day of Muharram. The Quraysh used to fast on Ashura in pre-Islamic times, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) continued this practice until Ramadan was made obligatory. Therefore, fasting on Ashura is recommended, and it is advised to fast either a day before or a day after.
5- Voluntary fasting | Fasting the Three White Days of each month
These are the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth days of the lunar month. Fasting on these days is a recommended voluntary act, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting three days of each month is like fasting the whole year.”
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “My close friend (the Prophet, peace be upon him) advised me to fast three days of each month, to pray two rak’ahs of Duha, and to pray Witr before sleeping.”
Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordered us to fast three days of each month: the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth.”
6- Fasting one day and breaking the fast the next
The Prophet advised Abdullah ibn Amr to fast one day and break the fast the next, saying: “It is the fasting of Dawud, and it is the best form of fasting, fasting half of the time.”
It is recommended to increase fasting as the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged. The best form of fasting is to fast one day and break the fast the next, which is the most virtuous.
In conclusion, a Muslim should strive to maintain voluntary fasting as part of their worship. It is an invaluable opportunity to increase rewards, draw closer to Allah, achieve piety, and purify the soul from sins.
Written by: Esraa Shehta