Fasting is a basic pillar of Islam, as fasting the month of Ramadan is an obligatory act for every sane, adult, and capable Muslim. Through fasting, many acts of worship are fulfilled, strengthening your relationship with Allah. This is because fasting gives you a strong will. If you fast from food and drink, you can abstain from everything that Allah has forbidden, giving you a chance to purify your heart and soul. Also, you will feel Allah’s blessings and thank Him. We will explain in this article Which 5 days are forbidden for fasting in islam, which are not permissible to fast, and mention any expiation (Kaffarah) for fasting on these days.
BOOK FREE SESSION
Which 5 days are forbidden for fasting in islam?
There are some days when a Muslim is not allowed to fast under any conditions, because Allah SWT does not reward fasting on these days, and whoever fasts on them is sinning. There are other days when fasting is disliked (Makrooh), but it is not a sin to fast on them due to Allah’s wisdom. Every Muslim must worship Allah well and get closer to Him as He wants. This will be explained in detail below:
Eid Days
Eid days are considered the greatest days for Muslims, because they celebrate after a great achievement, such as Eid al-Fitr after fasting the month of Ramadan, or Eid al-Adha, which reminds us of the sacrifice of Prophet Ismail peace be upon him. Since the virtue of these days is great, fasting on them is forbidden (Haraam) as Muslim scholars have agreed on this.
It was narrated that Umar ibn al-Khattab heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) forbidding fasting on these two days. He said:
أما عيد الفطر فلكم أن تفطروا، وأما عيد الأضحى فكلوا مما ذبحتم
“As for Eid al-Fitr, it is a day for you to break your fast, and as for Eid al-Adha, eat from what you have sacrificed.”
BOOK FREE SESSION
Specifying Friday for Fasting
Fasting on Friday is not forbidden in itself, but it is disliked (Makrooh) to single it out for fasting, according to most scholars. Therefore, it is preferable for a Muslim to fast a day before or a day after it. It was narrated that Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with them) said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) entered upon Juwairiyah bint al-Harith (may Allah be pleased with her) while she was fasting on Friday, and he said to her:
أصمت أمس؟ قالت: لا قال: أتصومين غداً؟ قالت لا قال: فأفطري
“Did you fast yesterday?” She said: “No.” He said: “Will you fast tomorrow?” She said: “No.” He said: “Then break your fast.”
This is because Friday is one of the days that Muslims honor. However, if Friday coincides with a great occasion on which Muslims fast, such as the day of Ashura, the day of Arafah, or the White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th) of the Hijri month, then fasting on it is recommended and not disliked. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
«لا تخصوا ليلة الجمعة بقيام الليل، ولا تخصوا يوم الجمعة بصيام إلا أن يكون في يوم تصومونه عادة».
“Do not single out the night of Friday for prayer, nor single out the day of Friday for fasting, unless it is a day that you usually fast.”
A matter worth exploring for you: are sins multiplied in ramadan
BOOK FREE SESSION
Days of Tashreeq (The Three Days After Eid al-Adha)
Scholars have differed about the ruling on fasting on these days. The Shafi’is have permitted fasting on them, provided that it is to make up (Qada) for a day of Ramadan or as expiation (Kaffarah). However, if there is no clear reason, it is not valid to fast on them.
It was narrated that Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sent a man who announced:
«ألا تصوموا هذه الأيام فإنها أيام أكل وشرب وابتهاج مع الأهل»
“Do not fast on these days, for they are days of eating, drinking, and enjoying time with family.”
Specifying Saturday for Fasting
Scholars have differed regarding singling out Saturday for fasting. The Hanbalis, Shafi’is, and Hanafis consider it disliked (Makrooh) to fast on it, because the Jews honor it. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
«لا تصوموا يوم السبت إلا أن يكون فريضة، وإن لم تجدوا إلا قشور عنب أو جذع شجرة تمضغه»
“Do not fast on Saturday unless it is an obligation (Fardh). If you find nothing but grape skins or a tree branch, chew on it.”
Imam Malik differed with them on this matter.
BOOK FREE SESSION
The Day of Doubt (Youm Al-Shak)
It is the day that directly precedes Ramadan and it is disliked (Makrooh) for a Muslim to fast on it. It was narrated that Ammar ibn Yasir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the prophet PBUH said:
من صام يوم الشك فقد عصى أبا القاسم
“Whoever fasts on the Day of Doubt has disobeyed Abu al-Qasim (the Prophet Muhammad).”
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
«لا تقدموا رمضان بصوم يوم أو يومين إلا أن يكون يومًا يصومه الإنسان»
“Do not precede Ramadan by fasting a day or two, unless it is a day that a person usually fasts.”
An area that could draw your interest: are good deeds multiplied in ramadan
BOOK FREE SESSION
Is There an Expiation (Kaffarah) for Fasting on the Forbidden Days?
After clarifying what the five forbidden days in Islam are, some people ask about the expiation (Kaffarah) for fasting on these days. Since the person did not do this intentionally, all they have to do is repent, ask for forgiveness, and not repeat this again. There is no specific expiation (Kaffarah) related to this matter.
A subject that may captivate your attention: what is fasting in islamic religion
Woman Fasting on the Forbidden Days if Her Husband is Traveling
After learning what the five forbidden days in Islam are, the ruling does not differ whether the person is a man or a woman. Therefore, it is not permissible for a woman to fast on these days, especially the days on which scholars have agreed that fasting is forbidden, such as Eid day.
BOOK FREE SESSION
An issue that could fascinate you: can you brush your teeth while fasting in islam
How Should a Muslim Deal with the Forbidden Days if They Coincide with a Sunnah Fast?
It depends on the day. If the Sunnah fast coincides with Friday, he can fast it by combining it with a day before or after it. However, if the Sunnah day coincides with Eid day, it is not permissible to fast it at all.
There are two main types of fasting: obligatory fasting, such as fasting the month of Ramadan, and Sunnah fasting. Whoever fasts voluntary fasts in addition to the obligatory ones will have the gate of Al-Rayyan opened for them, which is one of the gates of Paradise. Despite the great benefits of fasting, there are days on which fasting is forbidden, such as Eid days, and other days on which scholars have differed regarding the ruling on fasting. It is preferable to avoid fasting on these days. Thus, we have clearly understood Which 5 days are forbidden for fasting in islam?
BOOK FREE SESSION
A topic you might find engaging: can i break my fast after 12 pm in islam
