Days Forbidden to Fast: Rules and Exceptions in Islam

While fasting is a pillar of faith, Islamic law specifies certain days when fasting is either strictly prohibited (Haram) or disliked (Makruh). Below is a detailed guide based on authentic Hadith and scholarly consensus.

1. The Days of `Eid

Ruling: Prohibited

All scholars agree that fasting on the two days of `Eid is prohibited. This applies regardless of whether the fast is obligatory (such as making up missed days) or voluntary.

Evidence: Umar testifies: “The Messenger of Allah has forbidden fasting on these two days. Concerning the Eid of breaking the fast, it is for you to break your fast [of Ramadan]. On the `Eid of sacrifice, you should eat from what you sacrifice.” (Related by Ahmad, An-Nasa’i, At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and Ibn Majah.)

2. The Days of Tashreeq

Ruling: Prohibited (The Three Days Following `Eidul-Adha)

It is not permissible to fast during the three days following `Eidul-Adha.

• Prophetic Announcement:Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) sent `Abdullah ibn Hudhafah to announce at Mina: “You are not to fast these days. They are days of eating and drinking and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).” (Related by Ahmad.)
• Purpose of the Days:Ibn `Abbas reported a similar announcement: “Do not fast on these days, as they are days of eating, drinking and rejoicing with one’s family.” (Recorded by At-Tabarani in Al-Awsat.)
• Scholarly Nuance: The Shaf`iyyah allow fasting on the days of Tashreeq only if there is a specific reason—such as an oath, expiation, or making up a missed day of Ramadan. Fasts with no special reason are universally disallowed.

3. Singling Out Friday as a Day of Fasting

Ruling: Disliked

Friday is a weekly feast for Muslims; therefore, it is prohibited to isolate it for fasting. Most scholars classify this prohibition as “disliked” rather than completely forbidden.

When it is Permissible: It is not disliked to fast on a Friday if:

• One fasts the day before or after it.

• It is a day one customarily fasts (e.g., the 13th, 14th, or 15th).

• It coincides with the day of Arafah or Ashurah

Evidence: The Messenger of Allah once told Juwairiyah bintul-Harith to break her Friday fast because she had not fasted the day before and did not plan to fast the next day. (Related by Ahmad and an-Nasa’i.)

Wisdom: `Ali counseled: “He who wants to [fast] voluntarily should fast on Thursday instead of Friday, for Friday is a day of eating, drinking, and remembrance.” (Related by Ibn Abu Shaibah.)

4. Singling Out Saturday as a Day of Fasting

Ruling: Disliked

There is specific evidence regarding Saturday, as it is the day honored by the Jews.

• General Prohibition:“Do not fast on Saturdays unless it is an obligatory fast. [You should not fast] even if you do not find anything [to eat] save some grape peelings or a branch of a tree to chew on.” (Related by Ahmad, An-Nasa’i, and others.)
• The Counter-Evidence: Umm Salamah reported: “The Prophet used to fast more often on Saturdays and Sundays than on the other days. He would say: ‘They are the feasts of the polytheists, and I love to differ from them.’ “ (Related by Ahmad, Al-Baihaqi, and others.)
• Scholarly Consensus: The Hanafiyyah, Shaf`iyyah, and Hanbaliyyah consider it disliked to exclusively choose Saturday for fasting.

5. Fasting on The “Day of Doubt”

Ruling: Prohibited

The “Day of Doubt” is the day before Ramadan when the moon sighting is uncertain.

• Ruling: `Ammar ibn Yasir said: “Whoever fasts the ‘day of doubt’ has disobeyed Abul-Qasim (the Prophet).” * Scholarly Opinion: Scholars like Malik, Ash-Shafi’i, and Ahmad dislike fasting on this day. If a person usually fasts on that day (e.g., a Monday) and the Day of Doubt falls on it, there is no problem with their fasting.
• Preceding Ramadan: Abu Hurairah reported: “Do not precede Ramadan by fasting the day or two before it unless it is a day on which the person usually fasts.”

6. Perpetual Fasting

Ruling: Forbidden

Fasting every day of the year is forbidden because it includes prohibited days.

• Evidence: The Messenger of Allah said: “There is no [reward for] fasting for the one who perpetually fasts.” (Related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, and Muslim.)
• The Exception: If one breaks their fast during the `Eids and the days of Tashreeq, it is no longer considered disliked, as they are no longer fasting the entire year.

7. Voluntary Fasting for Married Women

Ruling: Forbidden Without Permission

A woman cannot offer voluntary fasts if her husband is present unless she has his permission.

• Evidence: Abu Hurairah reported: “A woman is not to fast [even] for one day while her husband is present except with his permission, unless it is during Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)
• Exceptions: This does not apply to the obligatory month of Ramadan. Furthermore, if the husband is away, ill, or incapable of intercourse, she may fast without his permission.

8. Consecutive Fasting Without Eating (Al-Wisal)

Ruling: Disliked

Al-Wisal is the practice of fasting for consecutive days without breaking the fast at night.

• The Prophetic Guidance: When people noted that the Prophet performed Al-Wisal, he replied: “You are not like me in that matter. I spend the night in such a state that Allah feeds me and gives me to drink. Devote yourselves to the deeds which you can perform.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim.)
• The Limit: Scholars state that if one insists on Al-Wisal, they may continue their fast only until the time of the pre-dawn meal (Suhoor), provided it is not a hardship.

Quick Guide: Days When Fasting is Prohibited or Disliked