Best Days to Fast in Islam and Days Fasting Is Forbidden

At Quran Bliss Academy, we emphasize the importance of fasting in Islam, helping Muslims achieve spiritual growth, self-discipline, and closeness to Allah. While many seek to know the best days to fast in Islam and explore voluntary fasting days in Islam.

It is equally important to understand that some days are explicitly forbidden for fasting. Knowing these days ensures that Muslims follow the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ and balance devotion with celebration and gratitude.

Best Days to Fast in Islam and the Virtue of Sunnah Fasting

Fasting is one of the most rewarding acts of worship in Islam, and it is not limited to Ramadan. In addition to the obligatory fast, Islam encourages voluntary fasting days in Islam, which are known as Sunnah fasts and were regularly practiced by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

These fasts are among recommended fasting days in Islam because they bring great spiritual rewards and help Muslims strengthen their faith, patience, and self-discipline. 

At Quran Bliss Academy, students often ask whether fasting is allowed on any day in Islam. Our courses explain both obligatory and voluntary fasting in detail، certain Sunnah days are especially recommended.

In the following sections, we will explain the best days to fast in Islam, the wisdom behind these voluntary fasts, and the most recommended days that Muslims can observe according to authentic Islamic teachings.

Why Voluntary Fasting Matters in Islam?

Voluntary fasting holds a special place in Islam because it strengthens faith and helps Muslims grow spiritually. Many scholars explain that observing the sunnah fasting days allows believers to draw closer to Allah while developing patience, discipline, and stronger self-control.

Fasting is not only about avoiding food and drink. It is also a way to purify the heart, control desires, and seek the pleasure of Allah through sincere worship. For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to observe voluntary fasting days in Islam, such as the well-known Sunnah fasts that the Prophet ﷺ practiced regularly.

The importance of fasting is mentioned in many authentic hadiths. The Prophet ﷺ highlighted the great reward prepared for those who fast with sincere intentions, and Allah promises immense blessings for those who dedicate themselves to acts of worship like fasting beyond the obligatory month of Ramadan.

Why Voluntary Fasting Strengthens Faith?

One of the most important spiritual reasons Muslims observe the best days to fast in Islam is that voluntary fasting purifies the soul, strengthens the relationship with Allah, and increases the believer’s reward.

1. Forgiveness of Sins

Sincere fasting is a powerful act of worship that helps erase minor sins. The Prophet ﷺ explained that fasting can wipe away sins when it is done purely for the sake of Allah. This is why many Muslims choose the voluntary fasting days in Islam, such as Mondays, Thursdays, or the white days of each lunar month, hoping for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

2. Closeness to Allah

Voluntary fasting is a sign of deep devotion and obedience. When a Muslim willingly fasts outside Ramadan, it shows a sincere desire to please Allah and strengthen faith. Observing the best days to fast in Islam allows believers to reconnect spiritually and build a stronger bond with their Creator through patience, discipline, and remembrance.

3. Greater Rewards From Allah

Fasting carries a unique reward that only Allah knows. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every action of the son of Adam is multiplied except for fasting; for fasting is for Me and I will reward it accordingly.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim)
Because of this special promise, many Muslims try to follow the sunnah fasting days in a week, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, to gain greater rewards and blessings.

4. Strengthening Taqwa (Piety)

Another important benefit of fasting is developing self-control and mindfulness of Allah. Through hunger and patience, believers learn discipline and humility. This spiritual training is one of the main reasons scholars encourage fasting on the best days to fast in Islam. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Spiritual and Health Benefits of Voluntary Fasting

Observing the best days to fast in Islam offers both physical wellness and spiritual growth, which is why many Muslims try to follow the sunnah fasting days in a week and other recommended fasting occasions.

• Fasting during the recommended days for fasting gives the digestive system time to rest. This break can help the body regulate digestion and naturally support internal cleansing.
•  Many people notice better concentration while observing sunnah fasting days in a week, such as Mondays and Thursdays. Fasting encourages mindfulness and helps the mind stay calm and attentive.
•  Practicing fasting strengthens self-discipline. During voluntary fasting days in Islam, a person learns to control impulses, which supports better behavior and stronger spiritual commitment.
• When reflecting on whether can you fast any day in Islam, Muslims often discover the wisdom behind recommended fasting days. This practice increases appreciation for daily blessings and nurtures patience and empathy.

Recommended Sunnah and Voluntary Fasting Days in Islam

In addition to the obligatory fast of Ramadan, Islam encourages Muslims to observe several voluntary fasting days in Islam throughout the year. These fasts follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and are considered among the best days to fast in Islam because of their great rewards and spiritual benefits.

Many people also ask: can you fast any day in Islam? The answer is yes in general, but the Prophet ﷺ highlighted certain days that carry greater virtue and reward. The most important of these recommended days are explained below.

1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

• Mondays and Thursdays are among the most recommended sunnah fasting days in a week.
• The Prophet ﷺ regularly fasted on these two days and encouraged his companions to do the same.
• Observing these weekly fasts helps Muslims maintain a steady habit of worship and stay spiritually connected throughout the week.

Hadith Evidence:

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“Deeds are presented to Allah on Monday and Thursday, and I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
(Tirmidhi, Nasai)

Reason & Benefits:

• Human deeds are presented before Allah on these days.
• Following this practice means imitating the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
• It helps build a regular fasting routine during the week.

2. The White Days (Ayyam al-Bid) – 13th, 14th, and 15th of Every Lunar Month

• The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Islamic month are recommended fasting days known as the White Days.
• These three days fall in the middle of the lunar month when the moon is at its brightest. The Prophet ﷺ strongly encouraged Muslims to fast during these days every month as part of regular voluntary worship.

Hadith Evidence:

Abu Dharr (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“If you fast three days of the month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th.”
(Tirmidhi, Nasai)

Reason & Rewards:

• Fasting three days every month equals the reward of fasting the entire year.
• It helps Muslims maintain a consistent fasting habit each month.
• It is an easy and rewarding form of voluntary worship.

3. Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah)

• The Day of Arafah is considered one of the best days to fast in Islam, especially for Muslims who are not performing Hajj.
• This day falls on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and is one of the most sacred days in the Islamic calendar.
• Fasting on this day brings immense forgiveness and spiritual reward.

Hadith Evidence:

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
(Muslim)

Reason & Benefits:

• It brings forgiveness for sins of two years.
• It is one of the holiest days in Islam.
• It allows believers to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

4. Fasting on Ashura (10th of Muharram) with the 9th or 11th

• The Day of Ashura is another highly recommended fast among the best days to fast in Islam.
• The Prophet ﷺ observed fasting on this day to commemorate when Allah saved Prophet Musa (Moses) and his people from Pharaoh.
• Muslims are encouraged to fast on the 10th of Muharram along with either the 9th or the 11th to distinguish it from other traditions.

Hadith Evidence:

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Fasting on the Day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.”
(Muslim)

Reason & Benefits:

• It removes the sins of the previous year.
• It follows the tradition of Prophet Musa and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• It is a form of gratitude and worship to Allah.

5. Fasting Six Days of Shawwal

• Fasting six days during the month of Shawwal after Ramadan brings the reward of fasting the entire year.
• These fasts can be observed at any time during Shawwal after Eid al-Fitr and are considered an excellent continuation of Ramadan’s spiritual momentum.

Hadith Evidence:

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole year.”
(Muslim)

Reason & Benefits:

• It multiplies the reward of fasting throughout the year.
• It helps maintain the discipline gained during Ramadan.
• It continues the spiritual growth achieved in the holy month.

6. Fasting During the First Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah

• The first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most virtuous days for worship and fasting in Islam.
• These days are extremely blessed, and good deeds performed during them carry greater rewards. Fasting during these days, especially on the Day of Arafah, is highly encouraged.

Hadith Evidence:

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.”
(Bukhari)

Reason & Benefits:

• Rewards for good deeds are greatly multiplied.
• It is a chance to seek Allah’s acceptance before Eid al-Adha.
• It encourages increased worship, fasting, and remembrance of Allah.

Days When Fasting Is Forbidden in Islam

While Muslims often search for the best days to fast in Islam and learn about voluntary worship, it is equally important to know that Islam clearly defines a few days when fasting is not allowed.

Even though fasting is one of the most rewarding acts of worship, Islamic teachings specify five particular days when Muslims must not fast. These days are meant to be moments of joy, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah rather than abstaining from food and drink.

1. Eid al-Fitr – 1st of Shawwal

• Fasting on Eid al-Fitr is prohibited because it is a day of celebration after Ramadan.
• Eid al-Fitr marks the completion of the blessed month of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims gather with family and community members to celebrate, eat together, and thank Allah for allowing them to complete a full month of fasting. Because of this festive nature, fasting is not allowed.
• Instead of fasting, Muslims are encouraged to enjoy food, give charity, and express gratitude to Allah.

Hadith Evidence

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“No fasting is allowed on the two Eids: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim

2. Eid al-Adha – 10th of Dhul-Hijjah

Fasting on Eid al-Adha is also forbidden because it is a day of sacrifice, gratitude, and communal celebration.

• Eid al-Adha commemorates the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when he was willing to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah.
• Muslims around the world remember this event by performing Qurbani (sacrifice) and sharing food with family, friends, and those in need.
• Because this day is meant for feasting and appreciating Allah’s blessings, fasting is not permitted.

Just like Eid al-Fitr, the Prophet ﷺ specifically prohibited fasting on this day so that Muslims could celebrate together and enjoy the provisions Allah has given them.

3. The Three Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah)

The three Days of Tashreeq are also forbidden fasting days because they are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.

• The three days immediately following Eid al-Adha are known as the Days of Tashreeq.
• These days continue the spirit of Eid, where Muslims celebrate, share meals, and remember Allah.
• Even though Muslims frequently look for sunnah fasting days in a week or other recommended fasting times, these three days are an exception where fasting is not allowed.

Hadith Evidence

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah.”
— Sahih Muslim

However, there is one specific exception.

Pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu’ who are unable to offer a sacrifice may fast during these days if they did not fast before Eid al-Adha, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:196).

By following these guidelines, learners at Quran Bliss Academy gain a clear understanding of the best days to fast and the spiritual wisdom behind voluntary and obligatory fasting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)