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fasted on the day of Aashura and commanded (his sahabah) to fast on this day, they
said, "O Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم it is a day that is sanctified by the Jews and
the Christians." He said, "If I survive till the next year, I shall fast on the ninth."1
COMMENTARY: When the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم came to Madinah, he found that
the Jews fast ed on the day of aashura. They said that prophet Musa (M. Jule had fasted on this
day by way of Thanks giving to Allah for deliverance from Fir'wan(pharoah), so they
emulated him. The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "We are nearer to Musa عليه السلام than
you are. "So, he commanded the sahabah (companions) pean ~>> to fast on this day.
In the beginning this command was wajib (obligatory). Later this become mustahab (desirable).
The gives rise to the question whether the fast should be kept on ninth Muharram instead
of t he tenth, for the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم had said that he would fast on the 9th
if he would be alive the following year. The ulama (Scholars) say that this resolve of the
Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم means that it is a sunnah to fast on the ninth of Muharram.
Ibn Hammam ales, said that it is mustahab (desirable) to fast on the day of aashura and also
mustahab (desirable) to fast on the day prior to it or on the day following it. To fast only on
the day of aashura is makruh (unbecoming) because it smacks of resembled to the Jews.
FAST ON DAY OF ARAFAH
(٢٠٤٢) وَعَنْ أُمِ الفَضْلِ بِئْتِ الْحَارِثِ آَّ نَاسًا تَمَا رَوْا عِنْدَهَا يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ فِيْ صِيَّامِ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَى اللّهُ
عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ هُوَ صَائِهْ وَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ لَّيْسَ بِصَائٍِ فَأَرْسَلْتَ إِلَيْهِ بِقَدَحِ لَبَنٍ وَهُوَ وَاقِفْ عَلى بَمِثْرِ؟
بِعَرَفَةَ فَشَرِبَه- (متفق عليه)
2042. Sayyidah Umm al Fadl bint al Harith as a >, narrated that on the day of
Arafah, some people argued in her presence about whether Allah's Messenger a.
jule was fasting. Some said, "He is fasting." Other said, "He is not fasting." So,
she sent to him a bowl of milk while he was observing the wuquf at Arafah on his
camel. He drank the milk.2
COMMENTARY: Sayyiduna Umm al-Fadl was the wife of Sayyiduna Abbas sal+, and
صلى اللهعليه وسلم the aunt of the Prophet
The hadith shows that it is not masnun to fast on the day of arafah for the pilgrims, but
masnun for other people.
FASTING IN FIRST TEN DAYS OF DHUL HIJJAH
(٢٠٤٣) وَعَنُ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتُ مَارَ أَيْثُ رَسُوْلَ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ صَائِمًّا فِي الْعَشْرِ فَظُّ (رواه مسلم)
2043. Sayyidah Ayshah que a +, narrated that that she never saw Allah's Messenger
3.(fast during al-ashr (Arabic) - the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah صلى الله عليه وسلم
COMMENTARY: There is a hadith that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said that the
reward of fasting on each day of this ashr (except the tenth, from the 1st to the 9th) is
equivalent to reward of fasting for one year, and worship in each of its nights is like
1 Muslmi 3 133-1134, Abu Dawud # 2445.
2 Muslim # 110-1123, Bukhari # 1988, Abu Dawud # 2441, Nasai # 2289.
3 Muslim # 9-1176, Abu Dawud # 2439, Tirmidhi # 756, Ibn Majah # 1729.

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keeping vigil on the night of power (laylatul qadr). Hence, the ulama (Scholars) explain
that Sayyidah Ayshah Que at +, has merely said that she had not observed him fast. This
does not mean that he had never fasted during these days. Or, perhaps, he had mentioned
the excellence of these days but had not himself fasted.
OPTIONAL FASTS
(٢٠٤٤) وَعَنْ أَبِيِ قَتَادَةَ آَّ رَجُلًا آتَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ كَيْفَ تَصُوْمُ فَغَضِبَ دَسُولُ اللّهِ
صَلَى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مِنْ قَوْلِهِ فَلَنَا رَأْى عُمَرُ غَقَبَهُ قَالَ رَضِيْنًا بِاللُّهِ رَبَّا وَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِيْنًا وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ نَبِيًّا
تَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ غَقَبِ اللَّهِ وَغَضَبٍ رَسُوْلِهٍ فَجَعَلَ عُمَّرُ يُرَدِّدُ هُذَا لُكُلَامٌ حَتَّى سَكِّنَ غَقَبُهُ فَقَالَ عُمَرُيَا
رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَيْفَ مَنْ يَصُوْمُ الدَّهْرَ كُلَّهُ قَالَ لَا صَامَ وَلَا أَفْطَرَ أَوْقَالَ لَمْ يَصْمٌ وَلَمْ يُفْطِرُ قَالَ كَيْفَ مَنْ
يَصُوْمُ يَوْمَيْنٍ وَيُفْطِرُ يَوْمَّا قَال وَيُطِيُقُ ذُلِكَ أَحَدْ قَالَ كَيْفَ مَنْ يَصُوُمُ يَوْمًّا وَيُفْطِرُ يَوْمًّا قَالَ ذلِكَ
صَوْمُ دَاؤدَ قَالَ كَيْفَ مَنْ يَصُوْمِ يَوْمًّا وَيُفْطِرُ يَوْمَيْنٍ قَالَ وَدِدْتُ أَنِى ◌ُوِقْتُ ذَلِكَ ثُمَّ قَالَ تَسُولُ اللَّهِ
صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ثَلَاتُ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ وَرَمَضَاُ إِلَى رَمَضَانَ فَهْذَا صِيَامُ الدَّهُرِ كُلِّه- صِيَامُ يَوْمِ.
عَرَفةً أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللَّهِ آَنْ تُكَّفِّرَ السَّنَّةَ الَّتِى قَبْلَهُ وَالسَّنَّةَ الَّتِى بَعْدَهُ وَصِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَاشُورَاء اخْتَسِبُ
عَلَى اللَّهِ آَنْ يُكْفِّرَ الشَّنَةَ الَّتِى قَبْلَهُ(رواه مسلم)
2044. Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah رضى الله عنه narrated that a man came to the Prophet
صلى الله عليه and asked. "How do you fast?" Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم Muhammad
detected his رضى الله عنه was displeased at his question. When Sayyiduna Umar وسلم
anger, he said, "We are pleased with Allah as Lord, with Islam as religion and with
Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم as Prophet. We seek refuge in Allah form the displeasure of
Allah and the displeasure of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم ." Umar رضى الله عنه continued to
repeat these words till his anger subsided, and asked, "O Messenger of Allah, how
is he who fasts perpetually?" He said, "He has neither fasted nor broken his fast."
Or he said, "He did not fast and did not break his fast." (The narrator was in doubt
concerning the exact words). Then, he asked, "How is he who fasts two days and
goes without fasting one day?" the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم asked, "Can
anyone do it?" Then he asked about one who fasts one day and does not fast the
next day, and he said, "That is the fast of Dawud عليه السلام ."Then, Umar رضى الله عنه asked,
"How is he who fasts one day and goes without fast two days?" He said, "I hope
that I am given strength to do that." Then Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"There (fasts) every month and fasting in Ramadan each year -that is fasting
perpetually. The fast of the day of Arafah - I hope from Allah will atone for the sins
of the year preceding and the year following. And the fast of the day of Aashura - I
hope from Allah will atone for the sins of the year preceding."1
COMMENTARY: The men should have asked about himself and how he might fast the
1 Muslim # 191.1162, Abu Dawud # 2425.

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optional, not about how the Prophet Muhammad ,le às Lo fasted. His situation differed
much from the others in terms of numbers and wisdom and he did not fast the optional
very much because he had to attend to the issues of the Muslims.
A person who fasts perpetually does not really fast because it is not in conformity with
Shari'ah (divine law). At the same time, he does not go without fasting because he eats and
drinks nothing.
Imam Shafi'I atu, and Imam Maalik alter, said, that this applies to one who fasts even on
days, like eed, when it is forbidden to fast. If he does not fast on such days then this
warning does not fast on such days then this warning does not apply to him. Sayyiduna
Abu Talhah Ansari رضى الله عنه and Sayyiduna Hamzah ibn Amr Aslam رضى الله عنه fasted always
excepting the forbidden fasts and the Prophet Muhammad Lyledl L. did not forbid them.
Or, the prohibition is because perpetual fasts may cause weakness. If they do not, then it is
not disallowed. Ibn Humam said that to fast always is makruh (tanzihi) (disapproved
purigation) because it causes weakness. This is also the verdict of fatawa Aalamgiri and
Durr Mukhtar.
If anyone can fast two out of three days, then he may do so. Or, it is better to keep such fasts.
As for fasting on alternate days, they are what prophet Dawud (Jule fasted and are
moderate form of worship. Islam does not go to extremes. The philosophers of Islam have
defined the formula that one should engage in seeking knowledge to such an extent that he
does not give up performance of deeds. Similarly one should not occupy oneself in deeds
till he cannot find time to learn. One should be moderate in both things. The best of every
affair is the middle course and the worst is to go to the extremes. Hence:
افضل الصيام صوم داؤد علی نبينا و علیه السلام
"The best of (voluntary) fasts is the fast of Prophet Dawud. (>Jule"
However, the prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم wished that Allah should give him strength
to fast on one of every three days, but others obligations should not be neglected. In other
words, he conceded that he did not possess that much strength. He recommended this
form of fasting too though he did not practice it because of lack of strength.
The three fasts every month are on the days of 13th, 14th and 15th. Some people, however,
say that this reward is had on fasting on any three days of a month. This seems more
correct as may be understood from the hadith (# 2046) of Sayyidah Ayshah usd+).
FASTING ON MONDAY
(٢٠٤٥) وَعَنْ آَبِ قَتَادَةً قَالَ سُئِلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ صَوْمِ الْإِثْتَيْنِ فَقَالَ فِيْهِ وُلِدْتُ وَفِيْه
اُنْزِلَ عَلَّىَّ- (رواه مسلم)
2045. Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah رضى الله عنه said that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم was
asked about fasting on Monday. He said, "I was born on this day and the revelation
was sent down to me on it."1
THREE FASTS EVERY MONTH
(٢٠٤٦) وَعَنُ مُعَاذَةَ العَدَوِيَّةِ أَنَّهَا سَأَلَتْ عَائِقَةً أَكَانَ تَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصُوْمُ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ
1 Muslim # 198-1162, Musnad Ahmad 5-299.

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ثَلَاثَةَ آَيَّامٍ قَالَتْ نَعَمْ فَقُلْتُ لَهَا مِنْ آَيِّ آَيَّامِ الشَّهْرِ كَانَ يَصُوْمُ قَالَتْ لَمْ يَكُنُ يُبَالِيٌ مِنْ أَيِّ آَيَّامِ الشَّهُرِ
يَصُومُ(رواه مسلم)
2046. Sayyidah Mu'adhah al-Adwiyah رضى الله عنه asked Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنه, "Did
Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم fast three days every month?" She said "Yes" She
asked "On which days of the month did he fast?" She said, "He was not particular .
about the days of the moth on which he fasted."1
COMMENTARY: Thus there is no binding to fast on 13th, 14th, 15th of every month though
more ahadith and aather give these dates. Other options also follow.
SITTAH SHAWWAL
(٢٠٤٧) وَعَنْ آنِي أَيُّوُبَ الْأَنْصَارِيِّ أَنَّهُ حَدَّثَهُ أَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ
◌َُّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتَّا مِنُ شَؤَالٍ كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الذَّهْرِ(رواه مسلم)
صلى الله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub Ansari .2047
, said, "He who fasts during Ramadan and then on six days on Shawwal, that is
(for him) like fasting perpetually."2
COMMENTARY: Imam Shafi'I als, prefers that these six fasts must be kept from the 2nd
Shawwal to the 7th. Imam Abu Hanifah contends that it is better to fast on different days
within the month of Shawwal.
DISALLOWED FAST
(٢٠٤٨) وَعَنْ آَنِيٍ سَعِيْدٍ الْخُدُرِيِّ قَالَ تَّى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ صَوْمِ يَوْمِ الْفِطُرِ
وَالنَّحْرِ (متفق عليه)
صلى الله narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Sa'eed al Khudri .2048
3.forbade fasting on (eed) ul fitr and an-Nahr عليه وسلم
COMMENTARY: An nahr covers all the days of sacrifice and the days of al-tashriq. This is
from 10th of Dhul HIjjah to 13th which is four days and one day of eed ul fitr (1st Shawwal).
It is forbidden to fast on these five days.
(٢٠٤٩) وَعَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا صَوْمَ فىْ يَوْمَيْنِ الْفِطْرِ وَالْأَصحى (متفق عليه)
2049. Sayyiduna Abu Sa'eed al Khudri us ano, also narrated that Allah's Messenger
said, "Fasts must not be observed on two occasions: on the day of eed ul صلى الله عليه وسلم
fitr and (four) days of al-adha (10th to 13th of Dhull Hijjah)."4
(٢٠٥٠) وَعَنْ نُبَيْشَةَ الهُذَلِيِّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ آَيَّامُ التَّشْرِيْقِ آَيَّامُ أَكْلٍ وَشُرُبٍ
وَذِكْرِ اللّهِ (رواه مسلم)
1 Muslim # 194-1160, Abu Dawud # 2453, Tirmidhi # 763, Ibn Majah # 1709.
2 Muslim # 204-1164, Tirmidhi # 759, Abu Dawud # 2433, Ibn Majah # 1716, Darimi # 1754.
3 Bukhari # 1991, Muslim # 141-827, Tirmidhi # 772.
4 Bukhari # 1197, Muslim # 140.827, Tirmidhi # 771.
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صلى اله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduan Nabayshah al-Hudhali .2050
, said, "The days of al-tashriq are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah."1
COMMENTARY: The days of tashriq are the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhull Hijjah. Here, the
word covers the day of eed ul Adha too and it is the real day and these others are auxiliary
to it. It is forbidden to fast on these four days (as it is on eed ul fitr).
Ibn Hammanm ales, said that it is makruh (unbecoming) to fast on Nawruz and on Mihrjan
(or Mahrajan) because fasting on these days will imply respect for them which Islamic
Shari'ah (divine law) forbids. Of course, if anyone is fasting for days and these days happen
to come in between then there is no blame on him, he may fast in continuation.
Though the eed days are days of festivity, one must not neglect to remember Allah, referring to
وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهُ فِي آَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَاتٍ
{And remember Allah during the specified days) (2:203)
Remembrance of Allah also refers to takbir recited during the days of tashriq after each salah
(prayer), the takbir while sacrificing the animals and the rami jamarat of these who perform
Hajj (pilgrimage).
FASTING ON FRIDAY
(٢٠٥١) وَعَنْ أَبٍ مُرَيْرَةً قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا يَصُوْمُ أَحَدُ كُمْ يَوْمَ الجُمُعَةِ إِلَّ أَكْ
يَصُوْمَ قَبْلَهُ أَوْ يَصُوْمَ بَعْدَه(متفق عليه)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2051
said, "None of you must fast on Friday, except that he has fasted a day prior to it or
will fast on the day following it."2
COMMENTARY: The prohibition to fast on Friday alone is nahi tanzihi. Ibn Hammam ,
à said that Imam Abu Hanifah als, and Imam Muhammad antes, did not find harm in
fasting on Friday alone.
(٢٠٥٢) وَعَنَّهُ قَالَ قَالَ تَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا تَخْتَقُوْا لَيْلَةَ الْجُهُعَةِ بِقِيَامٍ مِنْ بَيْنِ اللَّالِى وَلَا
تَخْتَّقُوا يَوْمَ الْجُمُعَةِ بِصِيَّامٍ مِنْ بَيْنِ الْآَيَّامِ إِلَّ أَنْ يَكُوْنَ فِي صَوْمٍ يَصُوْمُهُ أَحَدُكُمْ (رواه مسلم)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2052
said, "Do not set aside the night of Friday Preceding it) specifically for worship and
not set aside the day, Friday, specifically for fasting, except that it follows the fast
(s) any of you is fasting."3
COMMENTARY: The Muslims should not exaggerate the respect of Friday beyond what is
assigned to it, like the Jews and Christians who have set aside Saturday and Sunday
respectively as exclusively days of worship. A person must occupy in worship all the time.
He must hope for Allah's mercy always. It is wrong to engage in worship at a specified
time and he neglectful at other times.
1 Muslim # 144-1141, Tirmidhi # 773.
2 Bukhari # 1985, Muslim # 147-1144, Abu Dawud # 2420, Tirmidhi # 743, Ibn Majah # 1723, Musnad
Ahmad 2-458.
3 Muslim # 148-1144.

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If anyone fasts on a certain date regularly and that falls on Friday, then he is not precluded
from fasting on Friday by this hadith.
Imam Nawawi al, said that this hadith clearly forbids that the night preceding Friday
should be reserved for the salah (prayer) (of tahajud (supererogatory prayer)). The ulama
(Scholars) have cited this hadith also to declare that salat ur raghaib is a bidah and makruh
(unbecoming). It is a salah (prayer) offered by some people exclusively on the night preceding
the first Friday of Rajab. The ulama (Scholars) have written exhaustively on the straying of
those who have invented this salah (prayer).
Mawlana Ishaq aly, however, said that he exponents of this hadith have elaborated their
points of view. There is no need to do the same for the Hanafis because they do not say that
it is makruh (unbecoming) to fast on Friday alone. Fatawa Alamgiri says that it is allowed to
do so and Dur Makhtar goes so far as to call it mustahab (desirable). They cite the hadith (#
3058) of Abdullah ibn Mas'ud us an , Perhaps it is the abrogater of all these ahadith tht
seem to say that fasting on Friday is disallowed.
REWARD FOR A FAST FOR ALLAH'S SAKE
(٢٠٥٣) وَعَنْ أَبٍ سَعِيْدِنِ الْخُدْرِيِّ قَالَ قَالَ تَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمًّا فِ سَبِيْلِ اللّهِ
بَنَّدَ اللّهُ وَجْهَهُ عَنِ النَّارِ سَبُعِيْنَّ خَرِيْفًا (متفق عليه)
صلى narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Sa'eed al-Khurdri .2053
Juleà said, "If anyone fasts for a day in Allah's path (while engaged in jihad, or
merely for Allah's pleasure), then Allah will remove his face (meaning, his person)
to a distance of seventy years from hell."1
MODERATION IN WORSHIP
(٢٠٥٤) وَعَنُ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ قَالَ قَالَ لِيُّ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَا عَبْدَ اللّهِ اَلَهْ
أُخْبِرُ أَنَّكَ تَهُوُمُ النَّهَارَ وَتَقُوْمُ اللَّيْلَ فَقُلَتْ بَلَى يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ فَلَا تَفْعَلُ صُمْ وَاَفْطِرُ وَقُمُ وَنَهُ فَإِّ
لِجْسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا وَإَِّ لِعَيْنِكَ عَلَيُّكَ حَقًّا وَإِنَّ لِزَوُجِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا وَإَِّ لِزَوْرِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا لَا
صَامَ مَنْ صَامَ الذَّهُرَ صَوْمُ ثَلَاثَةٍ آَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ صَوْمُ الدَّهْرِ كُلِّهِ صُمْ كُلَّ شَهْرٍ ثَلَاثَةٍ آَيَّامٍ قَإِقْرَاء
الْقُرْآنَ فِى كُلِّ شَهْرٍ قُلْتُ إِنَّى أُطِيْقُ أَكْثُرَ مِنْ ذُلِكَ قَالَ صُمْ أَفْضَلَ القَوْمِ صَوْمَ دَاؤدَ وَصِيَّامُ يَوٍْ وَإِفْطَارٌ
يَوْمٍ وَاقْرَأُ فِ كُلِّ سَبْعِ لَيَالٍ مَرَّةً وَلَّا تَزِدُ عَلى ذُلِكَ(متفق عليه)
2054. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al Aas s &+, said that Allah's Messenger
said to him, "O Abdullah, have I not been told that you fast during the صلى الله عليه وسلم
day and stand in salah (prayer) during the night?" He said, "Yes, O Messenger of
Allah." He said, "Do not do so. Fast and go without fasting Stand in salah (prayer)
and sleep. Your body has a right over you. Your eyes have a right over you. Your
wife has a right over you, and visitor have a right over you. He who fasts
1. Bukhari # 2840, Muslim # 168-1153, Tirmidhi # 1523, Nasai'i # 2244, Ibn Majah # 1717, Darimi #
2399, Musnad Ahmad 3-59.
.

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perpetually, (really) does not fast, but fasting three days in every month is like a
perpetual fast, all of it. Fast three days every month and recite the Quran (from
cover to cover) every month." He submitted. "I have strength to do more." So, he
said, "Fast the best of fasts, the fast of Dawud p>Jiale, fasting on alternate days, and
recite the Quran once every seven night. And, do not go beyond that.1
COMMENTARY: This hadith emphasizes moderation in affairs particularly optional
worship. Fasting three days in a month will be equivalent to a months fast at the rate of ten
pieties for every one.
SECTION II
الفضلُ الثَّانِى
FASTING ON MONDAY & THURSDAY
(٢٠٥٥) عَنُّ عَائِشَةً قَالَتُ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصُوْمُ الْإِثْتَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيُسَ- (رواه الترمذى والنسائى).
2055. Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنها narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to
observe (optional) fasts on Monday and Thursday.2
(٢٠٥٦) وَعَنْ أَبٍ هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ تُعَرضُ الْأَعْمَالُ يَوْمَ الْإِثْنَيْنِ وَالْحَمِيْسِ
فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُعْرَضَ عَمَلِيُ وَأَنَا صَائِمْ(رواه الترمذى)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2056
said, Deeds (of men) are presented (To Allah) on Monday and Thursday. So, I like
that mine should be presented while I am fasting."3
COMMENTARY: The deeds of the creatures are carried by the angels every morning and
evening. Then they are presented to Allah every Thursday and Monday.
FASTING THREE DAYS IN A MONTH
(٢٠٥٧) وَعَنْ أَبِيْ ذَرٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَا أَبَا ذَرٍ إِذَا صُمْتَ مِنَ الشَّهُرِ ثَلاثَةَ آَيَّامٍ
فَصُمُ ثَلَاثَ عَشْرَةَ وَاَرْبَعَ عَشْرَةً وَخَمْسَ عَشْرَةً۔(رواه الترمذى والنسائى)
2057. Sayyiduna Abu Dharr رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said
(to him) "O Abu Dharr! If you fast three days in a month, then fast on the
thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth (of the month)."4
COMMENTARY: Of the many ways to observe fasting on three days a month, this is the
best. These days are called. Ayyam beed (shining night, silvery night, moonlit).
ALLOWED TO FAST ON FRIDAY
(٢٠٥٨) وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْئُوْدٍ قَالَ كَاتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصُوُهُ مِنْ غَرَّةِ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ ثَلَاثَةً
آَيَّامٍ وَقَلَّمَا كَانَ يُفْطِرُ يَوْمَ الْجُهُعَةِ - رَوَاهُ النِّزْ مِذِىُّ وَالنَّسَائِىُّ وَرَوَاهُ أَبُوْدَا ؤْدَ إِلِى ثَلِقَةِ آَيَّامٍ.
صلى الله narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas'ud .2058
duyule used to fast on the first three day of the month (sometimes), and seldom did
1 Bukhari # 1975, Muslim # 1820-1159, Abu Dawud # 2427, Nasai'i # 2389.
2 Tirmidhi # 745, Musnad Ahmad 6-106.
3 Tirmidhi # 747, Musnad Ahmad 5-250.
4 Tiimidhi # 761, Nasai'i # 2422, Musnad Ahmad 5-150.

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he not fast on Friday.1
Abu Dawud has up to 'three days of the month.'
COMMENTARY: The Hanafis cite this hadith to establish that it is allowed to fast on Friday
without fasting on the day before or after it.
FASTING ON EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
(٢٠٥٩) وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَت كَاتَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصُوْمُ مِنَ الشَّهْرِ الشَّبْتَ وَالْأَحَدّ
وَالْإِثْتَيْنِ وَمِنَ الشَّهْرِ الْآخَرِ القُلاَفَاءِ وَالْآَ رُبَعَاء وَالْخَمِيْسَ- (رواه الترمذى)
2059. Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنها narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم fasted
one month on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and next month on Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday.2
COMMENTARY: The previous hadith mentions Friday and this hadith the rest of the days
of the week. Thus, he fasted on every day of the week without distinction.
OPTIONAL FASTS FROM MONDAY OR THURSDAY
(٢٠٦٠) وَعَنْ أُمِّ سَلَّمَةً قَالَت كَاتَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَأْمُرُنِي آْ أَصُوْمَ ثَلَاثَةَ آَيَّامٍ مِنْ
◌ُلِّ شَهْرٍ أَوَّلُهَا الْآتُنَیْنِ وَالخُمِنُسُ(رواه ابوداؤد والنسائى)
صلى الله عليه وسلم said that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyidah Umm Salamah .2060
commended her to fast three days each month beginning on Monday or Thursday.3
COMMENTARY: The choice is with the person who fast to commence on Monday or Thursday.
PERPETUAL FASTS DISALLOWED
(٢٠٦١) وَعَنُ مُسْلِمِ الْقُرَشِيِّ قَالَ سَأَلْتُ أَوْسُئِلَ تَسُولُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ صِيَّامِ الذَّهْرِ فَقَالَ
إِثّ لِأَهْلِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا صُمْ رَمَضَانَ وَالَّذِى يَلِيْهِ وَكُلَّ ارْبَعَاء وَحَمِيْسَ فَإِذَا أَنْتَ قَدُ صُمْتِ الذَّهْرَ
د(رواهابوداود والترمذى)
2061. Sayyiduna Muslim al-Qurashiy ue à +, said that he asked, or someone else
asked, Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم about perpetual fasting. He said, "Surely, your
family has a right over you. So, fast during Ramadan and the days that follow it
(meaning, sitta shawwal), and every Wednesday and Thursday. In that case, you
will have fasted fast always - all the time."4
MAKRUH (DISAPPROVED) TO FAST AT ARAFAT
(٢٠٦٢) وَعَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ آَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ◌َى عَنُ صَوْمِيَوْمِ عَزْفَةً بِعَرَفَةَ-(رواهابوداؤد)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2062
forbade the fasting of the fast of the day of Arafah at Arafah.5
1 Abu Dawud # 2450, Tirmidhi # 742, Nasai'i # 2368, Musnad Ahmad 1-406.
2 Tirmidhi # 746.
3 Abu Dawud # 2452, Nasai'i # 2419.
4 Abu Dawud # 2432, Tirmidhi # 748.
5 Abu Dawud # 2440.

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COMMENTARY: This prohibition nahi tanzihi in order that the pilgrim might retain
strength to be able to perform other deeds at Arafat.
DISALLOWED TO FAST ONLY ON SATURDAY
(٢٠٦٣) وَعَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ بُسْرٍ عَنْ أُخْتِهِ الشَّمَّاءِ آَّ رَسُوْلَ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَا تَهُوُهُوا يَوْمٌ
السَّبْتِ إِلَّ فِيْمَا اقْتُرِضَ عَلَيْكُمْ فَإِنْ لَّمْ يَجِدْ أَحَدُكُمْ إِلَّا لِجَاءَ عِنَّبَةٍ أَوْ مُوْدَ شَجَرَةٍ فَلْتُمْضَغُه (رواه احمد
وابوداود والترمذى وابن ماجة والدارمی)
2063. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn' Busr we à +, narrated on the authority of his sister
(Sayyidah) as Samma رضى الله عنه that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said; "Do not fast
on Saturday unless it is made obligatory for you. And, if any of you cannot get
anything but a grape skin or piece of wood from a tree, then he must chew it."1
COMMENTARY: The fast is disallowed on Saturday to act differently from the Jews who
respect this day. If this day coincides with a day on which fasting is obligatory or mustahab
(desirable) or sunnah muwakkadah (emphasized practice of Holy Prophet ,ja,så .) then the fast
may be observed. If one does not find anything with which to break the fast then he may
break it somehow or other.
EXCELLENCE OF FAST FOR ALLAH'S SAKE
(٢٠٦٤) وَعَنْ أَبٍ أُمَامَةَّ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّهِ صَلَى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمًّا فِي سَبِيْلِ اللَّهِ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ بَيْنَّه
وَبَيِّنَّ النَّارِ خَنْدَقَّا كَمَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاء وَالْأَرْضِ- (رواه الترمذى)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Umamah .2064
said, "If anyone fasts for a day in Allah's path, Allah will put between him and hell
a pit as wide as distance between heaven and earth."2
COMMENTARY: In the path of Allah could be jihad, Hajj (pilgrimage) or umrah, or seeking
knowledge, or simply to please Allah. Just one day's fast with this objective will get him a
tremendous obstruction between him and hell.
FASTING IN WINTER GETS REWARD WITHOUT TOIL
(٢٠٦٥) وَعَنْ عَامِرٍ بُنِ مَسْعُوْدٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْغَنِيْمَةُ الْبَّارِدَةُ الصَّوْمُ فِي الشِّتَاءِ
رَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ وَالتِّرْمِذِىُّ
صلى الله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Aamir ibn Mas'ud .2065
, said, "Fasting in winter is a cold booty (gaining reward without exhaustion).3
(٦٠٦٦) وَقَالَ هذَا حَدِيْثُ مُرْسَلْ وَذُكِرَ حَدِيْتُ أَبي هُرَيْرَةً مَا مِنْ آَيَّامٍ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ فِى بَابِ الْأُصْحِيّةِ
2066. The hadith of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah ws a >, about the days dearest to
Allah is (# 1471) in the chapter on sacrifices.
1 Abu Dawud # 2421, Tirmidhi # 744, Ibn Majah # 1726, Darimi # 1749, Musnad Ahmad 2-168.
2 Tirmidhi # 1624.
3 Tirmidhi # 797, Musnad Ahmad 4-335.

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SECTION III
الفَصلُ الثَّالِثُ
WHY FAST OF AASHURA
(٢٠٦٧) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ أَكَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَدِمَ الْتَدِيْنَةُ فَوَجَدَ الْتُهُوُدَ صِيَامًا يَوْمٌ
عَاشُوْرَاء فَقَالَ لَّهُمْ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَا هَذَا الْيَوْمُ الَّذِئْ تَهُوْمُوْنَهُ فَقَالُوا هَذَا يَوْمُ
عَنِيُمْ أَنَّى اللَّهُ فِيْهِ مُؤْمِى وَقَوْمَهُ وَغَرَّقَ فِرْعَوْنَ وَقَوْمَةُ فَصَامَهُ مُؤْسِى شُكُرًا فَتَحْنُ نَصُوْمُهُ فَقَالَ
رَسُوْلُ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَتَحْنُ أَحَقُّ وَأَوْلِى بِمُؤْسِى مِنْكُمُ فَقَامَهُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ
وَسَلَّمَ وَأَمَرَ بِصِيًّا مِه (متفق عليه)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that when Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas .2067
came to Madinah, he found the Jews fasting on the day of aashura. So, he asked them
about the peculiarity of the day on which they fasted. They said, "It is a great day.
Allah delivered Musa and his people and drowned Fir'awn and his people on it. So,
Musa fasted on it to give thanks and we too fast on it." He said, "We have more right
صلى الله عليه وسلم than you are." So Allah's Messenger عليه السلام to it) and are nearer to Musa)
fasted on it and commanded (the sahabah (companions) ,en +, to fast on it.1
FASTS ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY
(٢٠٦٨) وَعَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةً قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصُوْمُ يَوْمَ السَّبْتِ وَيَوْمَ الْأَحَدِ
أَكْثَرَ مَا يَصُوْمُ مِنَ الْآَيَّامِ وَيَقُولُ إِنَّهُمَا يَوْمَا عِيْدٍ لِلْمُشْرِكِيْنَ فَأَنَا أُحِبُّ أَنْ أُخَالِفَهُمُ (رواه احمد)
2068. Sayyidah Umm Salamah narrated that to fast on Saturday and Sunday more
than he fasted on other days, saying, "These two (days) are eed (days of festival) for
the polytheists, and I like to counter them.2
(They do not fast on these days).
COMMENTARY: The Jews and Christian are called polytheists because the former say that
Prophet Uzayr عليه السلام is the son of Allah and the latter name Prophet Easa عليه السلام as his son.
Previously the hadith (# 2063) disallows fasting on Saturday. This hadith speaks
specifically of the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم that he did fast on Saturday and
Sunday. The previous hadith (2063) speaks of what the umah should not do. Or, we may
say that the disallowance is if the fast on these days is kept out of respects for them while it
is liked if the polytheists are contradicted by fasting on these days. (In other words, it
depends on the intention behind the fasting.)
FASTING ON AASHURA WAS EMPHASIZED BEFORE RAMADAN'S FASTS WERE
PRESCRIBED
(٢٠٦٩) وَعَنْ جَابِرِ بُنِ سَمُرَةٌ قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَأُمُرُ بِصِيَّامِ يَوْمِ عَاشُوْرَاء وَيَحْثًُّا
عَلَيْهِ وَيَتَعَاهَدُنَا عِنْدَهُ فَلَمَّا فُرِضَ رَمَضَّاكُ لَمْ يَأْمُرُنَا وَلَمْ يَنْهَنَا عَنْهُ وَلَمْ يَتَعَاهَدُنَا عِنْدَه(رواه مسلم)
صلى الله عليه وسلم said that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Jabir ibn Samurah .2069
1 Bukhari # 2004, Muslim # 127.1130, Abu Dawud # 2444, Ibn Majah # 1734, Musnad Ahmad 6-324.
2 Musnad Ahmad 6-324.

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used to command them to fast on the day of aashura and would encourage them to
do it, and was watchful over them when the day was on them. However, when (the
fasting in) Ramadan was prescribed, he ceased to command or forbid them to fast
on the day of aashua and he did not watch over them.1
SUNNAH MUWAKKADAH (EMPHASIZED PRACTICE OF HOLY PROPHET,.,.) FASTS
(٢٠٧٠) وَعَنْ حَفْصَةً قَالَتْ أَرْبَهْ لَمْ يَكُنُ يَدَعُهُنَّ النَّبِىُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ صِيَّامُ عَاشُورَاء وَالْعَشْرِ
وَثَلَاثَةِ آَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ وَرَكْعَتَانٍ قَبْلَ الْفَجُرِ- (رواه النسائي)
2070. Sayyidah Hafsah رضى الله عنه narrated that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم did
not neglect four things (they being sunnah muwakkadah (emphasized practice of Holy
Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم)). They were; fasting on the day of aashura, the ten days of Dhul
HIjjah (on the first nine of which he fasted), fasting on three days every month, and
offering two raka'at before the fajr (fard (compulsory), the sunnah of fajr).2
FASTING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH
(٢٠٧١) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسِ قَالَ كَاتَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا يُفْطِرُ آَيَّامَ الْبِيُضِ فِى حَضَرٍ
وَلَّاسَفَرٍ (رواه النسائى)
2071. Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas رضى الله عنه narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم never
missed the fasts of the ayyam ul beed whether he was at home or travelling.
(Ayyam beed are the 13th, 14th and 15th of each month).3
COMMENTARY: Ayyam ul beed are the days whose nights have moonlight almost all
through. They are bright and shinning. Or, the days themselves are beed because fasting on
them removes the darkness of sin and brightens hearts.
Also, when prophet Aadam (> Jiale was sent down to earth from heaven, his entire body
turned black. When his repentance was accepted, he was commanded to fast on these three
days. So when he fast ed on the thirteenth, one third of his body became white again. On
the fourteenth two thirds of it was white and on the fifteenth all of his body reverted to its
original whiteness.
THE SEQUENCE OF THREE FAST S EACH MONTH: As for the three masnun fasts
every month, there are twelve combinations for them.
(i)
Unspecified dates and may be kept at any dates during the month.
(ii)
First three days of the month.
(iii)
Any Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the month.
(iv)
Any Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the month.
(v)
On the ayyam ul beed, 13th, 14th and 15th of the month.
(vi)
The first of these on Monday and the other two on Tuesday and Wednesday.
(vii).
The first on Thursday and the other two on Friday and Saturday.
(viii)
The first on the first Monday of the lunar month and the other two on two Thursdays.
(ix)
The first on the first Thursday of the lunar month and the other two on two Mondays.
1 Muslim # 125-1128.
2 Nasai'i # 2415.
3 Nasai'i # 2345.

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(x)
On Monday, Thursday and again next Monday.
(xi)
One fast every ten days.
(xii)
During the last days of the month.
While one has choice, it is better to fast on the ayyam ul beed (13th, 14th, 15th). Reward will
accrue in any case.
FIFTY ONE FASTS: The masnun fasts in the whole year are fifty-one. These three fasts
each month come to thirty three (excluding Ramadan), nine of Dhull Hijjah from 1st to 9th,
one of the day of aashura, one a day prior to it or a day after it, one on 15th Sha'ban and six
in Shawwal called sitta Shawwal.
FASTING IS ZAKAH (ANNUAL DUE CHARITY) OF BODY
(٢٠٧٢) وَعَنُ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ زَكَةٌ وَزَكَةُ الْجَسَدِ الصَّوْمُ
(رواه ابن ماجة)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2072
said, "There is a zakah (Annual due charity) for everything and the zakah (Annual
due charity) of the body is fasting."1
COMMENTARY: Zakah (Annual due charity) increases and purifies. The Zakah (Annual due
charity) of the body makes it sound and purifies it spiritually. Though fasting seems to
weaken the body, yet in reality, it makes it healthy and strong. It also purifies it of sins.
EXCELLENCE OF MONDAY & THURSDAY
(٢٠٧٣) وَعَنْهُ أَّ اللَِّيَّ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ يَهُوُمُ يَوْمِّ الْإِثْنَيْنِ وَالُمِيْسِ فَقِيْلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللّهِ
إِنَّكَ تَهُوُمُ يَوْمَ الْإِثْنَيْنِ وَالْحُمِيْسِ فَقَالَ إِّ يَوْمَ الْإِثْتَيْنِ وَالْحُمِيْسِ يَغْفِرُ اللّهُ فِيْهِمَا لِكُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ إِلَّا
ذَاهَاجِرَيْنِ يَقُولُ دَعْهُمَا حَتَّى يَصْطَلِحًا(رواه أحمد وابن ماجة)
صلى الله عليه narrated that the Prophet Muhammad رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2073
, used to fast on Monday and Thursday. Someone mentioned it to him, "O
Messenger of Allah, you do fast on Monday and Thursday." He said, "Surely, on
Monday and Thursday, Allah forgives every Muslim except the two who have severed
ties of kinship. He says, Leave them alone till they reconcile with one another."2
FASTING FOR ALLAH'S PLEASURE
(٢٠٧٤) وَعَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمًّا ابْتِفَاء وَجْهِ اللَّهِ بَشَدَهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ جَهَنَّمَ كَبُعْدِ
غُرَابٍ طَائِرٍ وَهُوَ فَرْءٌ حَتَّى مَاتَ هَرِمًا - رَوَاهُ أَحْمَدُ وَرَوَى الْبَيْهَقِيُ فِيْ شُعَبِ الْإِيْمَانِ عَنْ سَلَمَةَ بُنِ قَيْسٍ
صلى الله عليه narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2074
, said, "If anyone fasts for a day seeking to please Allah thereby, then Allah
removes him from hell to such a distance as a crow flies from the time it is
young till it dies of old age."3
1 Ibn Majah # 1745, Musnad Ahmad 2.229.
2 Ibn Majah # 1745, Musnad Ahmad 2-229.
3 Musnad Ahmad 2-526.

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2075. Sayyiduna Salamah ibn Qays رضى الله عنه also narrated it.1
COMMENTARY: The crow is said to live for thousands of years. Allah will put one who
fasts to please him to a distance traversed in that number of years.
Bayhaqi رحمه الله has transmitted a hadith that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "The
sleep of one who fasts is recorded as worship. His silence is tasbih (glorification of Allah).
His deed is multiplied and his prayer is granted and his sins are forgiven.
Bayhaqi رحمه الله has also transmitted that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said that Allah
said to a Prophet of Banu Isr'ail that he should inform his people, "Whoever fasts to please
Allah, He will give strength and health to his body and grant him abundant reward."
Khatib رحمه الله reported that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "If anyone observed
supererogatory fasts in such a way that no one learn of it, then Allah is pleased with a
reward for him that is not short of paradise."
Also, Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said that Allah has table spread with such bounties as
no eye has seen, no ear has heard of and no mind perceived. Only those who fast will sit at
that table spread.
CHAPTER - VIII
SUPEREROGATORY FASTS & IFTAR
باب
SECTION I
الفضل الأول
INTENTION TO FAST THE OPTIONAL DURING DAYTIME
(٢٠٧٦) عَنْ عَائِشَةً قَالَتْ دَخَلَ عَلَّىَّ النَّبِىُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ذَاتَ يَوٍْ فَقَالَ هَلْ عِنْدَ كُمْ شَىْءٌ فَقُلُنَا لَا
قَالَ فَإِنِّ إِذَا صَائِرْ تُؤَّ آَتَانَا يَوْمًّا اخَرَ فَقُلْنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أُهْدِىّ لَنَا حَيْسْ فَقَالَ آرِنِيْهِ فَلَقَدْ أَصْبَحْتُ
صَّائِمًا فَاكَلَ-(رواه مسلم)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that the Prophet Muhammad رضى الله عنها Sayyidah Ayshah .2076
came to her one day and asked if she had anything (to eat). She said that she had
nothing. So, he said, "Then, I shall fast." On another day, when he came, she told
him that someone had presented to them hays (a mixture of dates and clarified
butter). He said, "Show it to me I had began the day fasting." But, he ate it.2
COMMENTARY: The question about forming an intention to fast has been discussed in the
introductory pages of chapter IV. Except for Imam Maalik als,, all scholars agree that
intention for the optional fast may be formed during the day.
The ulama (Scholars) agree on the basis of this hadith that an optional fast may be nullified
without any reason. Imam Abu Hanifah alas, and his follower-imams, however, hold that
once an optional fast is begun, it is wajib (obligatory) to complete it, unless there is a cogent
reason for it and even then it will have to be redeemed. They say that though no reason has
been mentioned in this hadith, the prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم had a reason for
breaking his optional fast.
1 Bayhaqi in Shu'ab ul Eeman, # 3590.
2 Muslim 170-1154, Abu Dawud # 5455, Nasai'i # 2322, Musnad Ahmad 6-207.

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CAN INVITATION BE AN EXCUSE
(٢٠٧٧) وَعَنْ أَنْسٍ قَالَ دَخَلَ النَّبِىُّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى أُمِ سُلَيْمٍ فَأَتَتْهُ بِتَمْرٍ وسَمْنٍ فَقَالَ أَعِيُدُوا
سَمْتَكُمُ فِي سِقَائِهِ وَتَمْرَكُمُ فِيْ وِعَائِهِ فَإِنِّ صَائِهْ ثُمَّ قَامَ إِى نَاحِيَّةٍ مِنَ الْبَيْتِ فَصَلَى غَيْرَ الْمَكْتُوْبَةِ فَدَقَالأُِ
سُلَيٍْ وَاَهُلٍ بَيْتِهَا- (رواه البخارى)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that the Prophet Muhammad رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Anas .2077
visited (Sayyidah) Umm Sulaym رضى الله عنه. She presented him some dates and
clarified butter, but he excused himself, "Put back your butter in its pot and your
eats in their bowl, for, I am fasting." Then he stood in a corner of the house and
offered a salah (prayer) that was other than a prescribed salah (prayer), and prayed
for (sayyidah) Umm Sulaym ucan », and the people of her house. 1
COMMENTARY: The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم did not break his fast despite
the invitation because he knew that Sayyidah Umm Sulaym us al +, would not be
grieved at his refusal.
The ulama (Scholars) say that an invitation to eat is enough excuse for both the guest and
host to break their optional fast, if either of them would feel grieved at the other's
rejection. But, the fast should be redeemed later. If no one is likely to mind, then the fast
should not be broken.
One who fast and is a visitor to anyone, must pray for the host and his family. It is mustahub.
(٢٠٧٨) وَعَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةً قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا دُعِىَ أَحَدُ كُمْ إِلَى طَعَاءٍ وَهُوَ صَائِمْ
فَلْيُقُلُ إِى صَائِمْ وَفِي رِوَايَةٍ قَالَ إِذَا دُعِىَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيُجِبُ فَإِنْ كَانَ صَائِمًا فَلْيُصَلٍّ وَإِنْ كَانَ مُفْطِرًّا
فَلْيَظْعَوُ (رواه مسلم)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah .2078
said, "If any of you is invited to a meal while he is fasting, he must say, 'I am fasting."
According to another version. He said. "If any of you is invited, he must accept it and if he
is fasting, then he must pray (two raka'at optional salah (prayer)). But, if he is not fasting,
then he must eat (the meal)."2
COMMENTARY: If he host is likely to be worried or revengeful that the guest does not eat
his food the it is wajib (obligatory) for the guest to break the fast. If the host will be pleased
that his guest had not eaten his meal then it is mustahab (desirable) to break the fast. If it is
likely to be the same either way, then the guest must excuse himself, 'I am fasting.'
SECTION II
الفضلُ الثَّانِى
(٢٠٧٩) عَنْ أُمِّ هَاِعْ قَالَتْ لَمَّا كَانَ يَوْمُ الْفَتْحِ فَتْحِ مَكَّةً جَاءتْ فَاطِمَةٌ فَجَلَسَتُ عَلَى يَسَارِ رَسُولِ اللّهِ
صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَأُمِّ هَانِيْ عَنْ يَمِيْنِهِ فَجَاءَتِ الْوَلِيْدَةُ بِإِنَاءٍ فِيْهِ شَرَابٌ فَنَاوَلَتَّهُ فَشَرِبَ مِنْهُ ثُمَّ نَاوَلَهُ أُمَّ
1 Bukhari # 1982.
2 Muslim # 159-1150, 781, Ibn Majah 1750, Darimi # 1737, Musnad Ahmad 2-507.

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هَانِيْ فَشَرِبَتْ مِنْهُ فَقَالَتْ يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ لَقَدْ أَفْطَرْتُ وَكُنْتُ صَائِمَةً فَقَالَ لَهَا اَكُتُتِ تَقْضِيْنَ شَيْئًا قَالَكُ لَا
قَالَ لَا فَلَا يُضُرُّكِ إِنْ كَانَ تَطَوُّقًا- رَوَاهُ أَبُوُدَاؤدَ وَالتِّزْ مِذِىُّ وَالدَّارِيُّ وَفِيْ رِوَايَةٍ لِأَحْمَدَ وَالِّرِمِذِيّ
تَخُوُهُ وَفِيْهِ فَقَالَت يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ آَمَّا إِّ كُنْتُ صَائِمَةً فَقَالَ الشَّائِمُ الْمُتَطَوُِّ أَمِيْرُ نَفْسِهِ إِبْ شَاء صَامَّ
وَإِكْ شَاء أَفْطَرَ.
2079. Sayyiduna Umm Hani As a +, narrated that on the day of the conquest of
صلى came and sat to the left of Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Makkah, Sayyidah Fatimah
sat to his right. A female slave brought a رضى الله عنه while Sayyidah Umm Hani الله عليه وسلم
vessel containing something to drink she gave it to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم . He
drank some and handed it over to (Sayyidah) Umm Hani us À +, who too drank
from it. Saying, "O Messenger of Allah, I was fasting and I broke my fast." He
asked, "Were you redeeming a fast." She said, "No" He said, "If it was an optional
fast, there is no harm."1
According to another version: she said, "O Messenger of Allah, I was fasting." He
said, "One who fasts the optional is the decider for himself. If he likes, he may fast.
If he likes, he may break his fast."2
COMMENTARY: If anyone breaks the optional fast for some reason, then he will have to
redeem it.
The scholars of hadith question the soundness of this hadith Tirmidhi declared that its
isnad is not sound. Mundhri said that it is not established and its isnad is disputed.
(٢٠٨٠) وَعَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ عَنْ عُرُوَةَ عَنْ عَائِشَةً قَالَتْ كُنْتُ أَنَا وَحَفْصَةٌ صَائِمَتَيْنِ فَعُرِضَ لَنَا طَعَامْ إِشْتَهَيْنَاهُ
فَأَكَلْنَا مِنْهُ فَقَالَتْ حَفْضَةُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّا كُنَّا صَائِمَتَيْنٍ فَعُرِضَ لَنَا طَعَامٌ إِشْتَهَيْنَاهُ فَأَكَلْنَا مِنْه قَالَ إِقُضِيَا.
يَوْمَّا أُخَرَ مَكَانَةٍ رَوَاهُ التِّزْمِذِىُّ وَذَكَّرَ جَمَاعَةٌ مِنَ الحُفَّاظِ رَوَوْاعَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ عَنْ عَائِشَةً مُرْسَلًا وَلَمْ
يَذْكُرُوْا فِيْهٍ عَنْ عُرْوَةَ وَهْذَا أَصَُّ وَرَوَاهُ أَبُوُ دَاوُدَ عَنْ زُّمَيْلٍ مَوْلِى عُرُوَةَ عَنْ عُرُوَةً عَنْ عَائِشَةً
رضى الله عنه reported on the authority of Sayyiduna Urwah رحمه الله Sayyiduna . Zuhri .2080
that Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنها narrated, "Hafsah and I were fasting and we were
offered some food. We craved for it and ate a little of it. Then Hafsah said, 'O
Messenger of Allah, we were fasting but food was brought to us and we were
tempted to eat it and ate some of it.' He said, 'Redeem it by fasting on another day." .
Tirmidhi transmitted it and also named a number of traditions its who reported
from zuhri from (Sayyidah) Ayshah رضى الله عنها in a mursal form without naming
Urwah alde, and it is more sound. And Abu Dawud transmitted it from Zumayl >,
3. رضى الله عنه from Sayyidah Ayshah رحمه الله from Urwah رحمه الله the freedman of Urwah الله
صلى الله عليه وسلم COMMENTARY: The Hanafis go by this hadith that the Prophet Muhammad
1 Abu Dawud # 2456, Tirmidhi # 731.
2 Musnad Ahmad 6-342.
3 Abu Dawud # 457, Tirmidhi # 735, Muwatta Maalik # 50, Musnad Ahmad 6-263.

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command to redeem the fast was of the nature of wajib (obligatory). So, an optional fast too
must be redeemed when broken.
The Shafi's However, say that the command was of the nature of mustahab (desirable) and
they maintain that it is not wajib (obligatory) to redeem an optional broken fast.
EATING IN THE PRESENCE OF ONE WHO IS FASTING
(٢٠٨١) وَعَنْ أُمِ عُمَارَةً بِنْتِ كَعْبٍ أَثَّ النَِّيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا فَدَعَتُ لَهُ بِطَعَامٍ فَقَالَ لَهَا
كُلِيْ فَقَالَت ◌ِِّ صَائِمَةٌ فَقَالَ النَّبِىُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِّ الشَّائِمَ إِذَا أُكِلَ عِنْدَهُ صَلَّتُ عَلَيْهِ المَلائِكَةُ
حتى يَفْرُغُوا۔ (رواهأحمد والترمذى وابن ماجة والدارمى)
2081. Sayyidah Umm Umarah Bint Ka'b us an+, said that the Prophet Muhammad
visited her. She had food brought for him, and he too invited her to eat صلى الله عليه وسلم
with him, but she said, "I am fasting." So, he said, "When food is eaten in his
presence, the angels invoke blessings on him who fasts till those who eat (in front
of him) have finished."1
SECTION III
الفَضْلُ الثَّالِثُ
(٢٠٨٢) عَنُّ بُرَيْدَةً قَالَ دَخَلَ بِلَالْ عَلَى رَسُوْلِ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَهُوَ يَتَغَدَى فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللُّهِصَلَّى
اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اَلْغَدَاءَ يَا بِلَالُ قَالَ إِنِّ صَائِهْ يَا رَسُولَ اللّهِ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ تَأْكُلُ
رِزْقَنَا وَفَضْلُ رِزْقِ بِلَالٍ فِى الْجُنَّةِ أَشْعَرُتَ يَا بِلَالُ آَتَّ القَّائِمَ يُسَبُِّ عِظَامُهُ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُ لَهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ مَا أُكِلَ
عِنْدَهُ رَوَاهُ الْبَحْقِيُّ فِي شُعَبٍ الإيمَانٍ-
2082. Sayyiduna Buraydah رضى الله عنه narrated that (Sayyiduna) Bilal رضى الله عنه visited
Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم while he was having his breakfast (morning meal).
He said, "Have the meal, O Bilal." He said , "I am fasting O Messenger of Allah."
So Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "We eat our provision while Bilal's excellent
provision is in paradise. Were you aware, O Bilal that the bones of one who is
fasting glorify Allah and the angels seek forgiveness for him as long as food is
eaten in his presence?"2
CHAPTER - IX
LAYLAT UL QADR (THE NIGHT OF POWER)
بَابُ لَيْلَةِالْقَدْرِ
The greatness and excellence of the Night of Power - Laylat ul qadr - will be highlighted in
this chapter. The signs when this night is most likely to appear will be mentioned. It is so
called because on this night are decreed the provision, life span and death of the creatures
for the year Some say that because it is great in estimation, it is called laylat ul qadr, 'qadr'
being to value.
1 Tirmidhi # 785, Ibn Majah # 1748, Darimi # 1738, Musnad Ahmad 6-365.
2 Bayhaqi # 3582.

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Many opinion are expressed on determining this night. Most of the ahadith place it in the
month of Ramadan particularly during its last ten day s on it odd night. Most ulama
(Scholars) place it on the twenty seventh night of Ramadan.
The opportunity of laylat' ul qadr is specifically bestowed on the ummah of Muhammad .
, Ale à so that they might earn abundant reward in spite of their short lives. When the
Prophet Muhammad ,le ao learnt of the very long lives of the past ummahs, he felt
grieved that members of his ummah would not be able to amass pious deeds which those
of the past ummahs had opportunity to amass. Hence, Allah, the exalted, granted this
ummah the laylat ul qadr that is better than one thousand months - because of the prayer of
. صلى الله عليه وسلم the Prophet
According to another tradition carried by Ibn Abu Hatim a , the noble Prophet
Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned four men of Banu Isra'il who had worshipped Allah,
Mighty and Glorious, for as long as eighty years. They had not been disobedient to Allah
for even a moment. They were:
(i)
Prophet Ayyub عليه السلام (Job).
(ii)
Prophet Zakariya (>.Ju,le (Zachariya),
(iii)
Prophet Hizqil عليه السلام (Ezakiel), and;
(iv)
Prophet Yusha ibn Noon عليه السلام (Joshuo). 1
The sahabah (companions) , a+, were surprised. (if they had a long life span they too
could devote themselves to worship of Allah.) Sayyiduna Jibril (>Ji4,le came to the Prophet
Muhammad , àL. and disclosed that Allah had bestowed on them great good and he
recited to the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم the surah al Qadr : (اناانزلناه فى ليلة القدر) (to the end).
He said laylat ul qadr that was given to the Prophet Muhammad ,la Lo and his ummah
was better than that which he and his ummah craved. This pleased the Prophet
Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم very much.
One thousand months equal eighty - three years and four months. The verse says that
laylat ul qadr is better than one thousand months or eighty three years and four months
On this night, Allah directs His mercy particularly on the lowest heaven from sunset to
dawn. The angels and the pure souls descend to meet the righteous and the devoted
worshippers. It was on this night that the noble Quran began to be revealed. The angels
were created on this night, and the mould of Sayyiduna Aadam (> Jule was put together.
Trees were planted in paradise.
Reward for worship in this night is many times the reward for worship at other times. This
is the night on which prayers of the creatures gain approval from the Mighty Lord.
Shari'ah (divine law) has not disclosed when laylat ul qadr falls. If the night was pointed out,
then people would not have worshipped at other times as eagerly. They would have
worshipped on that particular night and bear satisfied that they have accomplished
worship of more than a year.
The ulama (Scholars) say that if anyone keeps vigil in every night of the year and worships
Allah then, insha Allah, he will gain the good fortune of this night Hence, it is said:
1 See stories of the Prophet a> Jude (Ibn Khatir) respectively, p 165, 297 and 243 English translation,
Dar ul Isha'at Karachi.

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من لم يعرف قدر الليلة لم يعرف ليلة القدر
"He who does not esteem the night to keep vigil therein cannot recognize the
greatness of laylat ul qadr."
Some ulama (Scholars) maintain that there are some signs of this night that are described in
the ahadith and aathar, some of which the saintly persons have detected. Tabari ales, has
reported from some people that, on this night, the trees prostrate themselves before the
Mighty Lord. They drop themselves on the ground and revert to their original condition.
Similarly, every other things goes down in prostration on this night.
However, the correct thing is that it is not necessary to discern these things to fix this night.
Many people find this night without observing the prostration of the trees or any thing
else. It is very possible that of two man at one place. One may perceive the signs but the
other may see nothing though both get the night and its blessings.
The greatest of these signs is that, on this sacred night, one is enabled and induced to
worship and remember Allah and pray to him with humility and submission and sincerity.
When this happens, he must know that he has seized the opportunity and good fortune.
If one can keep awake all night to worship Allah then it is the best thing, provided he does
not fall ill or does not slacken in the discharge of the fard (compulsory) and sunnah
muwakkadah (emphasized practice of Holy Prophet (,,le ano). If he is likely to fulter, then he
must keep awake only as much as he can do easily. Insha Allah, he will achieve his aim.
(وَلَيْسَ لِلْإِنْسَانَ إِلَّ مَاسَفِى وَكَاتَ سَعْيُهُ مَشْكُوْرًا) - رزقنا الله
{And that there shall be for man naught except that for which he make effort) (53:39)
May Allah enable us!
SECTION I
الفَضل الآوَلْ
POINTATION OF LAYLAT UL QADR
(٢٠٨٣) عَنُ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ تَخَرَّوْا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْوِتْرِ مِنَ الْعَشْرِ
الْأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ - (رواه البخارى)
2083. Sayyidah Ayshah رضى الله عنها narrated that Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"See laylat ul qadr in the last ten nights of Ramdan in its odd dated nights."1
COMMENTARY: These are the twenty first, twenty third, twenty fifth, twenty seven and
twenty ninth nights of Ramadan.
(٢٠٨٤) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ إِكَّ رِجَالَّا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أُرُوا لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْمَنَّامِ
فِي السَّبْعِ الْأَوَاخِرِ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ آَرَى رُؤْ يَاكُمْ قَدْ تَوَاطَآَتُ فِي السَّبُعِ الْآَوَاخِرِ
فَمَنُ كَاتَ مُتَحَرِّيْهَا فَلْيَتَحَرَّهَا فِي السَّبْعِ الْآَوَاخِرِ - (متفق عليه)
2084. Sayyiduna Ibn Umar us & +) said that some men among the sahabah of the
1 Bukhari # 2017, Muslim # 219-1169, Abu Dawud # 1385, Tirmidhi # 792, Muwatta Maalik # 10 (3
Itikaf), Musnad Ahmad 6-50.

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Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم were shown the night of power to be in the last
seven nights (of Ramadan) in their dream. So, Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, 'T
see that your dreams concur concerning the last seven nights. Hence, whoever looks
for it must search it in the last seven nights."1
COMMENTARY: The seven nights could be: from twenty first to twenty seventh, or the last
seven from twenty third to twenty ninth. This last seems to be more correct.
(٢٠٨٥) وَعَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسِ أَنَّ النَِّيَّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الْتَمِسُوْهَا فِ الْعَشْرِ الْآَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ
لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فِعْ تَاسِعَةٍ تَبْقِ فِي سَابِعَةٍ تَبُقی فی خَامِسَةٍ تبقى(رواه البخاری)
صلى الله عليه وسلم narrated that the Prophet Muhammad رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas .2085
said, "Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan - laylat ul qadr on the ninth
remaining (which is the twenty first), seventh remaining (which is the twenty
third), or fifth remaining (which is the twenty fifth)."2
COMMENTARY: One should engage in worship, dhikr and recitation of the Quran in these
nights to earn the merit of laylatul qadr. The hadith has adopted a style of pointed these
nights which has been interpreted in parenthesis. Although this seems to be a correct
interpretation, Allamah Yahya als, said that the hadith refers to the twenty third, twenty
fourth and twenty sixth nights.
(٢٠٨٦-٢٠٨٧) وَعَنْ أَبٍ سَعِيْدِنِ الْخُدْرِيِّ أَّ رَسُولَ اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اعْتَكَفَ الْعَشْرَ الْأَوَّلَ مِنْ
رَمَضَّاكَ ثُقَّ اعْتَكَفَ الْعَشْرَ الْأَوْسَطَ فِي قُتٍَّ تُرُكِيَّةٍ ثُؤَّ أَظْلَةَ رَأُّسَهُ فَقَالَ إِّ إِعْتَكَمْتُ الْعَشْرَ الْأَوَّلَ
اَلْتَمِسُ هُذِهِ اللَّيْلَةَ تُؤَّ اعْتَكَفْتُ الْعَشْرَ الْأَوَّلَ اَلْتَّمِسُ هُذِهِ اللَّيْلَةَ تُؤَّ اعْتَكَفْتُ الْعَشْرَ الْأَوْسَطَ ثُؤَّ أَتَيْتُ.
فَقِيْلَ لِيْ إِنَّمَا فِ الْعَشْرِ الْآَوَاخِرِ فَمَنْ كَانَ اعْتَكَفَ مَعِيْ فَلْيَعْتَكِفِ العَشْرَ الْأَوَاخِرَ فَقَدٌ أُرِيْتُ هذِهِ اللَّيْلَةَ
تُؤَّ أُنْسِيْتُهَا وَقَّدُ رَأَيْتُنِيْ أَسْجُدُ فِيْ مَاء وَطِيْنٍ مِنْ صَبِيُحَتِهَا فَالْتَِّسُوْهَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ وَالْتَّمِسُوهَا فِى ◌ُّ
وِتْرٍ قَالَ فَمَطَرَتِ السَّمَاءِ تِلْكَ اللَّيْلَةَ وَكَاتَ الْمَسْجِدُ عَلَى عَرِئِشٍ فَوَكَفَ المَسْجِدُ فَبَصُرَتْ عَيْنَاىَ رَسُوُلِ
اللّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَعَلَى جَبْهَيْهِ أَثْرُ الْمَاءِ وَالطِيْنِ مِنْ صَبِيحَةٍ إِحْذِى وَعِشْرِيْنَ- مُتَّفَقْ عَلَيْهِ فِي الْمَعْلِى
وَاللَّفْظُ لِمُسْلِمٍ إِلَى قَوْلِهِ فَقِيْلَ لِيُ إِنَّمَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الْآَوَاخِرِ وَالْبَّاقِي لِلْبُخَارِيِّ وَفِيْ رِوَايَةٍ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أُنَيْسِ قَالَ
لَيْلَهُ ثَلَاثٍ وَعِشْرِ ئِنَ-(رواه مسلم)
صلى الله narrated that Allah's Messenger رضى الله عنه Sayyiduna Abu Sa'eed al-khudri .2086
the observed I'tikaf (Seclusion(for worship in a mosque) in the first ten days of
Ramadan. Then he observed I'tikaf (Seclusion(for worship in a mosque) in the
middle (second) ten days in a Turkish tent. After that, he brought out his head
(from the tent) and said, "I observed the I'tikaf (Seclusion(for worship in a mosque)
to seek laylat ul qadr in the first ten days. Then, I observed the I'tikaf (Seclusion(for
1 Bukhari # 2015, Muslim # 25-1165, Muwatta Maalik # 14 (I'tikaf), Musnad Ahmad 2-17.
2 Bukhari # 2021, Abu Dawud # 1383, Tirmidhi # 794, Darimi # 1781, Muwatta Maalik # 13, (I'tikaf).

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worship in a mosque) in the middle ten days. Then an angel came to me and told me
that laylat ul qadr appears in the last ten days (of Ramadan). Hence, whoever
wishes to observe the I'tikaf (Seclusion(for worship in a mosque) with me should do
so in the last ten days. I was shown it in a dream, hen made to forget it. I saw myself
prostrating in water and clay in the morning succeeding (the night). So seek it in the
last ten (nights) and seek it in every odd dated night." The narrator continues to say:
"That night (on which he saw the dream) it had rained. The mosque that had a
thatched roof dripped, and my eyes saw Allah's Messenger's forehead with drops
of water and clay on the morning succeeding the twenty first night."1
Muslim has it up to 'it is in the last ten days." Bukhari has the remaining to.
According to another version:
2087. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Unays us al+, narrated that (instead of twenty first
night) the twenty third night."2
ANOTHER SIGN
(٢٠٨٨) وَعَنُ زِرِّ بْنِ حُبَّيْشٍ قَالَ سَأَلْتُ أُتَّ بُنَ كَعْبٍ فَقُلْتُ إِّ آَخَاكَ ابْنَّ مَسْكُوْدٍ يَقُوْلُ مَنْ يَقُمِ الْخُوْلَ
يُصِبْ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ فَقَالَ رَحِمَهُ اللّهُ أَرَادَ أَنْ لَا يَشَّكِلَ النَّاسُ أَمَا إِنَّهُ قَدْ عَلِمَ أَنَّهَا فِي رَمَضَانَ وَأَنَّمَا فِى الْعَشْرِ
الْأَوَاخِرٍ وَأَّمَا لَيْلَهُ سَبْعٍ وَعِشْرِ يْنَ ثَُّ خَلَفَ لَّا يَسْتَثْنِى أَّمَا لَيْلَةُ سَبْعٍ قِ عِشْرِيْنَ فَقُلْتُ بِأَيِّ شَىْءٍ تَقُولُ
ذُلِكَ يَا أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ قَالَ بِالْعَلَامَةِ لَوْ بِالْآيَةِ الَّتِى أَخْبَنَا رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهَا تَطْلُهُ يَوْمَئِذٍ لَا
شُعَاءَ لَهَا (رواه مسلم)
2088. Sayyiduna Zirr ibn Hubaysh a >, said that he pointed out to Sayyiduna
رضى الله عنه that his brother (in religion) Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud رضى الله عنه Ubayy ibn Ka'b
said that if anyone keeps vigil every night throughout the year, then he will find
laylat ul qadr. Ubayy us ano, said, "May Allah have mercy on him! He said so to
prevent people from relying (only on that night). Rather, he was aware that it was in
Ramadan and one of its last ten nights and that is the twenty seventh." Then, he
swore, without saying insha Allah, that it was the twenty seventy. Zirr alus, asked
him on what basis he could assert that and called him (by his kunyah) Abu
صلى الله عليه وسلم Mundhir. He said, 'By the sign, or indication, that Allah's Messenger
informed us that the sun rises on its morning without rays."3
COMMENTARY: Sayyiduna Ibn Mas'ud usa >, did not want the people to depend on any
one night and sit the rest of the time out without action. His intention was that they must
engage in worship regularly and sincerely.
Sayyiduna Ubayy ibn Ka'b we ano, said that the twenty seventh was laylat ul qadr and swore
about it without saying insha Allah. This was his strong presumption. If anyone says insha
Allah at the same time as swearing about what he says then his oath is not only not a firm
statement but also not fulfilled in Shari'nh (divine law).
1 Bukhari # 2016, Muslim # 213-1167, Abu Dowud # 1382, Muwatta Maalik # 9 (I'tikaaf).
2 Muslim # 218-1168
3 Muslim # 220.762.
: