Sawm (Fasting) – Voluntary Fasts in Islam

Sawm (Fasting) – Guide
Chapter 5 – Voluntary Fasts

Beyond the obligatory fasts during Ramadan, Islam encourages additional voluntary fasting to increase spirituality and seek extra rewards. These fasts complement the mandatory ones and offer opportunities for continued self-discipline throughout the year.

1. Six days of Shawwal
Fasting six days in the month following Ramadan, Shawwal (the tenth month of the Islamic calendar), is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

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

These six days do not need to be consecutive and can be observed at any time during Shawwal.

2. White Moon days (Ayyam al-Bid)
These are the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each lunar month. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ regularly fasted on these days as a Sunnah practice:

“The fast on the White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month) is a confirmed Sunnah.”
(Al-Nasa’i)

Fasting on these days provides a steady rhythm of worship beyond Ramadan and helps maintain taqwa throughout the year.

3. Mondays and Thursdays
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known to fast voluntarily on Mondays and Thursdays:

“The deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays, so I like that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.”
(Tirmidhi)

4. The Day of Arafah
Fasting on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (Day of Arafah) is highly meritorious for those not performing Hajj:

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

5. Other recommended fasts
Additional days such as the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) and the 13th to 15th of Muharram are also encouraged.

Voluntary fasting is a means to deepen one’s connection with Allah and increase spiritual rewards. While optional, these fasts reflect the continuous commitment of a believer to worship and self-purification.