Why is it Recommended to Fast on Mondays and Thursdays?
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is among the most emphasized forms of worship, even outside the month of Ramadan. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslim men and women, whereas fasting in other parts of the year is optional, in the form of Nafl or Sunnah.
This act of worship can be performed on any day during the entire year, except for a few days, such as the day of Eid al-Fitr. On the other hand, some days are considered more virtuous for fasting than others. Fasting on the 13th14thand 15th of every Islamic month is a well-known Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. Likewise, according to another Sunnah, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is highly significant in Islam. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is specifically mentioned in different Quranic verses, such as the 185th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah. However, there is no specific mention of fasting out of Ramadan; it is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, transmitted through different Hadiths.
Recommendation on Fasting on Mondays & Tuesdays
Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a well-established Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, which is narrated in several authentic Hadiths. Hadith 1739 of Sunan Ibn Majah narrates this Sunnah as follows:
Translation:
It was narrated from Rabi’ah bin Ghaz that he asked ‘Aishah about the fasting of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). She said: “He used to make sure he fasted on Mondays and Thursdays.”
The same Sunnah is also mentioned in some other Hadiths. This repeated emphasis reflects that fasting on Mondays and Thursdays was a much-liked act by the Prophet. Therefore, it is a highly recommended practice to follow a Sunnah. That’s why this tradition is widely followed by Muslims across the world. Fasting on these days is rated as “highly virtuous” by the majority of Scholars. Those who intend to fast beyond Ramadan specifically chose Mondays and Thursdays so as to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet.
Significance of Mondays And Thursdays
Both Monday and Thursday hold special significance in Islamic traditions. Scholars and historians have documented numerous traditions regarding the significance of these two days. While fasting on these two days is a proven Sunnah, beyond Ramadan, there are many Hadiths attesting to their special significance.
Importance of Monday In Islam
It is reported in various historical accounts that Monday is the day of birth of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace. It is also remembered as the day of the first revelation, establishing the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace.
Hadith 1162e of Sahih Muslim confirms that Monday is the day of birth of the Prophet as well as the day when he received revelation.
Translation:
Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born, and revelation was sent down to me.
So, Monday holds a great significance in the life of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ, hence he used to fast on this day. Muslims worldwide observe this tradition, while also recognizing the special status of Monday in the life of the Prophet.
Importance of Mondays And Thursdays Together In Islam
Mondays and Thursdays are believed to be the days when deeds of mankind are presented to Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. Some other traditions are also reported in authentic Hadith collections that both Monday and Thursday are the days when Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ forgives every Muslim except those two who have ditched each other.
Hadith 1740 of Sunan Ibn Majah narrates both Mondays and Thursdays as the days when Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, mercy and forgiveness prevail, hence the Prophet used to fast on these days.
Translation:
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It was said: “O Messenger of Allah, why do you fast on Mondays and Thursdays?” He said: “On Mondays and Thursdays, Allah forgives every Muslim except two who have forsaken one another. He says: ‘Leave these two until they reconcile.’”
A similar subject is narrated in Hadith 747 of Jami At-Tirmidhiin the context of presentation of deeds before Allah Glory be to Him on these two days, as follows:
Translation:
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.”
In light of the above Hadiths, it is established that both Mondays and Thursdays hold a special significance in Islam, as being the days of forgiveness and mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, and the Prophet used to fast on these days. Hence, fasting on these days out of Ramadan is an act of following the Sunnah.
Other Recommended Days of Fasting
While fasting the full month of Ramadan is made obligatory upon every adult Muslim man and woman, fasting out of it is also highly virtuous. Although one can fast on any other day as well, fasting on the following days is considered a special and highly recommended act:
- Fasting six days of the month of Shawwal, after Eid al-Fitr day.
- Fasting on the 13th14thand 15th day of an Islamic month.
- Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays.
- Fasting on the 15th Aanban (shapon–rab-Othart').
Consistency In Worship Is Important
Fasting is a unique and most virtuous act of worship. While fasting in Ramadan is obligatory, fasting beyond it is considered another highly recommended Sunnah of the Prophet. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ emphasized continuity and consistency in doing good deeds and worship. In this context, fasting beyond Ramadan, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, is seen as an important act, ensuring consistency and continuity of worship.
This concept is mentioned in Hadith 6464 of Sahih Al-Bukharias follows:
Translation:
Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.”
Hence, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is highly recommended in Islam, not only as following the Sunnah of the Prophet but also in the sense that continuity and consistency are the essence of worship and beloved by Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ.
Conclusion
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory during the month of Ramadan for adult Muslim men and women. On the other hand, Muslims are also allowed, rather encouraged, to fast even out of Ramadan. In this context, some days, beyond the month of Ramadan, are considered highly important for fasting, such as the six days of the Islamic month of Shawwal, after Eid al-Fitr, and the 15th day of Shaban (Shab-e-Bar’at). Likewise, it is a strong and well-established Sunnah of the Prophet to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. The Prophet was quite consistent in fasting on these days. When asked, he said, these are the days when Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ blesses His servants with mercy and forgiveness. In the context of fasting on Mondays, the Prophet also said that Monday was the day of his birth and the day of revelation.
Hence, Muslims across the world prefer to fast on Mondays and Thursdays to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet. If anyone intends to fast beyond the month of Ramadan, Mondays and Thursdays are the best option for them.
