Regulations of Fasting Beyond Ramadan
The rulings concerning fasting can be categorized into several segments as follows:
- Mandatory Fasting
This includes fasting during the month of Ramadan, fulfilling vows of fasting, and making up missed fasts from Ramadan.
- Recommended Fasting
This pertains to voluntary fasting, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, fasting for three days each month in the Islamic calendar, as well as fasting in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, on Ashura, the Day of Arafah, and the practice of alternating days of fasting and breaking fast; this is akin to the fasting observed by Prophet David (peace be upon him), which is considered the most virtuous form of voluntary fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah is a means of seeking forgiveness from Allah for the year before and the year after, and fasting on the Day of Ashura also serves to atone for the year prior.”
- Prohibited Fasting
This includes fasting on the two Eid days—Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr—as it is forbidden to fast on these occasions. Additionally, fasting on the Days of Tashreeq (the three days following Eid al-Adha) is not permitted for those who are not performing Hajj. For women, fasting without the consent of their husbands is also impermissible; if her husband grants permission, she may fast, but if he does not, she must refrain from voluntary fasting. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “It is not lawful for a woman to fast while her husband is present unless he gives his consent, nor should she allow anyone in her home without his permission.”
- Disliked Fasting
It is generally deemed disliked to fast only on Fridays unless one fasts the day before or after it. As narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “None of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts a day before or a day after.”
- Permissible Fasting
This category encompasses fasting that does not fall under any of the aforementioned categories, where no particular command or prohibition exists regarding it, such as fasting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Types of Voluntary Fasting
Voluntary fasting, as a type of fasting outside of Ramadan, can be divided into two main categories:
- Absolute Voluntary Fasting
This type refers to fasting at any time, except on the days that are explicitly prohibited. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will distance his face from the fire of hell by seventy years.”
- Restricted Voluntary Fasting
This includes specific days such as the six days of Shawwal, the Day of Arafah, the month of Muharram, and the majority of the month of Sha’ban, among others previously mentioned.
The Ruling on Voluntary Fasting Before Making Up Obligatory Fasts
The majority of scholars permit voluntary fasting for those who still have missed fasts from Ramadan, as there is ample time for making up these fasts similarly to the time available for prayers. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: “If I had a missed fast from Ramadan, I would not make it up until Sha’ban arrived.”
They argue that since the time for making up missed fasts is flexible, it is acceptable for a Muslim to engage in voluntary fasting before fulfilling their obligations. However, it is preferable to prioritize making up obligatory fasts since they represent a debt due from the individual and serve to amend any deficiencies from Ramadan. Therefore, it is advisable to attend to the obligatory fasts first, though it is acceptable to start with voluntary fasting without any issue. This view reflects the consensus of the majority of scholars.
Conversely, some jurists maintain that engaging in voluntary fasting while having outstanding fasts from Ramadan is not permissible, particularly when intending to observe fasts on significant days such as the Day of Arafah or the six days of Shawwal while still in debt for missed fasts. Others argue that this presents unnecessary hardship, as significant days such as the Day of Arafah are time-specific, unlike the making up of missed fasts, which can occur at any time.