Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays: The Sunnah fasts

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays: The Sunnah Fasts

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a highly recommended Sunnah that was regularly practiced by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. These voluntary fasts hold immense spiritual significance, offering believers an opportunity to draw closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, and increase their good deeds.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“تُعْرَضُ الأَعْمَالُ يَوْمَ الإِثْنَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيسِ، فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُعْرَضَ عَمَلِي وَأَنَا صَائِمٌ”
“Deeds are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, so I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 747, Sahih)

This hadith highlights the spiritual wisdom behind fasting on these days—it is a time when Allah reviews the deeds of His servants, making it an ideal occasion for purification and seeking His mercy. Additionally, the Prophet ﷺ mentioned that he was born on a Monday, adding another layer of significance to fasting on that day.

By observing these Sunnah fasts, Muslims gain numerous rewards while reinforcing discipline, gratitude, and self-restraint. This article will explore the virtues, hadith references, and wisdom behind fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, shedding light on its profound impact on a believer’s spiritual journey.

What Are Sunnah Fasts?

Sunnah fasts are voluntary fasts that were regularly observed and encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. While fasting in Ramadan is obligatory, Sunnah fasts offer additional opportunities for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and earning immense rewards from Allah. These fasts are not compulsory, but they hold great virtue and bring a believer closer to Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمًا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بَعَّدَ اللَّهُ وَجْهَهُ عَنِ النَّارِ سَبْعِينَ خَرِيفًا”
“Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, Allah will keep his face away from Hellfire a distance of seventy years.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2840, Muslim 1153)

Some of the most recommended Sunnah fasts include:

• Mondays and Thursdays – When deeds are presented to Allah.
• The White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month) – Equivalent to fasting a lifetime.
• The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah) – Expiates sins of the past and coming year.
• The Day of Ashura (10th Muharram) – Erases the sins of the previous year.
• Six days of Shawwal – Rewarded as if fasting the entire year.

Sunnah fasts are a means of attaining Allah’s mercy, increasing gratitude, and strengthening spiritual discipline while following the beloved practice of the Prophet ﷺ.

The Importance of Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

The practice of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). These days were chosen because of their significance in the life of the Prophet, as well as the numerous benefits and rewards associated with them. Below, we will discuss why these particular days were selected for fasting.

The Day of Birth and Revelation

One of the key reasons for fasting on Mondays is the fact that the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was born on a Monday. In a famous Hadith, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) mentioned that he fasted on Mondays in gratitude for the day he was born:

“صَادَفَ يَوْمَ الإثْنَيْنِ فَصَامَ.”
(Riyad as-Salihin, Hadith 938)

This Hadith illustrates that Monday is a special day for the Prophet, as it marks his birth, and it is an occasion for Muslims to reflect on the immense blessings and mercy of Allah in sending such a beloved Prophet to humanity.

Furthermore, it is also reported that the first revelation of the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) on a Monday, making the day even more significant. Thus, fasting on Mondays can be seen as a way of showing gratitude for these two important events in the life of the Prophet.

The Day of Accountability

Thursdays are also significant because, as reported in the Hadith, the deeds of a person are presented to Allah on Thursdays and Mondays. Fasting on Thursdays, therefore, allows a Muslim to have their deeds presented to Allah while in a state of fasting, which is a time when Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are abundant.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“تُعْرَضُ أَعْمَالُ النَّاسِ يَوْمَ الإثْنَيْنِ وَالخَمِيسِ، فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُعْرَضَ عَمَلِي وَأَنَا صَائِمٌ.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1735)

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of presenting one’s deeds to Allah while fasting, as it is a time when the individual is most humble and devoted to their Creator. The fasting on Mondays and Thursdays offers Muslims a chance to increase their reward, and Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) promises to forgive the sins of those who fast with sincerity.

The Virtues of Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is not only beneficial for the soul but also carries numerous spiritual rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) taught us that voluntary fasts, like those on Mondays and Thursdays, are a means of attaining closeness to Allah, expiating sins, and increasing one’s spiritual rank.

Forgiveness of Sins

One of the major virtues of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is that it serves as an expiation for sins. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“الصَّوْمُ جُنَّةٌ، فَإِذَا صَامَ العَبْدُ فَصَامَ فَرَجَتْ عَنْهُ فِيهِ النَّارُ، وَإِذَا صَامَ فِي النَّافِلَةِ صَارَتْ تَفْرُغُهُ عَنِ السَّيِّئَاتِ.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith indicates that fasting, whether obligatory or voluntary, serves to purify a person from their sins and brings them closer to Allah. By fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, Muslims seek forgiveness for their minor sins and increase their chances of receiving Allah’s mercy.

Elevation of One’s Status in the Hereafter

Another significant benefit of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is the elevation of one’s rank in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) mentioned that fasting increases the reward for the believer, as Allah loves to reward those who willingly exert themselves for His sake.

“إِنَّ فِي الجَنَّةِ بَابًا يُقَالُ لَهُ الرَّيَّانُ، يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ الصَّائِمُونَ لَا يَدْخُلُهُ غَيْرُهُمْ.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1896)

This Hadith refers to the special gate in Paradise, known as Al-Rayyan, which is exclusively for those who fasted during their lifetime. The Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) words indicate that fasting, including voluntary fasts like those on Mondays and Thursdays, will lead to the individual entering this special gate, ensuring their entry into Paradise.

Increased God-Consciousness (Taqwa)

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a means of developing taqwa (God-consciousness). The more an individual fasts, the greater their self-control and awareness of Allah’s presence. Fasting is not just about refraining from food and drink, but about abstaining from all sins, making it an act of spiritual purification.

“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

This verse of the Quran establishes fasting as a means to attain taqwa, and by observing fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, Muslims can continually nurture their God-consciousness, keeping their hearts and minds focused on Allah.

The Quranic Perspective on Voluntary Fasting

While the Quran does not specifically mention fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, it highlights the general importance of voluntary fasts and their connection to spiritual development. The Quran encourages believers to engage in extra acts of worship, such as fasting, to draw closer to Allah:

“وَأَنْفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنْفُسِكُمْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا وَأَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا”
(Surah Al-Muzzammil, 73:20)

The voluntary fasts on Mondays and Thursdays align with this call to do more for the sake of Allah, as they are acts of worship that go beyond the obligatory acts and are intended to bring greater reward.

Conclusion

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a powerful Sunnah that offers immense spiritual and physical benefits. It is a simple yet deeply rewarding act of worship that strengthens one’s relationship with Allah, increases self-discipline, and brings abundant rewards. By observing these fasts, believers follow the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, aligning themselves with his devotion and love for voluntary worship.

The Prophet ﷺ emphasized that these days are when deeds are presented before Allah, making them an ideal time for seeking forgiveness and purification. Additionally, fasting on Mondays holds special significance as it marks the day of his birth. These fasts not only enhance spiritual growth but also promote physical well-being by regulating metabolism and improving overall health.

Incorporating the Sunnah fasts into one’s routine cultivates gratitude, mindfulness, and taqwa (God-consciousness). It serves as a reminder that Islam encourages balance—offering opportunities for continuous self-improvement without undue hardship. Ultimately, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a pathway to divine mercy, increased barakah (blessings), and a closer connection with Allah in both this life and the Hereafter.