Voluntary Fasts and Their Rewards

Voluntary Fasts and Their Rewards: A Detailed Exploration with Quranic and Hadith References

Fasting in Islam is not limited to the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. Beyond this, there are numerous voluntary fasts (known as Siyam al-Tatawwu) that carry significant spiritual rewards and benefits. These voluntary fasts allow Muslims to increase their devotion and earn Allah’s pleasure, bringing them closer to Him. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of voluntary fasting, the types of voluntary fasts, and the immense rewards associated with them. This post will also include Quranic verses and Hadiths, both in Arabic and English, that emphasize the significance of voluntary fasts in Islam.

What Are Voluntary Fasts (Siyam al-Tatawwu)?

Voluntary fasts, or Siyam al-Tatawwu, are fasts that a Muslim can observe at any time during the year except during the prohibited days such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Unlike the obligatory fasts of Ramadan, voluntary fasts are not mandated by the Quran or Hadith, but they are highly recommended and have great spiritual rewards.

Voluntary fasting serves as a way for a Muslim to seek closeness to Allah, purify the soul, and gain immense rewards. It is a form of worship that demonstrates self-discipline and control over worldly desires. While fasting is a common act of devotion during Ramadan, voluntary fasts throughout the year can be equally beneficial.

Types of Voluntary Fasts

There are several types of voluntary fasts in Islam, each with its own significance and rewards. Some of the most well-known and recommended fasts are:

• The Fast of Mondays and Thursdays: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. These fasts are considered to be among the most virtuous voluntary fasts. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “The deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
  رواه الترمذي
  “تُعرض الأعمال يوم الإثنين والخميس، فأحب أن يُعرض عملي وأنا صائم.”

  Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a way to engage in frequent acts of worship and to seek closeness to Allah. The Hadith implies that fasting on these days brings a special benefit, as the deeds of the believers are presented to Allah.

• The Fast of the White Days (Ayyam al-Beedh): The white days refer to the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month. The Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting on these days, as they carry great rewards:

  “The fast of three days every month is like fasting for the whole year.”
  رواه مسلم
  “صيام ثلاثة أيام من كل شهر كصيام الدهر.”

  This Hadith highlights the immense reward of fasting three days each month, as it is equivalent to fasting the entire year. The white days are a time for Muslims to engage in additional worship and purification of the soul.

• The Fast of Ashura: Ashura is the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting on this day, and it is a Sunnah to fast either on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, or the 10th and 11th, to differentiate from the practices of other communities. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “Fasting the day of Ashura, I hope that Allah will expiate for the year that came before it.”
  رواه مسلم
  “صيام يوم عاشوراء، أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله.”

  Fasting on the day of Ashura is an act of gratitude and a means to seek forgiveness for past sins. It is a day of reflection and repentance.

• The Fast of the Day of Arafah: The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha. The Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting on this day, especially for those who are not performing Hajj. He said:

  “Fasting on the Day of Arafah, I hope that Allah will expiate the sins of the previous year and the coming year.”
  رواه مسلم
  “صيام يوم عرفة، أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله والتي بعده.”

  Fasting on this day is a way to cleanse oneself spiritually and earn great rewards. It is a highly recommended fast due to the significance of the Day of Arafah in Islam.

• The Fast of Nafl (Optional Fasts): Any additional fast that is not linked to a specific date or event is known as Siyam al-Nafl. These fasts can be observed at any time, except during the days when fasting is prohibited, such as on Fridays alone or on Eid days. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “The most beloved fast to Allah is the fast of Dawood (David) who would fast every other day.”
  رواه البخاري
  “أحب الصيام إلى الله صيام داوود، كان يصوم يومًا ويفطر يومًا.”

  This Hadith indicates that fasting every other day is a virtuous practice. Siyam al-Nafl can be a way to remain in a state of continuous worship, purifying the heart and seeking Allah’s favor.

The Rewards of Voluntary Fasts

Voluntary fasts, though not obligatory, carry great rewards and spiritual benefits. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the significance of fasting and its ability to purify the soul and increase the believer’s closeness to Allah. Some of the primary rewards associated with voluntary fasts include:

• Forgiveness of Sins: Fasting is a means of seeking forgiveness for past sins. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward, his past sins will be forgiven. And whoever fasts the Day of Arafah, his past and future sins will be forgiven.”
  رواه مسلم
  “من صام رمضان إيمانًا واحتسابًا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه. ومن صام يوم عرفة غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه وما تأخر.”

  This Hadith underscores the power of fasting as a means of cleansing oneself from past mistakes and earning Allah’s mercy. Voluntary fasts such as those on Ashura, Arafah, and the white days are acts of worship that cleanse the believer’s sins.

• Increased Rewards and Blessings: Allah promises to multiply the rewards of fasting, especially voluntary fasts, which are performed to please Him. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “Every good deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied, even ten times. Except fasting, for it is for Me, and I will reward it.”
  رواه البخاري
  “كل عمل ابن آدم له إلا الصيام فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به.”

  This Hadith highlights the special status of fasting in the eyes of Allah. While other deeds are multiplied by ten, fasting is rewarded uniquely by Allah Himself, showing its profound spiritual significance.

• Drawing Closer to Allah: Voluntary fasting is an excellent way to develop a closer relationship with Allah. By regularly fasting, a believer exhibits self-control, patience, and discipline, which are qualities that please Allah. The Quran tells us:

  وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَى مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
  سورة البقرة – 2:185

  “And complete the fast until the night, and glorify Allah for that to which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”

  Through voluntary fasting, Muslims engage in this act of glorifying Allah, increasing their spiritual devotion, and nurturing an attitude of gratitude.

• The Intercession of Fasting on the Day of Judgment: Fasting will intercede for the believer on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet ﷺ said:

  “Fasting and the Quran will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say, ‘O my Lord, I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so accept my intercession for him.'”
  رواه أحمد
  “الصيام والقرآن يشفعان للعبد يوم القيامة، يقول الصيام: يا رب، منعته الطعام والشهوات في النهار، فشفعني فيه.”

  This Hadith reveals the special intercession of fasting, which can help secure the believer’s forgiveness on the Day of Judgment.

• A Reward for Patience: Fasting builds patience and resilience. In another Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ said:

  “There are two pleasures for the fasting person: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord.”
  رواه البخاري
  “لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ: فَرْحَةٌ عِندَ فِطْرِهِ وَفَرْحَةٌ عِندَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِ.”

  This Hadith emphasizes that the fasting person experiences joy both during and after fasting, and the rewards of patience will be realized in the Hereafter.

Conclusion

Voluntary fasting, although not obligatory, is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam. It offers Muslims an opportunity to increase their rewards, seek forgiveness for their sins, and strengthen their relationship with Allah. The many types of voluntary fasts, such as those on Mondays and Thursdays, Ashura, and Arafah, offer unique spiritual benefits and allow the believer to engage in continuous worship and gratitude. The rewards for voluntary fasting are immense, including the forgiveness of sins, increased blessings, the intercession of fasting on the Day of Judgment, and the development of patience.

Through these voluntary fasts, Muslims can not only fulfill their religious duties but also deepen their connection with Allah, purify their hearts, and cultivate the qualities of gratitude and self-discipline. May Allah grant us the ability to fast voluntarily and accept our fasts, and may He reward us with the best of His blessings in this world and the Hereafter.