6. Fasting

IN SAHIH BUKHARI

Sahih Bukhari >
Book 31- Fasting

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 1. The superiority of As-Saum (the fasting).

3:118 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 2. Ar-Raiyân (one of the gates of Paradise) is for the people observing Saum (fast).

3:120 Narrated Sahl: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”

3:121 ‘Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever gives two kinds (of things or property) in charity for Allah’s Cause, will be called from the gates of Paradise and will be addressed, ‘O slaves of Allah! Here is prosperity.’ So, whoever was amongst the people who used to offer their prayers, will be called from the gate of the prayer; and whoever was amongst the people who used to participate in Jihad, will be called from the gate of Jihad; and whoever was amongst those who used to observe fasts, will be called from the gate of Ar-Raiyan; whoever was amongst those who used to give in charity, will be called from the gate of charity.” Abu Bakr said, “Let my parents be sacrificed for you, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates. Will there be any one who will be called from all these gates?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Yes, and I hope you will be one of them.”

3:122 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.”

3:123 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 3. Should it be said “Ramadân” or “The month of Ramadan?” And whoever thinks that both are permissible.

3:124 Narrated Ibn `Umar: I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying, “When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can’t see it) then regard the month of Ramadan as of 30 days.”

CHAPTER 4. Whoever does not give up lying speech (false statements – i.e. telling lies etc.) and acting on those lies and evil actions etc. in Ramadân.

3:127 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 5. Should one say, “I am observing .’aum (fast)” on being abused?

3:128 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Allah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hands my soul is’ The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 6. As-Saum (the fasting) (is recommended) for those who fear committing illegal sexual acts, i.e. those who are unmarried.

3:129 Narrated ‘Alqama: While I was walking with `Abdullah he said, “We were in the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) and he said, ‘He who can afford to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking at other women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as fasting will diminish his sexual power.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 7. The statement of the Prophet ‘Start observing Saum (fasts) on seeing the crescent-moon of Ramadân, and stop observing Saum (fasts) on seeing the crescent-moon (of Shawwâl).’

3:131 Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The month (can be) 29 nights (i.e. days), and do not fast till you see the moon, and if the sky is overcast, then complete Sha’ban as thirty days.”

3:134 Narrated Um Salama: The Prophet (ﷺ) vowed to keep aloof from his wives for a period of one month, and after the completion of 29 days he went either in the morning or in the afternoon to his wives. Someone said to him “You vowed that you would not go to your wives for one month.” He replied, “The month is of 29 days.”

CHAPTER 8. The two months of ‘Eid do not decrease. [Narrated Abü ‘Abdullâh: Ishâq said that if Ramadân is of 29 days, even then it is complete (in its superiority); Muhammad said, ‘It will not happen that there will be any decrease in their number and superiority.’]

3:136 Narrated Abu Bakra: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The two months of `Id i.e. Ramadan and Dhul-Hijja, do not decrease (in superiority).

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 9. The statement of the Prophet : ‘We neither write nor know accounts.’

3:137 Narrated Ibn `Umar: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “We are an illiterate nation; we neither write, nor know accounts. The month is like this and this, i.e. sometimes of 29 days and sometimes of thirty days.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 10. Not to observe Saum (fast) for a day or two ahead of Ramadân

3:138 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “None of you should fast a day or two before the month of Ramadan unless he has the habit of fasting (Nawafil) (and if his fasting coincides with that day) then he can fast that day.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 11. The Statement of Allah: “It is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of the fasts. They are Libâs [i.e. body-cover or screen or Sakan (i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with her – as in Verse 7: 189, Tafslr-at-Tabart)] for you and you are the same for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He turned to you (accepted your repentance) and forgave you. So now have sexual relations with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you (offspring)” (V.2:187)

3:139 Narrated Al-Bara: It was the custom among the companions of Muhammad that if any of them was fasting and the food was presented (for breaking his fast), but he slept before eating, he would not eat that night and the following day till sunset. Qais bin Sirma-al-Ansari was fasting and came to his wife at the time of Iftar (breaking one’s fast) and asked her whether she had anything to eat. She replied, “No, but I would go and bring some for you.” He used to do hard work during the day, so he was overwhelmed by sleep and slept. When his wife came and saw him, she said, “Disappointment for you.” When it was midday on the following day, he fainted and the Prophet (ﷺ) was informed about the whole matter and the following verses were revealed: “You are permitted To go to your wives (for sexual relation) At the night of fasting.” So, they were overjoyed by it. And then Allah also revealed: “And eat and drink Until the white thread Of dawn appears to you Distinct from the black thread (of the night).” (2.187)

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 12. The Statement of Allah :- “And eat and drink until the white thread (tight) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)…..” (V.2: 187)

3:140 Narrated `Adi bin Hatim: When the above verses were revealed: ‘Until the white thread appears to you, distinct from the black thread,’ I took two (hair) strings, one black and the other white, and kept them under my pillow and went on looking at them throughout the night but could not make anything out of it. So, the next morning I went to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and told him the whole story. He explained to me, “That verse means the darkness of the night and the whiteness of the dawn.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 13. What is the interval between the (end of) Sahâr and the Fajr prayer?

3:144 Narrated Anas: Zaid bin Thabit said, “We took the Suhur with the Prophet (ﷺ) . Then he stood for the prayer.” I asked, “What was the interval between the Suhur and the Adhan?” He replied, “The interval was sufficient to recite fifty verses of the Qur’an.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 14. The Sahâr is a blessing but it is not compulsory.

3:146 Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Take Suhur as there is a blessing in it.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 15. If the intention of observing Saum (fast) was made in the daytime.

3:147 Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa`: Once the Prophet (ﷺ) ordered a person on ‘Ashura’ (the tenth of Muharram) to announce, “Whoever has eaten, should not eat any more, but fast, and who has not eaten should not eat, but complete his fast (till the end of the day).

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 16. If a person observing Saum (fast) gets up in the morning in the state of Janâba [will his Saum (fast) be valid?]

3:148 Narrated `Aisha and Um Salama: At times Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to get up in the morning in the state of Janaba after having sexual relations with his wives. He would then take a bath and fast.

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 17. To embrace while one is observing Saum (fast).

3:149 Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was fasting, and he had more power to control his desires than any of you. Said Jabir, “The person who gets discharge after casting a look (on his wife) should complete his fast.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 18. If a person observing Saum (fast) ate or drank forgetfully [should he observe Saum (fast) another day in lieu of that day]?

3:154 Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been given to him by Allah.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 19. If somebody had a sexual intercourse with his wife in Ramadân and has got nothing, then if he is given something in charity, he should give the expiation of that sinful act.

3:157 Narrated Abu Huraira: While we were sitting with the Prophet (ﷺ) a man came and said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! I have been ruined.” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked what was the matter with him. He replied “I had sexual intercourse with my wife while I was fasting.” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked him, “Can you afford to manumit a slave?” He replied in the negative. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked him, “Can you fast for two successive months?” He replied in the negative. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked him, “Can you afford to feed sixty poor persons?” He replied in the negative. The Prophet (ﷺ) kept silent and while we were in that state, a big basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet (ﷺ) . He asked, “Where is the questioner?” He replied, “I (am here).” The Prophet (ﷺ) said (to him), “Take this (basket of dates) and give it in charity.” The man said, “Should I give it to a person poorer than I? By Allah; there is no family between its (i.e. Medina’s) two mountains who are poorer than I.” The Prophet (ﷺ) smiled till his premolar teeth became visible and then said, ‘Feed your family with it.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 20. Cupping (letting out blood medically) and vomiting of a person observing aum (fast).

3:159 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) was cupped while he was in the state of lhram, and also while he was observing a fast.

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 21. To observe Saum (fast) or not to observe Saum (fast) during journeys.

3:162 Narrated Ibn Abi `Aufa: We were in the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) on a journey. He said to a man, “Get down and mix Sawiq (powdered barley) with water for me.” The man said, “The sun (has not set yet), O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).” The Prophet (ﷺ) again said to him, “Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me.” The man again said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! The sun!” The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him (for the third time) “Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me.” The man dismounted and mixed Sawiq with water for him. The Prophet (ﷺ) drank it and then beckoned with his hand (towards the East) and said, “When you see the night falling from this side, then a fasting person should break his fast.”

3:164 Narrated `Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) Hamza bin `Amr Al-Aslami asked the Prophet, “Should I fast while traveling?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “You may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 22. If a person observed Saum (fast) on some days of Ramadân and then went on a journey us it permissible for him to break his Saum (fast).

3:165 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) set out for Mecca in Ramadan and he fasted, and when he reached Al-Kadid, he broke his fast and the people (with him) broke their fast too. (Abu `Abdullah said, “Al-Kadid is a land covered with water between Usfan and Qudaid.”)

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 23.

3:166 Narrated Abu Ad-Darda: We set out with Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) on one of his journeys on a very hot day, and it was so hot that one had to put his hand over his head because of the severity of heat. None of us was fasting except the Prophet and Ibn Rawaha.

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 24. The saying of the Prophet (to the person observing Saum (fast) who was being shaded on a very hot day) “It is not from AI-Birr (righteousness) to observe As-Saum (the fast) on a journey.”

3:167 Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) was on a journey and saw a crowd of people, and a man was being shaded (by them). He asked, “What is the matter?” They said, “He (the man) is fasting.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “It is not righteousness that you fast on a journey.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 25. The companions of the Prophet did not criticize – each other for observing Saum (fast) or not observing Saum (fast) on journeys.

3:168 Narrated Anas bin Malik: We used to travel with the Prophet (ﷺ) and neither did the fasting persons criticize those who were not fasting, nor did those who were not fasting criticize the fasting ones.

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 26. Whoever died and he ought to have observed Saum (fast).

3:173 Narrated `Aisha: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Whoever died and he ought to have fasted (the missed days of Ramadan) then his guardians must fast on his behalf.”

3:174 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! My mother died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied in the affirmative and said, “Allah’s debts have more right to be paid.” In another narration a woman is reported to have said, “My sister died…” Narrated Ibn `Abbas: A woman said to the Prophet (ﷺ) “My mother died and she had vowed to fast but she didn’t fast.” In another narration Ibn `Abbas is reported to have said, “A woman said to the Prophet, “My mother died while she ought to have fasted for fifteen days.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 27. When should the person observing Saum (fast) break his Saum (fast)?

3:177 Narrated `Abdullah bin Abi `Aufa: We were traveling with Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and he was fasting, and when the sun set, he said to (someone), “Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us.” He replied, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! (Will you wait) till it is evening?” The Prophet (ﷺ) again said, “Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us.” He replied, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! It is still daytime.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said again, “Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us.” So, he got down and carried out that order. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said, “When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break his fast,” and he beckoned with his finger towards the east.

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 28. To hasten the Iftâr [breaking of the Saum (fast)].

3:178 Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 29. If somebody Aftara [breaks the Saum (fast)], thinking – that the sun has set and then sees the sun still visible. [Should he make up for that Saum (fast)].

3:180 Narrated Abu Usama from Hisham bin ‘Urwa from Fatima: Asma bint Abi Bakr said, “We broke our fast during the lifetime of the Prophet (ﷺ) on a cloudy day and then the sun appeared.” Hisham was asked, “Were they ordered to fast in lieu of that day?” He replied, “It had to be made up for.” Ma`mar said, “I heard Hisham saying, “I don’t know whether they fasted in lieu of that day or not.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 30. Saum (fasting) of boys (children etc.).

3:181 Narrated Ar-Rubi’ bint Mu’awadh: “The Prophet (ﷺ) sent a messenger to the village of the Ansar in the morning of the day of ‘Ashura’ (10th of Muharram) to announce: ‘Whoever has eaten something should not eat but complete the fast, and whoever is observing the fast should complete it.’ “She further said, “Since then we used to fast on that day regularly and also make our boys fast. We used to make toys of wool for the boys and if anyone of them cried for, he was given those toys till it was the time of the breaking of the fast.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 31. A1-Wisâl is only allowed till the Saijar [Al-Wisal (i.e. to observe Saum (fast) continuously without eating or drinking anything by day or night, may be for a day or two or more)].

3:184 ‘Narrated Abu Sa`id: That he had heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “Do not fast continuously (practice Al-Wisal), and if you intend to lengthen your fast, then carry it on only till the Suhur (before the following dawn).” The people said to him, “But you practice (Al-Wisal), O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” He replied, “I am not similar to you, for during my sleep I have One Who makes me eat and drink.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 32. The punishment for the person who practises Al-Wisâl very often

3:186 Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) forbade Al-Wisal in fasting. So, one of the Muslims said to him, “But you practice Al- Wisal. O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Who amongst you is similar to me? I am given food and drink during my sleep by my Lord.” So, when the people refused to stop Al-Wisal (fasting continuously), the Prophet (ﷺ) fasted day and night continuously along with them for a day and then another day and then they saw the crescent moon (of the month of Shawwal). The Prophet (ﷺ) said to them (angrily), “If It (the crescent) had not appeared, I would have made you fast for a longer period.” That was as a punishment for them when they refused to stop (practicing Al-Wisal).

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 33. If someone forces his Muslim brother to break his (Nawafil) fast by swearing.

3:189 Narrated Abu Juhaifa: The Prophet (ﷺ) made a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abu Ad-Darda.’ Salman paid a visit to Abu Ad-Darda’ and found Um Ad-Darda’ dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied, “Your brother Abu Ad-Darda’ is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world.” In the meantime Abu Ad-Darda’ came and prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested Abu Ad- Darda’ to eat (with him), but Abu Ad-Darda’ said, “I am fasting.” Salman said, “I am not going to eat unless you eat.” So, Abu Ad-Darda’ ate (with Salman). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abu Ad-Darda’ got up (to offer the night prayer), but Salman told him to sleep and Abu Ad- Darda’ slept. After sometime Abu Ad-Darda’ again got up but Salman told him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman told him to get up then, and both of them offered the prayer. Salman told Abu Ad-Darda’, “Your Lord has a right on you, your soul has a right on you, and your family has a right on you; so you should give the rights of all those who has a right on you.” Abu Ad- Darda’ came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and narrated the whole story. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Salman has spoken the truth.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 34. Saum (fasting) in the month of Sha’bân.

3:190 Narrated `Aisha: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to fast till one would say that he would never stop fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say that he would never fast. I never saw Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of Sha’ban.

3:191 Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) never fasted in any month more than in the month of Sha’ban. He used to say, “Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds).” The most beloved prayer to the Prophet (ﷺ) was the one that was done regularly (throughout the life) even if it were little. And whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) offered a prayer he used to offer it regularly .

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 35. What is said about the fasting and non-fasting (periods) of the Prophet

3:194 Narrated Humaid: I asked Anas about the fasting of the Prophet. He said “Whenever I liked to see the Prophet (ﷺ) fasting in any month, I could see that, and whenever I liked to see him not fasting, I could see that too, and if I liked to see him praying in any night, I could see that, and if I liked to see him sleeping, I could see that, too.” Anas further said, “I never touched silk or velvet softer than the hand of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and never smelled musk or perfumed smoke more pleasant than the smell of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 36. The right of the body in observing As-Saum (the fast).

3:196 Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, “O `Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast during the day and offer prayers all the night.” `Abdullah replied, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Don’t do that; fast for few days and then give it up for few days, offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you, and your guest has a right on you. And it is sufficient for you to fast three days in a month, as the reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times, so it will be like fasting throughout the year.” I insisted (on fasting) and so I was given a hard instruction. I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! I have power.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Fast like the fasting of the Prophet (ﷺ) David and do not fast more than that.” I said, “How was the fasting of the Prophet (ﷺ) of Allah, David?” He said, “Half of the year,” (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day). Afterwards when `Abdullah became old, he used to say, “It would have been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet (which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month).

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 37. The right of the family (wife) in observing As-Swim (the fast).

3:198 Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr: The news of my daily fasting and praying every night throughout the night reached the Prophet. So he sent for me or I met him, and he said, “I have been informed that you fast everyday and pray every night (all the night). Fast (for some days) and give up fasting (for some days); pray and sleep, for your eyes have a right on you, and your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you.” I replied, “I have more power than that (fasting).” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Then fast like the fasts of (the Prophet) David”. I said, “How?” He replied, “He used to fast on alternate days, and he used not to flee on meeting the enemy.” I said, “From where can I get that chance?” (`Ata’ said, “I do not know how the expression of fasting daily throughout the life occurred.”) So, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, twice, “Whoever fasts daily throughout his life is just as the one who does not fast at all.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 38. Whoever visited some people and did not break his (optional) Saum (fast) with them.

3:203 Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) paid a visit to Um-Sulaim and she placed before him dates and ghee. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Replace the ghee and dates in their respective containers for I am fasting.” Then he stood somewhere in her house and offered an optional prayer and then he invoked good on Um-Sulaim and her family. Then Um-Sulaim said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! I have a special request (today).” He said, “What is it?” She replied, “(Please invoke for) your servant Anas.” So Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) did not leave anything good in the world or the Hereafter which he did not invoke (Allah to bestow) on me and said, “O Allah! Give him (i.e. Anas) property and children and bless him.” Thus I am one of the richest among the Ansar and my daughter Umaina told me that when Al-Hajjaj came to Basra, more than 120 of my offspring had been buried.

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 39. Observing As-Saum (the fasts) on the last days of the month.

3:204 Narrated Mutarrif from `Imran Ibn Husain: That the Prophet (ﷺ) asked him (Imran) or asked a man and `Imran was listening, “O Abu so-and-so! Have you fasted the last days of this month?” (The narrator thought that he said, “the month of Ramadan”). The man replied, “No, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, “When you finish your fasting (of Ramadan) fast two days (in Shawwal).” Through another series of narrators `Imran said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘(Have you fasted) the last days of Sha’ban?”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 40. Observing Saum (fast) on Friday.

3:205 Narrated Muhammad bin `Abbas: I asked Jabir “Did the Prophet (ﷺ) forbid fasting on Fridays?” He replied, “Yes.” (Other narrators added, “If he intends to fast only that day.”)

3:207 Narrated Abu Aiyub from Juwairiya bint Al-Harith: The Prophet (ﷺ) visited her (Juwairiya) on a Friday and she was fasting. He asked her, “Did you fast yesterday?” She said, “No.” He said, “Do you intend to fast tomorrow?” She said, “No.” He said, “Then break your fast.” Through another series of narrators, Abu Aiyub is reported to have said, “He ordered her and she broke her fast.”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 41. Can one select some special days [for observing Saum (fast)]?

3:208 Narrated Alqama: I asked `Aisha “Did Allah s Apostle, use to choose some special days (for fasting)?” She replied, “No, but he used to be regular (constant) (in his service of worshipping). Who amongst you can endure what Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to endure?”

Sahih Bukhari > Book 31 : Fasting
CHAPTER 42. Observing Saum (fast) on TashrIq days (eleventh, twelth and thirteenth of Dhul-Hijja).

3:216 Narrated Yahya: Hisham said, “My father said that ‘Aishah (ra) used to observe Saum (fast) on the days of Mina.” His (i.e., Hisham’s) father also used to observe Saum on those days.

3:220 Narrated Aisha: Quraish used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura’ in the Pre-Islamic period, and Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) too, used to fast on that day. When he came to Medina, he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast, too. Later when the fasting of the month of Ramadan was prescribed, he gave up fasting on the day of ‘Ashura’ and it became optional for one to fast on it or not.

3:222 Narrated Ibn `Abbas: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, “This is a good day, the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So, Moses fasted this day.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “We have more claim over Moses than you.” So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the Muslims) to fast (on that day).

IN SAHIH MUSLIM

Sahih Muslim >
Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)

Introduction

After prayer the second obligatory duty which every Muslim is required toperform is that of fasting during the month of Ramadan. The word sawm which has been used in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith for fasting means” to abstain” ; thus a horse that abstains from moving about or from eating the fodder is said to be sa’im. In the technical language sawm signifies fasting or abstaining from food and drink and sexual intercourse from the dim beginning of dawn till sunset.Fasting as an institution for the purification of the soul is common to all Divine religions. The writer of the article on” Fasting” in the Encyclopadia Britannica states that” it would be difficult to name any religious system of any description in which it is wholly unrecognized.” This institution was well established among the Jews and the Christians.The records of the Hadith bear ample testimony to the fact that fasting was a common religious practice among the pre Islamic Arabs too, and they used to observe fast on the tenth of Muharram because it was on this very day that Allah saved Moses and his companions from the clutches of the Pharaoh who was drowned in the sea along with his army.

The Arabs and other people too were familiar with fasting as an act of penitence or of propitiation or a preparatory rite before some act of sacramental eating or an initiation or a mourning ceremony.In Islam fasting is primarily an institution for a spiritual discipline and selfcontrol. It is in fact an exercise in religious devotion in the form of cheerful and willing renunciation, for a definite period, of all the appetites of flesh lawful in themselves (the unlawful ones being ruled out of course). The Qur’an says: 0 ye who believe! prescribed unto you is fasting even as it was prescribed unto those before you. that haply you may become God conscious (ii. 183).Of all the creation of God only man deviates from His path. We will find that two things are mainly responsible for this: the love for material possessions and the temptations of the flesh. Islam has, through the institutions of Zakat and Sadaqat, purged the hearts of its followers from the love of wealth, and has inculcated in him the habit to part with it readily for the sake of God.

Fasting has been ordained as a religious duty for the Muslims for subduing their lust and keeping their appetites well within reasonable bounds so that man may not become their slave and lose control over himself. The Qur’an clearly states that a man cannot attain salvation unless he learns to restrain his self from low desires.” And as for him who fears to stand before his Lord and restrains himself from low desires, Paradise is surely the abode” (lxxix. 40-41).The exercise of abstaining from things otherwise lawful in the ordinary course of life, at the behest of Allah, strengthens man’s morality and selfcontrol and deepens in him the consciousness of the Lord. This is what distinguishes fasting in Islam from fasting in other religions.It should also be borne in mind that fasting does not aim at inflicting punishment upon people or sadding upon them unbearable burdens. The underlying idea behind it is to teach moderation and spiritual discipline so that human temptations may not become so wild and uncontrollable as to flout the commands of the Great Master. To be a true servant of Allah, it is essential that man should be able to conform his behaviour to the moral and spiritual discipline embodied in the Shari’ah of Islam.

One cannot achieve this end if one finds oneself helpless before untamed and turbulent desires. Fasting is indispensable for this moral and spiritual training.Another distinguishing feature of Islamic fasting is that it does not train a person for complete renunication but for perfect and cheerful obedience to the Lord All those things from which man is commanded to abstain during fast, e. g. eating, drinking and sexual intercourse, become permissible for him at the end of the fast. This shows that Islam does not look down upon the appetite of flesh as something ignoble and thus fit to be exterminated root and branch from the human soul. According to Islam, there is nothing profane or ignoble in human personality: both soul and body are sacred and worthy of respect. No aspect is to be ignored and no urge is to be completely curbed. What is required is to keep all these urges well within their proper limits so that none of them transgresses natural bounds and becomes the source of trouble.That fasting is an institution for moral elevation can be judged from the fact that Allah does not impose check only upon eating, drinking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset, but also exhorts His servants to refrain from other foul acts, for example, backbiting, indulging in foul speech, telling lies, etc.

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: If one does not abandon falsehood and other actions like it, God has no need that one should abandon one’s food and drink (Sahih Bukhari).The social aspect of fasting in Ramadan is that the whole atmosphere is permeated with religious piety and devotion to Allah. There is one extra congregational prayer, Tarawih, during the night, in which the Qur’an is recited and the Muslim is reminded of the fact that it was in the month of Ramadan that the revelation of the Qur’an commenced. The sadaqqt are also given with greater zeal and fervour in this month. Thus the whole Muslim society is inspired by the love of God. Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When Ramadan begins, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are locked, and the devils are chained (Bukhari and Muslim).Muhammad Asad, while elucidating the spiritual and moral significance of fast says:” Twofold I learned, is the purpose of this month of fasting. One has to abstain from food and drink in order to feel in one’s body what the poor and hungry feel: thus social responsibility is being hammered into human consciousness as a religious postulate. The other purpose of fasting during Ramadan is selfdiscipline, an aspect of individual morality strongly accentuated in all Islamic teachings (as, for instance, in the total prohibition of all intoxicants, which Islam regards as too easy an avenue of escape from consciousness and responsibility). In these two elements brotherhood of man and Individual self discipline I began to discern nhe outline of Islam’s ethical outlook” (Road to Mecca, London, 1954, p. 188).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 1: Excellence of the month of Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2361: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained,

Book 6: 2362: This hadith is reported by Abu Huraira (with a slight alteration of words) that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said:” When (the month of) Ramadan begins.”

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 2: Fasting in Ramadan should necessarily be commenced with the sight of the new moon and finished with the sight of the new moon if the weather is cloudy at the beginning or at the end, then complete thirty days

Book 6: Number 2363: Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying in connection with Ramadan: Do not fast till you see the new moon, and do not break fast till you see it; but if the weather is cloudy calculate about it.

Book 6: Number 2364: Ibn Umar reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) made a mention of Ramadan and he with the gesture of his hand said: The month is thus and thus. (He then withdrew his thumb at the third time). He then said: Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it, and if the weather is cloudy calculate it (the months of Sha’ban and Shawwal) as thirty days.

Book 6: Number 2365: This hadith is narrated on the authority of ‘Ubaidullah with the same chain of transmitters, and he said: If (the sky) is cloudy for you, then calculate thirty days (for the month of Ramadan).

Book 6: Number 2366: ‘Ubaidullah narrated on the authority of the same chain of transmitters that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) made a mention of Ramadan and said: The month may consist of twenty nine days, and it may be thus, thus and thus, and (he further) said: Calculate it, but he did not say thirty.

Book 6: Number 2367: Ibn’Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month of Ramadan may consist of twenty nine days. So do not fast till you have sighted it (the new moon) and do not breakfast, till you have sighted it (the new moon of Shawwal), and if the sky is cloudy for you, then calculate.

Book 6: Number 2368: ‘Abdullah b. ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month (of Ramadan) may consist of twenty nine days; so when you see the new moon observe fast and when you see (the new moon again at the commencement of the month of Shawwal) then break It, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then calculate it (and complete thirty days).

Book 6: Number 2369: ‘Abdullah b. Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Measenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When you see the new moon, observe fast, and when you see it (again) then break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then calculate it.

Book 6: Number 2370: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month may consist of twenty nine nights. So do not fast till you have sighted it (the new moon) and do not break it till you have sighted it, except when the sky is cloudy for you, and if it is so, then calculate it.

Book 6: Number 2371: Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month is thus and thus and thus (i. e. pointing with his fingers thrice), and he held back his thumb at the third time (in order to show that it can also consist of twenty nine days).

Book 6: Number 2372: Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month may consist of twenty nine days.

Book 6: Number 2373: Abdullah b. ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The mouth (of Ramadan) is thus and thus, and thus. i. e. ten, ten and nine.

Book 6: Number 2374: Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month is thus, and thus, and thus, and he flapped his hands with all their fingers twice. but at the third turn, folded his right thumb or left thumb (in order to give an idea of twenty nine).

Book 6: Number 2375: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month (of Ramadan) may consist of twenty. nine days, and Shu’ba (one of the narrators) (gave a practical demonstration how the Holy prophet (may peace be upon him) explained to them) by unfolding his hands thrice and folding his thumb at the third turn. ‘Uqba (one of the narrators in this chain of transmitters) said: I think that he said that the month consists of thirty days and unfolded his palm three times.

Book 6: Number 2376: Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: We are an unlettered people who can neither write nor count. The month is thus, and thus. folding his thumb when he said it the third time. This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Aswad b. Qais with the same chain of transmitters, but herein no mention has been made of the other month (consisting of) thirty days.

Book 6: Number 2377: Sa’d b. ‘Ubaida reported that Ibn’Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) heard a person saying: This night is the midnight (of the month). Upon this he said to him: How do you know that it is the midnight (of the month), for I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying: The month is thus and thus (and he pointed with his ten fingers twice) and thus (i. e. at the third time he pointed with all his fingers but withdrew or folded his thumb)?

Book 6: Number 2378: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast. and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days.

Book 6: Number 2379: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break (fast) on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy for you, then complete the Number (of thirty).

Book 6: Number 2380: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break it on sighting it. But if (due to clouds) the actual position of the month is concealed from you, you should then count thirty (days).

Book 6: Number 2381: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) made a mention of the new moon and (in this connection) said: Observe fast when you see it (the new moon) and breakfast when you see it (the new moon of Shawwal), but when (the actual position of the month is) concealed from you (on account of cloudy sky), then count thirty days.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 3: Do not fast for a day or two days ahead of Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2382: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Do not observe fast for a day, or two days ahead of Ramadan except a person who is in the habit of observing a particular fast; he may fast on that day.

Book 6: Number 2383: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Yahya b. Abi Kathir with the same chain of transmitters.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 4: The month may consist of twenty nine days

Book 6: Number 2384: Zuhri reported that (once) the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) took an oath that he would not go to his wives for one Month. Zuhri said that ‘Urwa narrated to him from ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) that she said: When twenty nine nights were over, which I had counted, the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) came to me (he came to me first of all). I said: Messenger of Allah, you had taken an oath that you would not come to us for a month, whereas you have come after twenty nine days which I have counted. Whereupon he said: The month may also consist of twenty nine days.

Book 6: Number 2385: Jabir (Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) separated himself from his wives for a month. (His wives said: ) He came to us on the twenty ninth day, whereupon we said: It is the twenty ninth (day) today. Thereupon he said: So far as the month is concerned, (and he, with a view to explaining it) flapped his hands thrice, but held back one finger at the last turn.

Book 6: Number 2386: Abu Zubair is reported to have heard Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with both of them) as saying: The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) separated himself from his wives for a month. (His wives said:) He came to us on the morning of the twenty ninth. Upon this some, of the people said: It is the morning of twenty ninth (according to our calculation). Upon this the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: The month. may also consist of twenty nine days. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) then flapped his bands thrice, twice with all the fingers of both his hand (to indicate twenty nine) and by the third time with nine (fingers).

Book 6: Number 2387: Umm Salama (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) took an oath that he would not go to some of his wives for the whole of the month. When twenty nine days bad passed he (the Holy Prophet) went to them in the morning or in the evening. Upon this it was said to him: Apostle of Allah, you took an oath that you would not come to us for a month, whereupon he said: The month may also consist of twenty nine days.

Book 6: Number 2388: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of Ibn Juraij with the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2389: Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas (Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) struck his hand against the other and (then with the gesture of his two hands) said: The month is thus, thus (two times). He then withdrew (one of) his fingers at the third turn.

Book 6: Number 2390: Muhammad b. Sa’d reported on the authority of his father (Sa’d b. Abi Waqqas (Allah be pleased with him) that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Tho month is thus and thus, and thus, i. e. ten, ten and nine. This hadith has been narrated by Abu Khalid with the same chain of transmitters.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 5: There is a sighting of the moon for every town; the sighting at one town cannot be held valid for the other town situated at a considerable distance from it

Book 6: Number 2391: Kuraib reported that Umm Fadl, daughter of Harith, sent him (Fadl, i. e. her son) to Mu’awiya in Syria. I (Fadl) arrived in Syria, and did the needful for her. It was there in Syria that the month of Ramadan commenced. I saw the new moon (of Ramadan) on Friday. I then came back to Medina at the end of the month. Abdullah b. ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) asked me (about the new moon of Ramadan) and said: When did you see it? I said.: We saw it on the night of Friday. He said: (Did) you see it yourself? I said: Yes, and the people also saw it and they observed fast and Mu’awiya also observed fast, whereupon he said: But we saw it on Saturday night. So we would continue to observe fast till we complete thirty (lasts) or we see it (the new moon of Shawwal). I said: Is the sightidg of the moon by Mu’awiya not valid for you? He said: No; this is how the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) has commanded us. Yahya b. Yahya was in doubt (whether the word used in the narration by Kuraib) was Naktafi or Taktafi.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 6: It is immaterial whether the new moon is large (on account of appearing after thirty nights) or small (on account of appearing on the thirtieth night); and Allah defers it to make it suitable for sighting and if the sky is cloudy, then thirty (fasts) are to be completed

Book 6: Number 2392: Abu’l Bakhtari reported: We went out to perform Umra and when we encamped in the valley of Nakhla, we tried to see the new moon. Some of the people said: It was three nights old, and others (said) that it was two nights old. We then met Ibn ‘Abbas and told him we had seen the new moon, but that some of the people said it was three nights old and others that it was two nights old. He asked on which night we had seen it; and when we told him we had seen it on such and such night, he said the Prophet of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Verily Allah deferred it till the time it is seen, so it is to be reckoned from the night you saw it.

Book 6: Number 2393: Abu’l Bakhtari reported: We saw the new moon of Ramadan as we were at Dhiti ‘Irq. We sent a man to Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) to ask him (whether the sighting of a small moon had something of the nature of defect in it). Upon this Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) said that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Verily Allah deferred its sight, but if (the new moon) is hidden from you, then, complete its Number (thirty).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 7: The months of ‘Id are not incomplete

Book 6: Number 2394: The son of Abu Bakra reported it on the authority of his father that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: The two months of ‘Id, Ramadan and Dhu’l Hijja (are not incomplete).

Book 6: Number 2395: ‘Abdar Rahman b. Abu Bakra reported on the authority of Abu Bakra that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: The months of ‘Id are not incomplete. And in the hadith narrated by Khalid (the words are):” The months, of ‘Id are Ramadan and Dhu’l Hijja.”

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 8: The timing of fast begins with dawn

Book 6: Number 2396: ‘Adi b. Hatim (Allah be pleased with him) reported that when (this verse) was revealed:” Until the white streak of the dawn becomes distinct from the dark streak” (ii. 187) Adi b. Hatim said: Messenger of Allah, verily I keep underneath my pillow two strings, one white and the other black, by which I distinguish night from dawn. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Your pillow seems to be very large. For the word khait implies the blackness of the night and the whiteness of the dawn.

Book 6: Number 2397: Sahl b. Sa’d said that when this verse was revealed:” Eat and drink till the white streak is distinct from the dark streak,” a person would take hold of a white thread and a black thread and keep on eating till he could find them distinct (in the light of the dawn). It was then that Allah, the Majestic and Great, reveiled (the words) min al fajr (from the dawn), and then it became clear (that the word khait refers to the streak of light in the dawn).

Book 6: Number 2398: Sahl b. Sa’d (Allah be pleased with him) said: When this verse was revealed.” Eat and drink till the white streak becomes distinct from the dark streak for you,” the person who decided to observe fast tied on one of his feet a black thread and on the other a white thread. And he went on eating and drinking till he could distinguish (between their colour) on seeing them. It was after this that Allah revealed (the words): min al-fajr. And they (the Muslims) came to know that (the word khait) refers to the night and day.

Book 6: Number 2399: ‘Abdullah b. Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: Bilal would pronounce Adhan (at the fag end of the night in order to inform the people about the time of the Sahri). So you eat and drink till you hear the Adhan of Ibn Umm Maktum (which was pronounced at the conclusion of the Sahri and the commencement of the fast).

Book 6: Number 2400: Abdullah b. ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying: Bilal announces Adhan during the night, so you eat and drink, till you hear the Adhan of Ibn Umm Maktum.

Book 6: Number 2401: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had two Mu’adhdhins, Bilal and son of Umm Maktum, the blind. The Messenger of Allah   (may peace be upon him) said: Bilal announces Adhan at (the fag end of the) night (i. e. Sahri), so eat and drink till the son of Umm Maktum announces Adhan. And he (the narrator) said: And the (difference of time) between their (Adhans) was not more than this that one climbed down (from the minaret) and the other climbed up (to announce Adhan).

Book 6: Number 2402: A hadith like this has been transmitted on the authority of ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her).

Book 6: Number 2403: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of ‘Ubaidullah on the two chains of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2404: Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying The Adhan of Bilal should not restrain anyone among you from eating Sahur (last meal before daybreak during the month of Ramadan) for he announces Adhan (or he calls) at (the fag end of) the night to make him turn who stands for prayer among you, and to awaken those who are sleeping among you. And he said: The dawn is not like it, as one says (and he lifted his hand) till he (dispersed his fingers) and said: It is like this.

Book 6: Number 2405: This hadith has been narrated by Sulaiman al-Taimi with the same chain of transmitters (but with a slight variation of words) that he (the Holy Prophet) said: The dawn is not like it as it is said; he then gathered his fingers and lowered them. But he said, it is like this (and he placed the index finger upon the other one and spread his hand).

Book 6: Number 2406: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Sulaiman Taimi with the same chain of transmitters and, at the end, it was said that the first Adhan was meant to awaken those who were in slumber amongst them and in order to make them turn who stand in (prayer) among them (towards food at the commencement of the fast). Jarir (one of the narrators) said that the Messenger (may peace be upon him) did not say like this but he said like it (true dawn) that the streaks of (true dawn ) are horizontal and not vertical.

Book 6: Number 2407: Samura b. Jandub reported Muhammad (may peace be upon him) as saying. The call of Bilal may not mislead any one of you (and he may, under the wrong impression gathered from it, refrain) from taking meal before the commencement of the fast (for the streaks) of this whiteness (which are vertical indicate the false dawn and the true dawn with which the fast commences is that when the streaks of light are) spread.

Book 6: Number 2408: Samura b. Jundub reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The Adhan of Bilal should not mislead you nor the whiteness (of the pillar) of dawn, for it is not the whiteness of the true dawn, but that of the false dawn which is vertical like a pillar and you can eat food till the streaks of whiteness spread like it.

Book 6: Number 2409: Samura b. Jundub (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The Adhan of Bilal may not mislead you with regard to your food at the commencement of the fast, nor the vertical (streaks) of whiteness in the horizon (for it is an indication of false dawn). You should stop eating (food) till (the whiteness) spreads like it. Hammad narrated it and with the gesture of his band he explained, the horizontal position (of the streaks of light).

Book 6: Number 2410: Samura b. Jundub addressed and narrated from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) having said (these words): Neither the call of Bilal should mislead you nor this whiteness (of false dawn) till (the true) dawn appears (or he said) till the dawn breaks.

Book 6: Number 2411: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of Samura b. Jundub.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 9: Excellence of taking meal before dawn, stress on giving it preference and preference for deferring it (at the fag end of the night) and hastening in breaking it

Book 6: Number 2412: Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Take meal a little before dawn, for there is a blessing in taking meal at that time.

Book 6: Number 2413: ‘Amr b. al-‘As reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The difference between our fasting and that of the people of the Book is eating shortly before dawn.

Book 6: Number 2414: Musa b. ‘Ali has narrated this hadith through the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2415: Zaid b. Thabit (Allah be pleased with him) said: We took meal shortly before dawn along with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). We then stood up for prayer. I said: How much span of time was there between the two (acts, i. e. taking of Sahri and observing of prayer)? He said (a span of reciting) fifty verses.

Book 6: Number 2416: This hadith has been transmitted on the authority of Qatada too.

Book 6: Number 2417: Sahl b. Sa’d (Allah be pleased with him) repotted Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.

Book 6: Number 2418: A hadith like this has been transmitted by Sahl b. Sa’d.

Book 6: Number 2419: Abu ‘Atiyya reported: I and Masruq went to ‘A’isha and said to her: Mother of the Believers, there are two persons among the Companions of Muhammad (may peace be upon him) one among whom hastens in breaking the fast and in observing prayer, and the other delays breaking the fast and delays observing prayer. She said: Who among the two hastens in breaking fast and observing prayers? We said, It is ‘Abdullah. i. e. son of Mas’ud. whereupon she said: This is how the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) did. Abu Kuraib added: The second one was Abu Musa.

Book 6: Number 2420: Abu ‘Atiyya reported: I and Misruq went to ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) and Masruq said to her: There are two persons among the Companions of Muhammad (may peace be upon him) none of whom abandons the good, but one of them hastens to observe sunset prayer and break the fast, and the other delays in observing the sunset prayer and in breaking the fast, whereupon she said: Who hastens to observe sunset prayer and break the fast? He said: It is ‘Abdullah. Upon this she said: This is how the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to do.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 10: The time for breaking the fast and ending of day

Book 6: Number 2421: ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When the night approaches and the day retreates and the sun sinks down, then the observer of the fast should break it. Ibn Numair made no mention of the word” then”.

Book 6: Number 2422: ‘Abdullah b. Abi Aufa reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) on a journey during the month of Ramadan. When the sun had sunk he said: So and so, get down (from your ride) and prepare the meal of parched barley for us. He said: Messenger of Allah, still (there is light of) day. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Get down and prepare meal of parched barley for us. So he got down and prepared the meal of parched barley and offered him, and the apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) drank that (liquid meal). He then told with the gesture of his hand that when the sun sank from that side and the night appeared from that side, then the observer of the fast should break it.

Book 6: Number 2423: Ibn Abi Aufa (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) on a journey. When the sun sank he said to a person: Get down and prepare barley meal for us. Upon this he said: Messenger of Allah, let there be dusk. (He the Holy Prophet) said: Get down and prepare barley meal for us. He (the person) said: There is still (the light of) day upon us. (But) he got down (in obedience to the command of the Holy Prophet) and prepared a barley meal for him and he (the Holy Prophet) drank that (liquid meal) and then said: When you see the night approaching from that side (west) (and he pointed towards the east with his hand), then the observer of the fast should break it.

Book 6: Number 2424: Abdullah b. Abi Aufa (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We travelled with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) as he had been observing fast. When the sun sank he said: So and so, get down and prepare barley meal for us. The rest of the hadith is the same.

Book 6: Number 2425: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Ibn Abi Aufa (Allah be pleased with him) through another chain of transmitters (but with a sight alteration of words): In this hadith transmitted by one of the narrators (neither these words are found): During the month of Ramadan.” nor his statement:” And the night prevails from that side (the eastern side).” (These words are found in the narration of) Hushaim only.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 11: It is forbidden to observe uninterrupted fasting

Book 6: Number 2426: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) said that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade uninterrupted fasting. They (some of the Companions) said: You yourself fast uninterruptedly, whereupon he said: I am not like you. I am fed and supplied drink (by Allah).

Book 6: Number 2427: Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) abserved fasts uninterruptedly in Ramadan and the people (in his wake) did this. But he forbade them to do so. It was said to him (to the Holy Prophet): You yourself observe the fasts uninterruptedly (but you forbid us to do so) Upon this he said: I am not like you; I am fed and supplied drink (by Allah).

Book 6: Number 2428: A hadith like this has been transmitted by Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them), but he did not make mention of (the words):” During the month of Ramadan.”

Book 6: Number 2429: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade (his Companions) from observing fast unintermptedly. One of the Muslims said: Messenger of Allah, you yourself observe Saum Wisal. whereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Who among you is like me? I spend night (in a state) that my Allah feeds me and provides me drink. When they (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) did not agree in abandoning the uninterrupted fast, then the Holy Prophet (may peace. be upon him) also observed this fast with them for a day, and then for a day. They then saw the new moon and he (the Holy Prophet) said: If the appearance of the new moon were delayed. I would have observed more (fasts) with you (and he did it) by way of warning to them as they had not agreed to refrain (from observing Saum Wisal)

Book 6: Number 2430: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Abstain from Saum Wisal. They (his Companions) said: Messenger of Allah, but you observe Saum Wisal. Upon this he said: You are not like me in this matter, for I spend my night (in a state) that my Lord feeds me and provides me drink Devote yourselves to the deeds (the burden of which) you can bear.

Book 6: Number 2431: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying (the words as said in the previous hadith) but with this alteration (of words):” Take upon yourselves (the burden of the deeds) for which you have the strength to bear.”

Book 6: Number 2432: Abu Huraira reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade (his Companions) to observe Saum Wisal.

Book 6: Number 2433: Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was observing prayer during Ramedan. I came and stood by his side. Then another man came and he stood likewise till we became a group. When the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) perceived that we were behind him, he lightened the prayer. He then went to his abode and observed such (a long) prayer (the like of which) he never observed with us. When it was morning we said to him: Did you perceive us during the night? Upon this he said: Yes, it was this (realisation) that induced me to do that which I did. He (the narrator) said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) began to observe Saum Wisal at the end of the month (of Ramadan), and some persons among his Companions began to observe this uninterrupted fast, whereupon the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: What about such persons who observe uninterrupted fasts? You are not like me. By Allah. if the month were lengthened for me, I would have observed Saum Wisal, so that those who act with an exaggeration would (have been obliged) to abandon their exaggeration. 1501

Book 6: Number 2434: Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed Saum Wisal during the early part of the month of Ramadan. The people among Muslims also observed uninterrupted fast. This (news) reached him (the Holy Prophet) and he said: Had the month been lengthened for me I would have continued observing Saum Wisal, so that those who act with forced hardness would (have been obliged) to abandon it. You are not like me (or he said): I am not like you. I continue to do so (in a state) that my Lord feeds me and provides me drink.

Book 6: Number 2435: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) said: The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade them (his Companions) to observe Saum Wisal out of mercy for them. They said: You (Holy Prophet) yourself observe it. Upon this he said: I am not like you. My Lord feeds me and provides me drink.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 12: Kissing is not forbidden while fasting if one is not urged by sexual lust

Book 6: Number 2436: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) said that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) kissed one of his wives while he was fasting, and then she (‘A’isha) smiled (as she narrated).

Book 6: Number 2437: Sufyan reported: I said to ‘Abd al Rahman b. Qasim: Have you heard from your father narrating from ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) that he kissed her while observing fast? He (‘Abdal Rahman b. Qasim) kept silence for a short while and then said:” Yes.”

Book 6: Number 2438: ‘A’isha reported: Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) used to kiss me while observing fast; and who among you can control his desire as the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) could control his desire.

Book 6: Number 2439: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) used to kiss (his wives) while fasting and embraced (them) while fasting; but he had the greatest mastery over his desire among you.

Book 6: Number 2440: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to kiss (his wives) while fasting; and he had the greatest control over his desire (as compared with you).

Book 6: Number 2441: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) said that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to embrace (his wives) while fasting.

Book 6: Number 2442: Aswad reported: I and Masruq went to ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) and asked. her if the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) embraced (his wives) while fasting. She said: Yes; but he had the greatest control over his desire among you: or he was one of those who had control over his desire. It is further narrated on the authority of Aswad and Masruq that they went to the Mother of the Believers and they asked her (and the rest of the hadith is the same)

Book 6: Number 2443: ‘Urwa b. Zubair narrated that ‘A’isha the Mother of the Believers (Allah be pleased with her) informed him that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) kissed her while fasting.

Book 6: Number 2444: A hadith like this has been narrated by Yahya b. Abu Kathir with the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2445: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to kiss her during the month of fasting.

Book 6: Number 2446: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) kissed (his wives) during Ramadan while observing fast.

Book 6: Number 2447: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) kissed (his wives) while fasting.

Book 6: Number 2448: Hafsa (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) kissed (his wives) while fasting.

Book 6: Number 2449: A hadith like this has been narrated by Hafsa (Allah be pleased with her) through another chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2450: Umar b Abu Salama reported that he asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him): Should one observing fast kiss (his wife)? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to him: Ask her (Umm Salama). She informed him that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) did that, where upon he said: Messenger of Allah, Allah pardoned thee all thy sins, the previous and the later ones. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) ) said: By Allah, I am the most God conscious among you and I fear Him most among you.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 13: There is no harm in observing fast if one is junbi even after dawn

Book 6: Number 2451: Abu Bakr (he is Abu Bakr b. Abd al Rahman b. Harith) reported: I heard Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) narrating that he who is overtaken by dawn in a state of seminal emission should not observe fast. I made a mention of it to ‘Abdal Rahman b. Harith (i. e. to his father) but he denied it. ‘Abd al Rahman went and I also went along with him till we came to’A’isha and Umm Salama (Allah   be pleased with both of them) and Abdal Rahman asked them about it. Both of them said: (At times it so happened) that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) woke up in the morning in a state of junub (but without seminal emission in a dream) and observed fast He (the narrator) said: We then proceeded till we went to Marwan and Abdal Rahman made a mention of it to him. Upon this Marwan said: I stress upon you (with an oath) that you better go to Abu Huraira and refer to him what is said about it. So we came to Abu Huraira and Abu Bakr had been with us throughout and ‘Abdal Rahman made a mention of it to him, whereupon Abu Huraira said: Did they (the two wives of the Holy Prophet) tell you this? He replied: Yes Upon this (Abu Huraira) said: They have better knowledge. Abu Huraira then attributed that what was said about it to Fadl b. ‘Abbas and said: I heard it from Fadl and not from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). Abu Huraira then retracted from what he used to say about it. Ibn Juraij (one of the narrators) reported: I asked ‘Abd al Malik, if they (the two wives) said (made the statement) in regard to Ramadan, whereupon he said: It was so, and he (the Holy Prophet) (woke up in the) morning in a state of junub which was not due to the wet dream and then observed fast.

Book 6: Number 2452: ‘A’isha, the wife of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), said: The dawn broke upon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) during the Ramadan in a state of junub not because of sexual dream (but on account of intercourse) and he washed himself and observed fast.

Book 6: Number 2453: Abu Bakr reported that Marwan sent him to Umm Salama to ask whether a person should observe fast who is in a state of junub and the dawn breaks upon him, whereupon she said that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) (was at times) junbi on account of intercourse and not due to sexual dream, and the dawn broke upon him, but he neither broke the fast nor recompensed.

Book 6: Number 2454: Abu Bakr b. ‘Abdal Rahman b. al-Harith b. Hisham reported on the authority of ‘A’isha and Umm Salama, the wives of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him): The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) at times got up in the morning in a state of junub on account of having a sexual intercourse (with his wives during night) but not due to sexual dreams in the month of Ramadan, and would observe fast.

Book 6: Number 2455: ‘A’isha reported that a person came to the Apottle of Allah (may peace be upon him) asking for a fatwa (religious verdict). She (‘A’isha) had been overhearing it from behind the curtain. ‘A’isha added that he (the person) had said: Messenger of Allah, (the time) of prayer overtakes me as I am in a state of junub; should I observe fast (in this state)? Upon this the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: (At times the time) of prayer overtakes me while I am in a state of junub, and I observe fast (in that very state), whereupon he said: Messenger of Allah, you are not like us Allah has pardoned all your sins, the previous ones and the later ones. Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) said: By Allah, I hope I am the most God fearirg of you, and possess the best knowledge among you of those (things) against which I should guard.

Book 6: Number 2456: Sulaiman b. Yasar reported that he asked Umm Salama whether a person (who gets up) in the morning in a state of junub should observe fast. She said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) (at times) got up in the morning in a state of junub, not because of sexual dreams (but on account of intercourse at night), and then observed fast.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 14: Sexual intercourse is completely forbidden during the day in the month of Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2457: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that a person came to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, I am undone. He (the Holy Prophet) said: What has brought about your ruin? He said: I have had intercourse with my wife during the month of Ramadan. Upon this he (the Holy prophet) said: Can you find a slave to set him free? He said: NO He (the Holy Prophet again) said: Can you observe fast for two consecutive months? He said: No. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Can you provide food to sixty poor people?, He said: No. He then sat down and (in the meanwhile) there was brought to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) a basket which contained dates. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Give these (dates) in charity. He (the man) said: Am I to give to one who is poorer than I? There is no family poorer than mine between the two lava plains of Medina. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) laughed so that his molar teeth became visible and said: Go and give it to your family to eat.

Book 6: Number 2458: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of Mubammad b. Muslim al-Zuhri with the same chain of transmitters, and he said: There was brought an ‘araq containing dates, an ‘araq being a huge basket. But in this hadith no mention has been made of (the fact) that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) laughed till his molar teeth became visible.

Book 6: Number 2459: Abu Huraira reported that a person had intercourse with his wife during Ramadan (while fasting). He asked for the religious verdict (about it) from the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), whereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Can you find a slave (to grant him freedom)? He said: No. He (the Holy Prophet again) said: Can you afford to observe fasts for two (consecutive) months? He said: No. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Then feed sixty poor men.

Book 6: Number 2460: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Zuhri with the same chain of transmitters that a person broke fast in Ramadan whereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) commanded him to free a slave (as an atonement), and the rest of the hadith is the same as narrated by Ibn Uyaina.

Book 6: Number 2461: Humaid b. ‘Abdal Rahman reported that Abu Huraira had narrated to him that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) commanded the person (who) broke the fast in Ramadan to free a slave or observe fasts for two (consecutive) months or feed sixty poor persons.

Book 6: Number 2462: This hadith has been narrated with the same chain of transmitters on the authority of Zuhri.

Book 6: Number 2463: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that a person came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and said: I am burnt, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: How is it? He (the person) said: I had intercourse with my wife during the day in Ramadan. Upon this (the Holy Prophet) said: Give charity, give charity. He (the person) said: There is nothing with me. He commanded him to sit down, (In the meanwhile) there were brought to him (to the Holy Prophet) two baskets containing eatables, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) told him to give them as sadaqa.

Book 6: Number 2464: ‘Abbad b. Abdullah b. Zubair narrated that he heard ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) saying: A person came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), and he then narrated the hadith. But (neither these words are found):” Give charity, give charity” (nor) his words:” during the day time”.

Book 6: Number 2465: Abbad b. Abdullah b. Zubair reported that he had heard ‘A’isha, the wife of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), as saying: A person came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in the mosque during (the month of) Ramadan and said: Messenger of Allah, I am burnt I am burnt, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) asked him as to what the matter was. Upon this he said: I had intercourse with my wife (in a state of fasting) Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Give charity. Upon this he said: Apostle of Allah, I swear by God, there is nothing with me (to give in charity) as I do not possess anything. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Sit down. So he sat down and he was in this very state when there came a person urging a donkey with a load of eatables upon it. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Where is that burnt one who was just here? Thereupon the person stood up. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Give this (eatables brought by the man) in charity. Upon this the person said: Messenger of Allah, can there be anyone else (more deserving than I)? By Allah. we are hungry, we have nothing with us. Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) said: Then eat (these eatables).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 15: Permissibility of observing the fast or not observing it in the month of Ramadan for a traveller

Book 6: Number 2466: Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) went out during the month of Ramadan in the year of Victory (when Mecca was conquered) and was fasting till he reached Kadid (a canal situated at a distance of forty two miles from Mecca) and he then broke the fast. And it was the habit of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) to follow him in every new thing (or act). So they followed him also (in this matter).

Book 6: Number 2467: This hadith is narrated on the authority of Zuhri with the same chain of transmitters. Yahya (one of the narrators) said that Sufyan (the narrator) had stated: I do not know whose statement it is:” It is the last word of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) which is accepted as (final as it abrogates the previous ones).”

Book 6: Number 2468: It has been narrated on the authority of Zuhri with the same chain of transmitters that breaking of fast (in a journey) is the final of the two commands (whether one may fast or one may break it), and it is the last command of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) which is to be accepted as final. Zuhri said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) marched on Mecca on the morning of 14th of Ramadan (lit. when thirteen nights had passed).

Book 6: Number 2469: A hadlth like this has been transmitted on the authority of Ibn Shibab who said that they (the Compnions of the Holy Prophet) followed the latest of his commands and looked upon it as one abrogating (the previous ones) and the most firm.

Book 6: Number 2470: Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) journeyed during the month of Ramadan in a slate of fasting till he reached ‘Usfan. He then ordered a cup containing drinking water and he drank that openly so that the people might see it, and broke the fast (and did not resume it) till he reached Mecca. Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) fasted and broke the fast, so he who wished fasted and he who wished to break it broke it.

Book 6: Number 2471: Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported: Do not condemn one who observes fast, or one who does not observe (in a journey). for the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed fast in a journey or he did not observe it (too).

Book 6: Number 2472: Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) went out to Mecca in Ramadan in the year of Victory, and he and the people fasted till he came to Kura’ al-Ghamim and the people also fasted. He then called for a cup of water which he raised till the people saw it, and then he drank. He was told afterwards that some people had continued to fast, and he said: These people are the disobedient ones; these are the disobedient ones.

Book 6: Number 2473: This hadith has been narrated by Ja’far with the some chain of transmitters and he added: It was said to him (to the Holy Prophet): There are people to whom fasting has become unbearable and they are waiting how you do. He (the Holy Prophet) then called for a cup of water when it was afternoon. The rest of the hadith is the same.

Book 6: Number 2474: Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that in the course of a journey Allah  ‘s Messenger (may peace be upon him) saw a man, people crowding around him and providing him a shade. Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) said: What is the matter with him? They said: He is a person observing fast. Whereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: It is no righteousness that you fast on journey.

Book 6: Number 2475: ‘Amr b. al-Hasan is reported to have said that he heard Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with both of them) as saying that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) saw a man. The rest of the hadith is the same as mentioned above.

Book 6: Number 2476: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Shu’ba with the same chain of transmitters but with this addition that he (the Holy Prophet) said:” Take advantage of the concession of Allah Who Wanted it to you.” When he (one of the narrators) asked him (the other one, Yabya b. Abi Kathar) he did not retain it in his mind.

Book 6: Number 2477: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We went out on an expedition with Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) on the 16th of Ramadan. Some of us fasted and some of us broke the fast. But neither the observer of the fast found fault with one who broke it, nor the breaker of the fast found fault with one who observed it.

Book 6: Number 2478: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of Qatada with the same chain of transmitters by different narrators (except this difference) that in the hadith transmitted by Taimi and Umar b. Amir and Hisham (the date of setting out is) 18th, and in the hadith transmitted by Sa’id it is the 12th, and in the one transmitted by Shu’ba it is the 17th or 19th.

Book 6: Number 2479: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We went out on an expedition with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) during Ramadan and neither the observer of the fast was found fault with for his fasting, nor the breaker of the fast for breaking it.

Book 6: Number 2480: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We went out on an expedition with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) during Ramadan. Some of us observed the fast and some of us broke it. Neither the observer of the fast had any grudge against one who broke it, nor the breaker of the fast had any grudge against one who had fasted They knew that he who had strength enough (to bear its rigour) fasted and that was good, and they also found that he who felt weakness (and could not bear the burden) broke it, and that was also good.

Book 6: Number 2481: Abu Nadra reported Abu Sa’id al. Khudri and Jabir b. Abdullah as saying: We travelled with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). The observer of the fast observed it, and the breaker of the fast broke it, but none of them found fault with each other.

Book 6: Number 2482: Humaid reported that Anas (Allah be pleased with him) was asked about fasting during Ramadan while travelling. He said: We travelled with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) during the month of Ramadan, but neither the observer of the fast found fault with the breaker of the fast, nor the breaker of the fast found fault with the observer of the fast.

Book 6: Number 2483: Abu Khalid al-Ahmar narrated from Humaid who said: I went out and was fasting; they said to me: Break (lit go back, repeat). He said that Anas reported that the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to set out on a journey and neither the observer of the fast found fault with the breaker of the fast, nor the breaker of the fast found fault with the observer of the fast. (One of the narrators Humaid said): I met Ibn Abi Mulaika who informed me the same thing on the authority of ‘A’isha.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 16: The reward of one who does not observe fast because of a religious duty

Book 6: Number 2484: Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were with the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) on a journey. Some of us had been observing the fast and some of us had not been fasting. We got down at a place on a hot day. Most of us had the cloth for shelter. There were also those amongst us who sheltered (themselves against the rays of the) sun with the help of their hands. The observers of the fast fell down (on account of weakness). Those who had not observed it got up and pitched tents and watered the mounts. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: The breakers of the fast have taken away the reward today.

Book 6: Number 2485: Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was journeying (along with his Companions). Some of them had observed the fast whereas the others had broken it. Those who did not fast girded up their loins and worked, but the observers of the fast were too weak to work. Upon this he (the Apostle of Allah) said: Today the breakers of the fast have gone with the reward.

Book 6: Number 2486: Qaza’a reported: I came to Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) and he was surrounded (by people), and when they dispersed I said to him: I am not going to ask you about what these people were asking. I ask you about fasting on a journey. Upon this he said: We travelled with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) towards Mecca and we had been observing fast. We halted at a place. There the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: You are nearing your enemy and breaking of fast would give you greater strength, and that was a concession (given to us). But some of us continued to observe the fast and some of us broke it. We then got down at another place and he (the Holy Prophet) said: You are going to encounter the enemy in the morning and breaking of the fast would give you strength, so break the fast. As it was a point of stress, so we broke the fast. But subsequently we saw ourselves observing the fast with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) on a journey.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 17: Choice for observing fast and breaking it on a journey

Book 6: Number 2487: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Hamza b. ‘Amr al-Aslami asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) about fasting on a journey, and he (the Holy Prophet) said: Fast if you like and break it if you like.

Book 6: Number 2488: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Hamza b. Amr al-Aslami asked the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) thus: Messenger of Allah, I am a person devoted much to fasting. Should I fast during the journey? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Fast if you like and break it if you like.

Book 6: Number 2489: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Hisham with the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2490: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Hisham with the same chain of transmitters that Hamza said: I am a person much used to fasting. Should I fast during the journey? (The rest of the hadith is the same.)

Book 6: Number 2491: Hamza b. ‘Amr al-Aslami (Allah be pleased with him) said: Messenger of Allah, I find strength in me for fasting on a journey; is there any sin upon me (in doing it)? Thereupon the Messenger of Allah   (may peace be upon him) said: It is a concession from Allah. He who took advantage of it, it is good for him, and he who preferred to observe fast, there is no sin upon him. Harun (one of the narrators) in his narration said: ‘lt is a concession, and he made no mention of” from Allah”.

Book 6: Number 2492: Abu Darda’ (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We set out during the month of Ramadan with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in such an intense heat that one of us would place his hand over his head (in order to protect himself) against the excessive heat, and none among us was observing the fast, except the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and ‘Abdullah b. Rawaha.

Book 6: Number 2493: Abu Darda’ reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) on some of his journeys on an intensely hot day so much so that a person would place his hand on his head (in order to protect himself) against excessive heat, and none amongst us was fasting but the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and Abdullah b. Rawaha

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 18: It is preferable for the pilgrim not to observe fast in ‘Arafat on the day of ‘Arafa

Book 6: Number 2494: Umm al-Fadl bint- al-Harith reported that some people argued about the fasting of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) on the day of ‘Arafa. Some of them said that he had been fasting, whereas the others said that he had not been fasting. I sent a cup of milk to him while he was riding his camel at ‘Arafa, and he drank it.

Book 6: Number 2495: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Abu Nadr with the same chain of transmitters, but he did not mention that he was mounting (riding on) his camel.

Book 6: Number 2496: This hadith has been narrated by Abu Nadr on the authority of Umair, the freed slave of Umm al- Fadl, through the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2497: Umm al-Fadl (Allah be pleased with her) is reported to have said that some people among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) were in doubt about fasting on the day of ‘Arafa and we were with him on that day. I (Umm al-Fadl) sent him a cup of milk and he was halting at ‘Arafa, and he drank that.

Book 6: Number 2498: Kuraib, the freed slave of Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him), reported from Maimuna, the wife of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), that people had doubt about the fasting of Allah  ‘s Messenger (may peace be upon him) on the day of ‘Arafa. Maimuna sent him a cup of milk and he was halting at a place and he drank it and the people were seeing him.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 19: Fasting on the day of ‘Ashura (10th of Muharram)

Book 6: Number 2499: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Quraish used to fast on the day of ‘Ashura in the pre Islamic days and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) also observed it. When he migrated to Medina, he himself observed this fast and commanded (others) to observe it. But when fasting during the month of Ramadan was made obligatory he said: He who wishes to observe this fast may do so, and he who wishes to abandon it may do so.

Book 6: Number 2500: This hadith is narrated on the authority of Hisham with the same chain of transmitters, but he made no mention in the first part of the hadith that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe fast, and said about the second part that he abandoned the (fast) of Ashura, and he who wished observed the fast and who wished otherwise abandoned it, and he did not hold it as the words of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) as mentioned in the narration transmitted by Jarir.

Book 6: Number 2501: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported. In the pre Islamic days fast was observed on the day of Ashura, but with the advent of Islam (its position was ascertained as that of a voluntary fast). Then he who wished to fast fasted, and he who liked to abandon it abandoned it.

Book 6: Number 2502: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had ordered to observe fast (on ‘Ashura) before the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. But when it became obligatory, then he who wished fasted on the day of Ashura, and he who wished did not observe it (on that day).

Book 6: Number 2503: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Quraish used to observe fast on the day of Ashura during the pre Islamic days. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) then commanded to fast on that day till (fasting) in Ramadan became obligatory. Then the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: He who wished to fast should do so. and he who wished to break it may do so.

Book 6: Number 2504: Abdullah b. ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported that (the Arabs of) pre Islamic days used to observe fast on the day of Ashura and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed it and the Muslims too (observed it) before fasting in Ramadan became obligatory. But when it became obligatory, the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: ‘Ashura is one of the days of Allah, so he who wished should observe fast and he who wished otherwise should abandon it.

Book 6: Number 2505: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of Abdullah through the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2506: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with them) said that the day of ‘Ashura was mentioned before the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him). Thereupon the Messenger of Allah, (may peace be upon him) said: That was a day on which the people of pre Islamic days used to observe fast. So he who amongst you likes to observe fast should do so, and he who does not like it should abandon it.

Book 6: Number 2507: Abdullah b. ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say about the day of Ashura: It is a day on which the people of pre Islamic days observed fast. So he who liked to fast on this day should do so, and he who liked to abandon it should abandon it. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with him) did not observe fast except when it coincided (with the days when he was in the habit of observing voluntary fasts during every month).

Book 6: Number 2508: Abdullah b. Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the day of ‘Ashura was mentioned before the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he narrated a hadith like one (narrated above).

Book 6: Number 2509: ‘Abdullah b. Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the day of ‘Ashura was mentioned before the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he said: It is a day when the people in the pre Islamic days need to observe fast, so he who wishes to observe fast should do so, and he who wishes to abandon it should do so.

Book 6: Number 2510: Abdal Rahman b. Yazid said: When al-Ash’ath b. Qais entered the house of ‘Abdullah he was having his breakfast.  He (‘Abdullah b.  Umar) said:  Abd Muhammad (al-Asha’th), come near to the breakfast. Thereupon he said: Is not today the day of ‘Ashura? He (‘Abdal Rahman) said: Do you know what the day of ‘Ashura is? He said: What is it? He said: It is a day on which the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe fast before the (fasting) in the month of Ramadan (became) obligatory. But when it became obligatory the (fasting of ‘Ashura) was abandoned (as compulsory). Abu Kuraib said: He (the Holy Prophet) abandoned it.

Book 6: Number 2511: This hadith has been narrated from Jarir on the authority of A’mash with the same chain of transmitters and he said (these words with a little bit of variation from the previous hadith): When (fasting) in Ramadan was (made) obligatory, he abandoned it (the practice of observing fast on Ashura).

Book 6: Number 2512: Qais b. Sakan  reported  that  al-Ash’ath  b.  Qais  went  to  ‘Abdullah  on  the  day  of  ‘Ashura  while  he was eating. He said: Abu Muhammad, come near and dine. Upon this he said: I am fasting. Thereupon he said: We used to observe fast and then (this practice) was abandoned.

Book 6: Number 2513: ‘Alqama reported that Ash’ath b. Qais went to Ibn Mas’udd while he was eating on the day of Ashura. Thereupon he said: Abu Abdal Rahman, it is the day of ‘Ashura (and you are eating). Upon this he said: Fast was observed on (this day) before the (fasting) in Ramadan was made obligatory, but when it was made obligatory, (fasting on the day of ‘Ashura) was abandoned. So if you are not fasting, then take food.

Book 6: Number 2514: Jabir b Samura reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) commanded us to observe fast on the day of Ashura and exhorted us to do it and was particular about it But when (fasting) in Ramadan was made obligatory, he hence. forth neither commanded us nor forbade us, nor was he so particular about it.

Book 6: Number 2515: Abdal Rahman reported that he heard Mu’awiya b. Abu Sufyan delivering a sermon in Medina. i.e. when he came there (for Hajj). He delivered a sermon on the day of ‘Ashura and said: People of Medina, where are your scholars? I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) say on this very day: It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah has not made fasting on This day obligatory for you but I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it may not observe it.

Book 6: Number 2516: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of Ibn Shihab through the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2517: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Zuhri with the same chain of transmitters that be heard Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying on a similar day: I am fasting today, so he who wishes to observe fast should do so; but he did not make mention of the rest of the hadith.

Book 6: Number 2518: Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that when Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) came to Medina, he found the Jews observing the fast on the day of Ashura. They (the Jews) were asked about it and they said: It is the day on which Allah granted victory to Moses and (his people) Bani Isra’il over the Pharaoh and we observe fast out of gratitude to Him. Upon this the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: We have a closer connection with Moses than you have, and he commanded to observe fast on this day.

Book 6: Number 2519: This hadith has been narrated by Ibn Bishr with the same chain of transmitters (but with a slight variation) that he (the Holy Prophet) inquired of them (Jews) about it (fasting on the day of ‘Ashura).

Book 6: Number 2520: Ibn’Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) arrived in Medina and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to them: What is the (significance) of this day that you observe fast on it? They said: It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Moses and his people, and drowned the Pharaoh and his people, and Moses observed fast out of gratitude and we also observe it. Upon this the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Moses than you have; so Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura), and gave orders that it should be observed.

Book 6: Number 2521: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Ayyub with the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2522: Abu Musa (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The day of ‘Ashura was one which the Jews respected and they treated it as Id. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: You also observe fast on this day.

Book 6: Number 2523: Abu Musa reported that the people of Khaibar (most of them were Jews) observed fast on that day of ‘Ashura and they treated it as ‘Id and gave their women ornaments and beautiful dress to wear. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: You (only) observe fast on this day.

Book 6: Number 2524: Ibn Abbas was asked about observing of fast on the day of Ashura, whereupon he said: I do not know Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) singling out any day’s fast and considering it more excellent than another, except this day (the day of Ashura) and this month, meaning the month of Ramadan.

Book 6: Number 2525: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of ‘Ubaidullah b. Abi Yazid.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 20: On which day the fast is to be observed in Muharram

Book 6: Number 2526: Hakam b. al-‘Araj reported: I went to Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be Pleased with both of them) and he was reclining using his mantle as a pillow near the fountain of Zamzam. I said to him: Tell me about fasting on Ashura. He said: When you see the new moon of Muharram then count the (days) and observe fast on the 9th. I said to him: Is it how the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed the fast? He said: Yes.

Book 6: Number 2527: Hakam b. ‘Araj reported: I asked Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) as he was reclining using his cloak as a pillow near Zamzam about fasting on ‘Ashura. The rest of the hadith is the same.

Book 6: Number 2528: Ibn ‘Abbas reported that when the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) fasted on the day of ‘Ashura and commanded that it should he observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: Messenger of Allah, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When the next year comes, God willing, we would observe fast on the 9th But the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) died before the advent of the next year.

Book 6: Number 2529: Abdullah b ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said: If I live till the next (year), I would definitely observe fast on the 9th, and the narration transmitted by Abu Bakr is:” He meant the day of Ashura.”

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 21: He who ate on the day of Ashura should abstain (from eating) for the rest of the day (as a mark of respect)

Book 6: Number 2530: Salama b. al-Akwa’ (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent a person of the tribe of Aslam on the day of ‘Ashura and commanded him to declare to the people to observe fast in case they had not observed it, and to complete fast till evening if they had taken food

Book 6: Number 2531: Rubayyi’ daughter of Mu’awwidh b. ‘Afra’ said that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent (a person) on the morning of Ashura to the villages of Ansar around Medina (with this message): He who got up in the morning fasting (without eating anything) he should complete his fast, and he who had had his breakfast in the morning, he should complete the rest of the day (without food). The Companions said; We henceforth observed fast on it (on the day of ‘Ashura) and, God willing, made our children observe that. We went to the mosque and made toys out of wool for them and when anyone felt hungry and wept for food we gave them these toys till it was the time to break the fast.

Book 6: Number 2532: Khalid b. Dhakwan reported: I asked Rubayyi’ daugther of Mu’awwidh about fasting on the day of ‘Ashura. Thereupon she said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) sent his messenger to the villages of the Ansar, and the rest of the hadith is the same (but with this variation that one of the Companions) said:” We used to make toys out of wool and took (them to the mosque) along with us. When they (the children) asked us for food, we gave them these toys to play with, and these made them forgetful till they completed their fast.”

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 22: Forbiddance to observe fast on ‘Idul Fitr and ‘Idul Adha

Book 6: Number 2533: Abu Ubaid, the freed slave of Ibn Azhar, reported: I observed Id along with Umar b. al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him). He came (out in an open space) and prayed and (after) completing it addressed the people and said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) has forbidden the observing of fast on these two days. One is the day of Fitr (at the end of your fasts), and the second one, the day when you eat (the meat) of your sacrifices.

Book 6: Number 2534: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade to observe fast on these two days. ‘Idul Adha bi and ‘Idul Fitr.

Book 6: Number 2535: Qaza’a related from Abu Sa’id. He said: I heard from him (Abu Sa’id) a hadith which impressed me, and I said to him: Did you hear it from the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him)? Thereupon he said: (Is it possible) that (I should) say about the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) that which I have not heard? I heard him saying: It is not proper to fast on two days, Adha and Fitr (at the end) of Ramadan.

Book 6: Number 2536: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) forbade to observe fast on two days the day of Fitr and the day of Sacrifice (‘Idul Adha).

Book 6: Number 2537: Ziyad b. Jubair reported that a person came to Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with them) and said: I had taken a vow that I would fast on the day (but it accidentally) synchronises with the day of Adha or the day of Fitr. Thereupon Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah, the Exalted, has commanded fulfilling of the vow, but the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) has forbidden the observance of fast on this day.

Book 6: Number 2538: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) said that the Prophet (may peace be upon him) forbade to observe fast on two days the day of Fitr and the day of Adha.

Book 6: Number 2539: Nubaisha al-Hudhali reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The days of Tashriq are the days of eating and drinking.

Book 6: Number 2540: Nabaisha reported that Khalid said: I met Abu Malih and asked him and he narrated it to me from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). a hadith like one (narrated above) with this addition:” And remembrance of Allah”

Book 6: Number 2541: Ibn Ka’b b. Malik reported on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) sent him and Aus b. Hadathan during the days of Tashriq to make this announcement: None but the believer would be admitted into Paradise, and the days of Mina’ are the days meant for eating and drinking.

Book 6: Number 2542: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Ibrahim b. Tahman with the same chain of transmitters but with this variation that he said: Both of them made the announcement.”

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 23: Disapproval of fasting on friday alone

Book 6: Number 2543: Muhammad b. ‘Abbas b. Ja’far reported: I asked Jabir b. ‘Abdullah (Allah be pleased with both of them) as he was circumambulating the House (Ka’ba) whether the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had forbidden the fasting on Friday, whereupon he said: Yes, by the Lord of this House.

Book 6: Number 2544: Muhammad b. ‘Abbas b. Ja’far reported that he asked Jabir b. Abdullah (Allah be pleased with them), whether he had heard like this from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him).

Book 6: Number 2545: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) as saying: None among you should observe fast on Friday, but only that he observes fast before it and after it.

Book 6: Number 2546: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: Do not single out the night (preceding) Friday among the nights for prayer and do not single out Friday among days for fasting but only when anyone among you is accustomed to fast (on dates) which coincide with this day (Friday).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 24: Abrogation of the words of Allah: “And as for those who can fast (but do not) the expiation is” by the words: “Whosoever witnesses it he shall have to fast the whole month” (ii. 184)

Book 6: Number 2547: Salama b. Akwa’ (Allah be pleased with him) reported that when this verse was revealed:” And as for those who can fast (but do not) expiation is the feeding of a needy person” (ii. 183), (he who liked to observe fast did observe it) and he who felt reluctant to observe it ate and expiated till the verse was revealed which abrogated it.

Book 6: Number 2548: Salama b. Akwa’ reported: We, during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), in one month of Ramadan (observed fast according to our liking). He who wished to fast lasted and he who wished to break broke it and fed a needy person as an expiation 1544 till this verse was revealed:” He who witnesses among you the month (of Ramadan) he should observe fast during it” (ii. 184).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 25: Permissibiliy of completing the (missed) fasts of Ramadan before the commencement of the coming Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2549: Abu Salama reported: I heard ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) as saying: I had to complete some of the fasts of Ramadan, but I could not do it but during the month of Sha’ban due to my duties to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) or with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him).

Book 6: Number 2550: This hadith is narrated on the authority of Yahya b. Sa’id with the same chain of transmitters but with this variation that he said that (‘A’isha did not observe fast but in Sha’ban) out of regard for the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). (In another version, the words are):” Yahya said: I think it was due to the regard for the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him).”

Book 6: Number 2551: This hadith is reported on the authority of Yahya with the same chain of transmitters but no mention is made of the duty to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him).

Book 6: Number 2552: ‘A’isha reported: If one amongst us had to break fasts (of Ramadan due to natural reasons, i. e. menses) during the life of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) she could not find it possible to complete them so long she had been in the presence of Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) till Sha’ban commenced.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 26: Completing of the fast on behalf of the dead

Book 6: Number 2553: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: If anyone dies in a state (that he had to complete) some fasts, his heir must fast on his behalf.

Book 6: Number 2554: Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah   (may peace be upon him) and said: My mother has died, and fasts of a month are due from her. Thereupon he said: Don’t you see that if debt was due from her, would you not pay it? She said: Yes (I would pay on her behalf). Thereupon he said: The debt of Allah deserves its payment more than (the payment of anyone else).

Book 6: Number 2555: Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man came to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, my mother has died (in a state) that she had to observe fasts of a month (of Ramadan). Should I complete (them) on her behalf? thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Would you not pay the debt if your mother had died (without paying it)? He said: Yes. He (the Holy Prophet) said: The debt of Allah deserves more that it should he paid.

Book 6: Number 2556: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him).

Book 6: Number 2557: Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and said: Messenger of Allah, my mother has died and there is due from her a fast of vow; should I fast on her behalf? Thereupon he said: You see that if your mother had died in debt, would it not have been paid on her behalf? She said: Yes. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Then observe fast on behalf of your mother.

Book 6: Number 2558: Abdullah b. Buraida (Allah be pleased with him) reported on the authority of his father: When we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him), a woman came to him and said: I had gifted to my mother a maid servant, and now she (the mother) has died. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: There is a definite reward for you and she (the maid servant) has been returned to you as an inheritance. She (that woman) again said: Fasts of a month (of Ramadan) are due upon her; should I observe them on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Observe fasts on her behalf. She (again) said: She did not perform Hajj, should I perform it on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Perform Hajj on her behalf.

Book 6: Number 2559: ‘Abdullah b. Buraida (Allah be pleased with him) reported on the authority of his father: I was sitting with the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him); the rest of the hadith is the same but with this variation that the (the narrator) said:” Fasts of two months.”

Book 6: Number 2560: Ibn Buraida (Allah be pleased with him) reported on the authority of his father: A woman came to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), and the rest of the hadith is the same, but he said:” Fasting of one month.” This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Sufyan with the same chain of transmitters in which it is said:” Fasting of two months.”

Book 6: Number 2561: Buraida (Allah be pleased with him) reported a similar hadith on the authority of his father that a woman came to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he said:” Fasting for one month.”

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 27: When an observer of fast is invited to a feast, or someone fights with him, he should say: “I am fasting”

Book 6: Number 2562: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: If any one of you is invited to a meal when he is fasting, he should say:” I am fasting.”

Book 6: Number 2563: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported: When any one of you gets up in the morning in the state of fasting, he should neither use obscene language nor do any act of ignorance. And if anyone slanders him or quarrels with him, he should say:” I am fasting, I am fasting.”

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 28: Excellence of fasting

Book 6: Number 2564: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Allah, the Majestic and the Exalted, said: Every act of the son of Adam is for him except fasting. It is done for My sake, and I will give a reward for it. By Allah in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.

Book 6: Number 2565: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Fasting is a shield.

Book 6: Number 2566: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is (exclusively) meant for Me and I (alone) will reward it. Fasting is a shield. When any one of you is fasting on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise the voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: I am a person fasting. By Him, in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah on the Day of judgment than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts has two (occasions) of joy, one when he breaks the fast he is glad with the breaking of (the fast) and one when he meets his Lord he is glad with his fast.

Book 6: Number 2567: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward. Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, has said: With the exception of fasting, for it is done for Me and I will give a reward for it, for one abandons his passion and food for My sake. There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts, joy when he breaks it, and joy when he meets his Lord, and the breath (of an observer of fast) is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.

Book 6: Number 2568: Abu Huraira and Abu Sa’id (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) (as saying): Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, said: Fast (is exclusively) meant for Me and I would give its reward. There are two (occasions) of joy for the observer of fast. He feels joy when he breaks the fast and he is happy when he meets Allah. By Allah in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. A hadith like this is narrated on the authority of Abu Sinan with the same chain of transmitters (and the words are):” As he meets Allah, He rewards him, and he is happy.”

Book 6: Number 2569: Sahl b. Sa’d (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: In Paradise there is a gate which is called Rayyan through which only the observers of fast would enter on the Day on Resurrection. None else would enter along with them. It would be proclaimed: Where are the observers of fast that they should be admitted into it? and when the last of them would enter, it would be closed and no one would enter it.

Book 6: Number 2570: Abu Sa’id al Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire (of Hell) to the extent of seventy years’ distance.

Book 6: Number 2571: This hadith has been narrated by Suhail with the, arne chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2572: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah He would remove his face from the Hell to the extent of seventy years’ distance.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 29: Permissibility of making an intention for voluntary fasting before noon and permissibility of breaking voluntary fast without reason

Book 6: Number 2573: ‘A’isha, the Mother of the Believers (Allah be pleased with her), reported that one day the Messenger of Allah tpay peace be upon him) said to me: ‘A’isha, have you anything (to eat)? I said: ‘Messenger of Allah, there is nothing with us. Thereupon he said: I am observing fast. She said: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) went out, and there was a present, for us and (at the same time) some visitors dropped in. When the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) came back, I said to him: Messenger of Allah, a present was given to us, (and in the meanwhile) there came to us visitors (a major Portion of it has been spent on them), but I have saved something for you. He said: What is it? I said: It is hais (a compound of dates and clarified butter). He said: Bring that. So I brought it to him and he ate it and then said: I woke up in the morning observing fast. Talha said: I narrated this hadith to Mujahid and he said: This (observing of voluntary fast) is like a person who sets apart Sadaqa out of his wealth. He may spend it if he likes, or he may retain it if he so likes.

Book 6: Number 2574: ‘A’isha, the Mother of the Believers (Allah be pleased with her), reported: The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) came to me one day and said: Is there anything with you (to eat)? I said: No. Thereupon he said: I shall then be fasting. Then he came to us another day and we said: Messenger of Allah, hais has been offered to us as a gift. Thereupon he said: Show that to me; I had been fasting since morning. He then ate it.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 30: Eating and drinking (and sexual intercourse) in forgetfulness does not break the fast

Book 6: Number 2575: Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah Who has fed him and given him drink.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 31: The fast observed by the apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) besides Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2576: Abdullah b. Shaqiq reported: I said to’A’isha (Allah be pleased with her): Did the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) observe fast for full one month besides Ramadan? She said: I do not know of any month in which he fasted throughout, but that of the month of Ramadan and (the month) in which he did not fast at all, till he ran the course of his life.

Book 6: Number 2577: ‘Abdullah b. Shaqiq reported: I said to ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her): Did the Messenger of Allah   (may peace be upon him) observe fast during a month? She said, I do not know of any month in which he fasted throughout except Ramedan and (the month) in which he did not fast at all till he ran the course of his life. May peace be upon him.

Book 6: Number 2578: Abdullah b. Shaqiq reported. I asked ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) about fasting of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). She said: He used to observe fast (at times) so continuously that we said: He has fasted, he has fasted. And (at times) he did not observe fast (for days) and we began to say: He has abandoned fasting, he has abandoned fasting. She said: I did not see him observing fast throughout the whole of the month since he arrived in Medina, but that of Ramadan.

Book 6: Number 2579: A hadith like this has been narrated on the authority of Abdullah b. Shaqiq but in the chain of transmitters no mention is made of Hisham and Muhammad.

Book 6: Number 2580: ‘A’isha, the Mother of the Believers (Allah be pleased with her), reported that the Messenger of Allah   (may peace be upon him) used to observe fasts (so continuously) that we said that he would not break, and did not observe (them) till we said that he would not fast: and I did not see the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) completing the fast of a month, but that of Ramadan, and I did not see him fasting more in any other month than that of Sha’ban.

Book 6: Number 2581: Abu Salama reported: I asked ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) about the fasting of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). She said: He used to observe fast (at times so continuously) that we said: He has fasted (never to break), and he did not observe fast till we said: He has given up perhaps never to fast, and I never saw him observing (voluntary fasts) more in any other month than that of Sha’ban. (lt appeared as if) he observed fast throughout the whole of Sha’ban except a few (days).

Book 6: Number 2582: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) did not observe fast in any month of the year more than in the month of Sha’ban, and used to say: Do as many deeds as you are capable of doing, for Allah will not become weary (of giving you reward), but you would be tired (of doing good deeds) ; and he also said: The deed liked most by Allah is one to which the doer adheres constantly even if it is small.

Book 6: Number 2583: Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) did not fast throughout any month except during ramadan. And when he observed fast (he fasted so continuously) that one would say that he would not break (them) and when he Abandoned, he abandoned (so continuously) that one would say: By Allah, perhaps he would never fast.

Book 6: Number 2584: This hadith has been narrated on the authority of Abu Bishr with the same chain of transmitters (with a slight variation of words and these are), that he (the narrator) said:” During any month continuously since he came to Medina.”

Book 6: Number 2585: ‘Uthman b. Hakim al-Ansari said: I asked Sa’id b. Jubair about fasting In Rajab, and we were then passing through the month of Rajab, whereupon he said: I heard Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with both of them) as saying: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe fast (so continuously) that we (were inclined) to say that he would not break (them) and did not observe them so continuously) that we (were inclined to say) that he would not observe fast.

Book 6: Number 2586: Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe fast till it was said that he had observed fast, he had observed fast (perhaps never to break it), and he did not fast till it was said that he had given up fast, he had given up fast (perhaps never to observe it).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 32: Forbiddance to observe perpetual fast and excellence of observing fast on alternate days

Book 6: Number 2587: ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr b. al-‘As reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was informed that he could stand up for (prayer) throughout the night and observe fast every day so long as he lived. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Is it you who said this? I said to him: Messenger of Allah. it is I who said that. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah may peace be upon him) said: You are not capable enough to do so. Observe fast and break it; sleep and stand for prayer, and observe fast for three days during the month; for every good is multiplied ten times and this is like fasting forever. I said: Messenger of Allah. I am capable of doing more than this. Thereupon he said: Fast one day and do not fast for the next two days. I said: Messenger of Allah, I have the strength to do more than that. The Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him), said: Fast one day and break on the other day. That is known as the fasting of David (peace be upon him) and that is the best fasting. I said: I am capable of doing more than this. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: There is nothing better than this. ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr (Allah be pleased with them) said: Had I accepted the three days (fasting during every month) as the Messeinger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said, it would have been more dear to me than my family and my property.

Book 6: Number 2588: Yahya reported: I and ‘Abdullah b. Yazid set out till we came to Abu Salama. We sent a messenger to him (in his house in order to inform him about our arrival) and he came to us. There was a mosque near the door of his house, and we were in that mosque, till he came out to us. He said: If you like you may enter (the house) and, if you like, you may sit here (in the mosque). We said: We would rather sit here and (you) relate to us. He (Yahya) then narrated that ‘Abdullah b Amr b. al-‘As (Allah be pleased with them) told him: I used to observe fast uninterruptedly and recited the (whole of the) Qur’an every night. It (the uninterrupted fasting and recital of the Qur’in every night) was mentioned to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) or he sent for me, and I went to him and he said to me: I have been informed that you fast continuously and recite (the whole of the Qur’An) every night. I said: Apostle of Allah, it is right, but I covet thereby nothing but good, whereupon he said: It suffices for you that you should observe fast for three days during every mouth. I said: Apostle of Allah, I am capable of doing more than this. He said: Your wife has a right upon you, your visitor has a right upon you, your body has a right upon you; so observe the fast of David, the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him), for he was the best worshipper of Allah. I said: Apostle of Allah, what is the fast of David? He said: He used to fast one day and did not fast the other day. He (also) said: Recite the Qur’an during every month. I said: Apostle of Allah, I am capable of doing more than this, whereupon he said: Recite it in twenty days; recite it in ten days. I said: I am capable of doing more than this, whereupon he said: Recite it every week, and do not exceed beyond this, for your wife has a right upon you, your visitor has a right upon you, your body has a right upon you. He (‘Amr b. ‘As) said: I was hard to myself and thus I was put to hardship. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had told me: ‘You do not know you may live long (thus and bear the hardships for a long time), and I accepted that which the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) had told me. When I grew old I wished I had availed myself of the concession (granted by) the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him). This hadith has been narrated by Yahya b. Abu Kathir with the same chain of transmitters and he made this addition after these words: During every month, (fasting) for three days, there is for you ten times for every good and that is perpetual fasting (for three days would bring a reward for full thirty days). I said: What is the fast of the Apostle of Allah, David? He said: Half of the age (observing fast on alternate days for the whole life). And in the hadith no mention has been made of the recital of the Qur’an, and he did not say: Your visitor has a right upon you, but (instead) he said: Your son has a right upon you.

Book 6: Number 2589: ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr (Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to me: Recite the whole of the Qur’An during every nonth. I said: I find power (to recite it) in a shorter period. He said: Then recite it in twenty nights. I said: I find power (to recite it in a shorter period even than this), whereupon he said: Then recite it in seven (nights) and do not exceed beyond it.

Book 6: Number 2590: ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr b. al-‘As (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: ‘Abdullah, don’t be like so and so who observed prayer during the whole night and then abandoned it (altogether).

Book 6: Number 2591: Abdu’llah b. ‘Amr b. ‘As (Allah be pleased with them) reported: It was conveyed to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) that I observe fast successively and pray during the whole night. He sent for me or I met him and he (the Holy Prophet) said: It has been conveyed to me that you observe fast continuously and do not break it and pray during the whole night. Don’t do that. for there is share for your eyes, share for your own self, share for your family; so observe fast and break it, pray and sleep and observe fast for one day during the ten days, and there is a reward for you (for other) nine (days besides the tenth day of the fast). I said: Apostle of Allah, I find myself more powerful than this. He said: Then observe the fast of David (peace be upon him). He (‘Amr) said: Apostle of Allah, how did David observe fast? He (the Holy Prophet) said: He used to fast one day and break it on the other day, and he did not run (from the battlefield) as he encountered (the enemy). He said: Apostle of Allah, who can guarantee this for me (will I also encounter the enemy dauntlessly)? ‘Ata’, the narrator of the hadith, said: I do not know how there (crept in) the matter of perpetual fast. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), however, said: He who observed perpetual fast did not fast at all; he who observed perpetual fast did not fast at all, he who observed perpetual fast did not fast at all. This hadith has been narrated by Ibn Juraij with the same chain of transmitters. Imam Muslim  has  narrated  this  hadith  on  the  authority  of  Abu  ‘Abbas  al-Sa’ib  b. Farrukh and  he  was  a trustworthy and reliable (narrator) among the people of Mecca.

Book 6: Number 2592: Abdullah b. Amr (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to me: ‘Abdullah b. Amr, you fast continuously and stand in prayer for the whole of night. If you do like that, your eyes would be highly strained and would sink and lose sight. There is no (reward for) fasting (for him) who fasts perpetually. Fasting for three days during the month is like fasting, the whole of the month. I said: I am capable of doing more than this, whereupon he said: Observe the fast of David. He used to fast one day and break (the other) day. And he did not turn back in the encounter.

Book 6: Number 2593: This hadith is narrated on the authority of Habib b. Abu Thabit with the same chain of transmitters and he said:” And you would become exhausted.”

Book 6: Number 2594: ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to me: I have been informed that you stand for prayer the whole of night and fast during the day. I said: I do that, whereupon he said: If you did that you in fact strained heavily your eyes and made yourself weak. There is a right of your eyes (upon you) and a right of yourself (upon you) and a right of your family (upon you). Stand for prayer and sleep. observe fasts and break (them).

Book 6: Number 2595: ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: With Allah the best fasting is that of David and the best prayer is that of David (peace be upon him) for he slept half of the night and stood for prayer for the third of it and (then) slept the sixth part of it and he observed fast one day and broke on the other.

Book 6: Number 2596: ‘Abdullah  b.  ‘Amr b.  al-‘As  reported  Allah’s  Messenger  (may  peace  be  upon  him)  as  saying:  The best fasting in the eye of Allah is that of David, for he fasted for half of the age (he fasted on alternate days), and the best prayer in the eye of Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, is that of David (peace be upon him), for he slept for half of the night and then stood for prayer and then again slept. He prayed for one third of the night after midnight. He (the narrator) said: I asked ‘Amr b. Dinar whether ‘Amr b. Aus said that he stood for prayer one third of the night after midnight. He said: Yes.

Book 6: Number 2597: Abu Qatada reported that Abu al Malih informed me: I went along with your father to ‘Abdullah b. Amr, and he narrated to us that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was informed about my fasting and he came to me, and I placed a leather cushion filled with fibre of datepalms for him. He sat down upon the ground and there was that cushion between me and him, and he said to me: Does three days’ fasting in a month not suffice you? I said: Messenger of Allah, (I am capable of observing more fasts). He said: (Would) five (not suffice for you)? I said: Messenger of Allah, (I am capable of observing more fasts) He said: (Would) seven (fasts) not suffice you? I said: Messenger of Allah, (I am capable of observing more fasts). He (the Holy Prophet) then said: (Would) nine (fasts not suffice you)? I said: Messenger of Allah, (I am capable of observing more fasts). He said: (Would) eleven (fasts not suffice you)? I said: Messenger of Allah, (I am capable of observing more fasts than these). Thereupon the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: There is no fasting (better than) the fasting of David which comprises half of the age, fasting a day and not fasting a day.

Book 6: Number 2598: ‘Abdullah b. Amr (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) had said to him: Observe fast for a day and there would be reward for you for the rest (of the days). He said: I am capable of doing more than this. He then said: Observe fast for two days, and there would be reward for you for the rest (of the days). He said: I am capable of doing more than this. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Observe fast for three days and there would be reward for you for the rest of the days. He said: I am capable of doing more than this, whereupon he said: Observe fast for four days and there would be reward for you for the rest of the days. He said: I am capable of doing more than this. Thereupon he said: Then observe fast (which is the) best in the eye of Allah, the fast of David (peace be upon him) ; he used to observe fast one day and break on the other day.

Book 6: Number 2599: ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to me! ‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr, it has been conveyed to me that you observe fast during the day and stand in prayer during the whole night. Don’t do that, for your body has a share of its own in you, your eye has a share of its own in you, your wife has a share of her own in you. Observe fast and break it too. Fast for three days in every month and that is a prepetual fasting. I said! Messenger of Allah, I have got strength enough (to do more than this), whereupon he said: Then observe the fast of David (peace be upon him). Observe fast one day and break it (on the other) day. And he (‘Abdullah b. ‘Amr) used to say: Would that I had availed myself of this concession.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 33: Excellence of observing fast for three days during every month. And fasting on the day of ‘Arafa and ‘Ashura and monday and thursday

Book 6: Number 2600: Mu’adha al-‘Adawiyya reported that she asked ‘A’isha, the wife of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him), whether the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed fasts for three days during every month. She said: Yes I said to her: Which were (the particular) days of the month on which he observed fast? She said: He was not particular about the days of the month on which to observe fast.

Book 6: Number 2601: ‘Imran b. Husain (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to him (or he said to another person and he was listening to it): O, so and so, did you observe fast in the middle of the month? He said: No. Thereupon he (the Messenger of Allah) said: When you break it, then observe fast for two days.

Book 6: Number 2602: Abu Qatada reported that a person came to the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) and said: How do you observe fast? The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) felt annoyed. 1560 When ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) noticed his annoyance, he said: We are well pleased with Allah as our Lord, with Islam as our Code of Life, and with Muhammad as our Prophet. We seek refuge with Allah from the anger of Allah and that of His Messenger. ‘Umar kept on repeating these words till his (the Prophet’s) anger calmed down. Then Umar said: Messenger of Allah. what is the position of one who perpetually observes fasts? Thereupon he said: He neither fasted nor broke it, or he said: He did not fast and he did not break it. He said: What about him who observes fast for two days and breaks one day. Thereupon he said: Is anyone capable of doing it? He (‘Umar) said: What is the position of him who observes fast for a day and breaks on the other day? Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: That is the fast of David (peace be upon him). He (‘Umar) said: What about him who observes fast one day and breaks it for two days. Thereupon he (the Messenger of Allah) said: I wish, I were given strength to observe that. Thereafter he said: The observance of three days’ fast every Month and that of Ramadan every year is a perpetual fasting. I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of ‘Arafa may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years. and I seek from Allah that fasting on the day of Ashura may atone for the sins of the preceding year.

Book 6: Number 2603: Abu Qatada al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) was asked about his fasting. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) felt annoyed. Thereupon ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) said: We are pleased with Allah as the Lord, with Islam as our Code of Life, with Muhammad as the Messenger and with our pledge (to you for willing and cheerful submission) as a (sacred) commitment. He was then asked about perpetual fasting, whereupon he said: He neither fasted nor did he break it, or he did not fast and he did not break it. He was then asked about fasting for two days and breaking one day. He (the Holy Prophet) said: And who has strength enough to do it? He was asked about fasting for a day and breaking for two days, whereupon he said: May Allah bestow upon us strength to do it. He was then asked about fasting for a day and breaking on the other, whereupon he said: That is the fasting of my brother David (peace be upon him). He was then asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It was the day on which I was born. on which I was commissioned with prophethood or revelation was sent to me, (and he further) said: Three days’ fasting every month and of the whole of Ramadan every year is a perpetual fast. He was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Arafa (9th of Dhu’I Hijja), whereupon he said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year. He was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Ashura (10th of Muharram), whereupon be said: It expiates the sins of the preceding year. (Imam Muslim said that in this hadith there is a) narration of Imam Shu’ba that he was asked about fasting on Monday and Thursday, but we (Imam Muslim) did not mention Thursday for we found it as an error (in reporting).

Book 6: Number 2604: This hadith has been narrated by Shu’ba with the same chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2605: This hadith has been narrated by Ghailan b. Jarir with the same chain of transmitters, but with one variation, that there has been made mention of Monday and not of Thursday.

Book 6: Number 2606: Abu Qatada Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Massenger (may peace be upon him) was asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: It is (the day) when I was born and revelation was sent down to me.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 34: Fasting in the month of Sha’ban

Book 6: Number 2607: ‘Imran b. Husain (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace he upon him) having said to him or to someone else: Did you fast in the middle of Sha’ban? He said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: If you did not observe fast, then you should observe fast for two days.

Book 6: Number 2608: Imran b. Husain (Allah be pleased with them) reported that Allah’s Apostle (way peace be upon him) said. to a person: Did you observe any fast in the middle of this month (Sha’ban)? He said: No. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Fast for two days instead of (one fast) when you have completed (fasts of) Ramadan.

Book 6: Number 2609: ‘Imran b. Husain (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) said to a person: Did you observe fast in the middle of this month. i. e. Sha’ban? He said: No. Thereupon he said to him: When it is the end of Ramadan, then observe fast for one day or two (Shu’ba had some doubt about it) but he said: I think that he has said: two days.

Book 6: Number 2610: This hadith is narrated by ‘Abdullah b. Hani b. Akhi Mutarrif with the same chain of transmitters.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 35: Excellence of the fast of Muharram

Book 6: Number 2611: Abu Haraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The most excellent fast after Ramadan is God’s month. al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night.

Book 6: Number 2612: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that he (the Messenger of Allah) was asked as to which prayer was most excellent after the prescribed prayer, and which fast was most excellent after the month of Ramadan. He said: Prayer offered in the middle of the night and the most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in God’s month al-Muharram.

Book 6: Number 2613: A hadith like this has been reported from the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) by ‘Abd al-Malik with the same chain of transmitters in connection with fast.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 36: Excellence of observing fast for six days in the month of Shawwal after Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2614: Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. it would be as if he fasted perpetually.

Book 6: Number 2615: Abu Ayyub al-Ansari reported (through another chain of transmitters): I heard Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) saying like this.

Book 6: Number 2616: Abu Ayyub reported a hadith like this (through another chain of transmitters).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 37: Excellence of Lailatul Qadr and exhortation to find it

Book 6: Number 2617: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported that some persons among the Companions of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) were shown Lailatul Qadr while sleeping in the last week (of Ramadan). Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: I see that your dreams agree regarding the last week; so he who wants to seek it should seek it in the last week (during the night).

Book 6: Number 2618: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) as saying: Seek Lailatul Qadr in the last week (of Ramadan).

Book 6: Number 2619: Salim reported on the authority of his father that a person saw Lailatul Qadr on the 27th (of Ramadan). Thereupon Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) said: I see that your dreams agree regarding the last ten (nights of Ramadan). So seek it on an odd Number (of these ten nights).

Book 6: Number 2620: Salim b. ‘Abdullah b. ‘Umar reported that his father said: I heard Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: So far as Lailatul Qadr is concerned. some persons among you have seen it (in a dream) in the first week and some persons among you have been shown that it is in the last week; so seek it in the last ten (nights).

Book 6: Number 2621: Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Seek it (Lailatul Qadr) in the last (ten nights). If one among you shows slackness and weakness (in the earlier part of Ramadan), it should not be allowed to prevail upon him in the last week.

Book 6: Number 2622: Ibn Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He who is anxious to seek it (Lailatul Qadr) should seek it in the last ten (nights of Ramadan).

Book 6: Number 2623: ‘Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Seek the time of Lailatul Qadr in the last (ten nights), or he said: in the last nine (nights).

Book 6: Number 2624: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: I was shown Lailatul Qadr; then some members of my family awoke me up, then I was caused to forget it. So seek it in the last week. Harmala said: (The Holy Prophet did not say:” I was made to forget,” but he stated):” But I forgot it.”

Book 6: Number 2625: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) spent in devotion (in i’tikaf) the middle ten nights of the month of Ramadan, and when twenty nights were over and it was the twenty first night, he went back to his residence and those who were along with him also returned (to their respective residences). He spent one month in devotion. Then he addressed the people on the night he came back (to his residence) and commanded them as Allah desired (him to command) and then said: I used to devote myself (observe i’tikaf) during these ten (nights). Then I started devoting myself in the last ten (nights). And he who desires to observe i’tikaf along with me should spend the night) at his place of i’tikaf. And I saw this night (Lailatul Qadr) but I forgot it (the exact night) ; so seek it;In the last ten nights on odd Numbers. I saw (the glimpses of that dream) that I was prostrating in water and mud. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri said: It rained on the twenty first night and the water dripped (from the roof) of the mosque at the place where the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed prayer. I looked at him and as he completed the dawn prayer, (I found) his face was wet with mud and water.

Book 6: Number 2626: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) devoted (himself to prayer) in the middle (ten nights) of Ramadan. The rest of the hadith is the same except for these words:” That he adhered to his place of i’tikaf and his forehead was besmeared with mud and water.”

Book 6: Number 2627: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed i’tikaf (confined himself for devotion and prayer) in the first ten (days) of Ramadan; he then observed i’tikaf in the middle ten (days) in a Turkish tent with a mat hanging at its door. He (the Holy Prophet) took hold of that mat and placed it in the nook of the tent. He then put his head out and talked with people and they came near him, and he (the Holy Prophet) said: I observed i’tikaf in the first ten (nights and days) in order to seek that night (Lailatul Qadr). I then observed i’tikaf in the middle ten days. Then (an angel) was sent to me and I was told that this (night) is among the last ten (nights). He who among you likes to observe i’tikaf should do so; and the people observed it along with him, and he (the Holy Prophet) said: That (Lailatul Qadr) was shown to me on an odd (night) and I (saw in the dream) that I was prostrating in the morning in clay and water. So in the morning of the twenty first night when he (the Holy Prophet) got up for dawn (prayer). there was a rainfall and the mosque dripped, and I saw clay and water. When he came out after completing the morning prayer (I saw) that his forehead and the tip of his nose had (traces) of clay and water, and that was the twenty first night among the last ten (nights).

Book 6: Number 2628: Abu Salama reported: ‘We discussed amongst ourselves Lailatul Qadr. I came to Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) who was a friend of mine and said to him: Would you not go with us to the garden of date trees? He went out with a cloak over him. I said to him: Did you hear the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) making mention of Lailatul Qadr? He said: Yes, (and added) we were observing i’tikaf with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in the middle ten days of Ramadan, and came out on the morning of the twentieth and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) addressed us and said: I was shown Lailatul Qadr, but I forgot (the exact night) or I was caused to forget it, so seek it in the last ten odd (nights), and I was shown that I was prostrating in water and clay. So he who wanted to observe i’tikaf with the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) should return (to the place of i’tikaf). He (Abu Sa’id al-Khudri) said: And we returned and did not find any patch of cloud in the sky. Then the cloud gathered and there was (so heavy) a downpour that the roof of the mosque which was made of the branches of date palms began to drip. Then there was prayer and I saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) prostrating in water and clay till I saw the traces of clay on his forehead.

Book 6: Number 2629: This badith has been reported on the authority of Yahya b. Abu Kathir with the same chain of transmitters (with a slight variation of these words): I saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) after he had completed (the prayer) and there was a trace of clay on his forehead and tip (of the nose).

Book 6: Number 2630: Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) observed i’tikaf in the middle ten days of Ramadan to seek Lailatul Qadr before it was made manifest to him. When (these nights) were over, he commanded to strike the tent. Then it was made manifest to him that (Lailatul Qadr) was in the last ten nights (of Ramadan), and commanded to pitch the tent (again). He then came to the people and said: O people, Lailatul Qadr was made manifest to me and I came out to inform you about it that two persons came contending with each other and there was a devil along with them and I forgot it. So seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Seek it on the ninth, on the seventh and on the fifth. I (one of the narrators) said: Abu Sa’id, you know more than us about Numbers. He said: Yes, indeed we have better right than you. I said: What is this ninth, seventh, and fifth? He said: When twenty one (nights are over) and the twenty second begins, it is the ninth, and when twenty three (nights) are over, that which follows (the last night) is the seventh, and when twenty five nights are over, what follows it is fifth. Ibn Khallad said: Instead of the word Yahliqan (contending), he said Yakhtasiman, (they are disputing).

Book 6: Number 2631: ‘Abdullah b. Unais reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace beupon him) as saying: I was shown Lailatul Qadr; then I was made to forget it, and saw that I was prostrating in water and clay in the morning of that (night). He (the narrator) said: There was a downpour on the twenty third night and the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) led us in prayer, and as he went back, there was a trace of water and clay on his forehead and on his nose. He (the narrator) said: ‘Abdullah b. Unais used to say that it was the twenty third (night).

Book 6: Number 2632: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) and Ibn Numair reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Look for (and in the words of Waki, seek) Lailatul Qadrin the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Book 6: Number 2633: Zirr b. Habaish reported: I thu asked Ubayy b. Ka’b (Allah be pleased with him): Your brother (in faith) Ibn Mas’ud says: He who stands (for the night prayer) throughout the year would find Lailatul Qadr, whereupon he said: May Allah have mercy upon him; (he said these words) with the intention that people might not rely only (on one night), whereas he knew that it (Lailatul Qadr) is in the month of Ramadan and it is the twenty seventh night. He then took oath (without making any exception, i. e. without saying Innsha Allah) that it was the twenty seventh night. I said to him: Abu Mundhir, on what ground do you say that? Thereupon he said: By the indication or by the sign which the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) gave us, and that is that on that day (the sun) would rise without having any ray in it.

Book 6: Number 2634: Zirr b. Hubaish reported that Ubayy b. Ka’b (Allah be pleased with him) said about Lailatul Qadr: By Allah, I know well about it. Shu’ba said: To the best of my knowledge it was the twenty seventh night for which the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) commanded us to stand for prayer. Shu’ba doubted these words: That it was the night for which the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) commanded us to stand for prayer. And (he further) said: This was narrated to me by a friend of mine from him (the Holy Prophet).

Book 6: Number 2635: Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were talking about Lailatul Qadrin the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he said: He who amongst you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and it was like a piece of plate (at the fag end of the month in a state of waning).

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 38: Observing of i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2636: Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan.

Book 6: Number 2637: Abdullah b. Umar (Allah be pleased with both of them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. Nafi’ said: Abdullah (Allah be pleased with him) showed me the place in the mosque where the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe i’tikaf.

Book 6: Number 2638: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan.

Book 6: Number 2639: This hadith has been narrated by ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) through another chain of transmitters.

Book 6: Number 2640: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) used to observe i’tikif in the last ten days of Ramadan till Allah called him back (to his heavenly home). Then his wives observed i’tikaf after him.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 39: When should a person enter the place of i’tikaf as he intends to observe it

Book 6: Number 2641: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) decided to observe i’tikaf, he prayed in the morning and then went to the place of his i’tikaf, and he commanded that a tent should be pitched for him, and it was pitched. He (once) decided to observe i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. Zainab (the wife of the Holy Prophet) commanded that a tent should be pitched for her. It was pitched accordingly. And some other wives of Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) commanded that tents should be pitched for them too. And they were pitched. When the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) offered the morning prayer, he looked and found (so many) tents. Thereupon he said: What is this virtue that these (ladies) have decided to acquire? He commanded his tent to be struck and abandoned i’tikaf in the month of Ramadan and postponed it to the first ten days of Shawwal.

Book 6: Number 2642: This hadith has been reported through another chain of transmitters, and there it is mentioned that. ‘A’isha, Hafsa and Zainab (Allah be pleased with them) pitched the tents for i’tikaf.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 40: One should exert more (in devotion and prayer) in the last ten days of Ramadan

Book 6: Number 2643: ‘A’Isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the last ten nights began Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe prayer (with more vigour).

Book 6: Number 2644: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.

Sahih Muslim > Book 6: Fasting (Kitab Al-sawm)
Chapter 41: Fasting on the 10th of Dhu’l Hijja

Book 6: Number 2645: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: I never saw the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) fasting in the ten days of Dhu’I Hijja.

Book 6: Number 2646: ‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) did not observe fast in the ten days of Dhul Hijja.

FROM RIYADH AL SALIHEEN

Riyadh Al Saliheen >
Book 8: Virtues

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 217 : The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan

Allah, the Exalted, says:
“O you who believe! the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.” (2:183- 185)

Hadith: 1215. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’ Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah says: `(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward’.”
says: `The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb. Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”
Commentary: “Khuluf”, is the smell that comes from the mouth of person who observes Saum. It results from the thirst and hunger which he has to suffer during the Saum. The Hadith not only tells us the merits of Saum but also brings into focus the true significance of it. Saum is not thus mere abstention from food, drink and sexual intercourse, but also keeping away from all evils and vices and embracing virtues.

Hadith: 1216. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: `O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you’ and one who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called from the Gate of Charity.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all of those gates?” He replied, “Yes, and I hope that you will be one of them.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: “Pair” means two; in other channels of transmission, it has been explained thus: “They asked him, `Pair of what?’ He (PBUH) said, `A pair of horses, cows or camels’.” “Pair” in this Hadith, however, can be all-inclusive; i.e., fasting two days or performing two prayers, etc. This Hadith also mentions special distinction of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) and the esteem in which he was held by the Prophet (PBUH). It also transpires from this Hadith that one can praise such a person right on his face about whom one does not fear that it will make him proud. This Hadith has also an inducement for giving in Sadaqah two instead of a single item.

Hadith: 1217. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, “Where are those who observe fasting?” So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.” [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us about the special distinction of those who observe Saum. “Only those who observe Saum” signify the faithful who not only observe Saum during the month of Ramadan but also frequently observe voluntary fasts over and above the obligatory ones, otherwise Saum of Ramadan are compulsory for every Muslim. Similar is the case of the people of Salat, people of
Sadaqah and people of Jihad, who have been mentioned in the preceding Ahadith otherwise all Muslims are on par so far as the Salat, Sadaqah, etc., are concerned.

Hadith: 1218. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: “Every slave of Allah” includes men, women, the free and the unfree, because they are slaves of Allah. The Hadith highlights the excellence of fasting for the sake of Allah which will serve, on the Day of Resurrection, as shield against Hell-fire.

Hadith: 1219. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH)  said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking   its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: “Sins” here means minor sins which relate to the Rights of Allah.

Hadith: 1220. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This is a special distinction of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims become more inclined towards the worship of Allah. They pay greater attention to the recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, worship, and seeking pardon for sins.

Hadith: 1221. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Observe Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and terminate it on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the number (thirty days) of the month.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The words “Ghabiya”, and “Ghumma”, both have the same meanings, namely clouded sky or sky overcast with clouds, as a result of which the moon is not visible. In that case, the injunction is that thirty days of the month be completed. If the moon of Ramadan is not sighted on the 29th Sha`ban, then its thirty days be completed and Ramadan’s Saum be started on the next day. Similarly, if the moon for the month of Shawwal is not sighted on the 29th of Ramadan, thirty days of Saum must be completed before celebrating `Eid-ul-Fitr. This means that the sighting of the moon is necessary for keeping the Saum of Ramadan. Counting by celestial system is not sufficient for this purpose. Moreover, the evidence of reliable

witnesses for the crescent of Ramadan and the evidence of two dependable witnesses for the crescent of Shawwal are sufficient. This amount of evidence will fulfill the requirement of sighting the moon. Whether the sighting of the moon at one place is sufficient for another place is controversial and arguments of both the groups of `Ulama’, who support and oppose it, are based on this Hadith. The group which contend that the sighting of the moon at one place is valid for another holds that the words “Sumu” and “Aftiru” are addressed to all the Muslims, and for this reason the sighting at one place holds good for another place. The group which holds that the sighting of the moon at one place is not enough for the Muslims of other localities contend that the words are addressed to the people who have actually sighted the moon. The Muslims of the localities of other areas who have not sighted the moon are not addressed by these words. They say that the sighting of the moon goes with each area according to which they will decide about starting of Saum and celebrating `Eid. There is a third group also, which is of the opinion that for such areas which are in close proximity and do not have much difference in the timings of sunrise and sunset, the sighting of the moon at one place holds good for the other. In any case, it is a moderate view, which can be implemented without fear of its being wrong. According to this view, at least in one country the sighting of the moon at one place holds good for all other areas.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 218 : The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan

Hadith: 1222. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur’an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith induces us to do two good things frequently and with full preparation in the month of Ramadan. First, benevolence and generosity so that people get maximum time for worship and reduce their mundane affairs during this month. Second, recitation of the Qur’an and Mudarsah, (reading and hearing the Qur’an from one another) as is done by two Huffaz in this manner. The reason for the stress on the Qur’an is that the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan are closely linked with each other. The Qur’an was revealed in this month.

Hadith: 1223. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:Therefore, one must strive hard in the last ten days and nights of this month to follow the practice of the Prophet (PBUH), to seek the Pleasure of Allah and to attain the benefits of Lailat-ul-Qadr, which occurs during this period. The Prophet (PBUH) used to make special arrangement for observing I`tikaf, and we must also follow this practice of his.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 219 : The Prohibition of Observing Saum (Fasting) after the Middle of Sha’ban

Hadith: 1224. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not observe Saum (fasting) for a day or two days preceding Ramadan. However, if a person is in the habit of observing Saum on a particular day (which may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: “However, if a person is in the habit of observing Saum on a particular day” means that if it is his routine to observe Saum on these days, then he can do so two days before the advent of Ramadan. The reason being that in that case his Saum will not be for the reception of Ramadan but a matter of routine. Some people have taken “one or two days before” to mean the first two days of the second half of Shawwal on the grounds that some Ahadith contain prohibition of observing Saum in the second fortnight of Shawwal. Because of this injunction, it is not permissible to observe Saum in these days, except in case it is one’s routine.

Hadith: 1225. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Do not observe Saum (fasting) before the advent of Ramadan. Observe Saum at sighting of the crescent of Ramadan and terminate it at sighting the crescent (of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast, complete (the month as) thirty (days).” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: “Before the advent of Ramadan” here signifies the second half of Shawwal. That is, one should not observe voluntary Saum after 15th of Sha`ban so that one’s vitality is maintained for the Saum of Ramadan approaching near. If the moon is not sighted due to clouds, then observing Saum should be started after completing thirty days of Sha`ban. Similarly, if the moon of the of Shawwal is not sighted, then thirty days of fasting Ramadan must be completed before celebrating `Eid-ul-Fitr.

Hadith: 1226. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When there comes the middle of Sha`ban, don’t observe Saum (fasting).”

Hadith: 1227. `Ammar bin Yasir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: He who observes the fast on a doubtful day, has in fact disobeyed Abul-Qasim, (i.e., Messenger of Allah (PBUH)). [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: “Doubtful day” here signifies the day of 30th Sha`ban. In other words, if the moon is not sighted on 29th of Sha`ban because of clouds and a person observes Saum, he will be in doubt whether it is the 30th of Sha`ban or the 1st of Ramadan. Thus, there is no need to observe Saum on a doubtful day, and one should complete thirty days of the month of Sha`ban.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 220 : Supplication at the Sight of the Crescent (At the outset of Every Lunar Month)

Hadith: 1228. Talhah bin Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: At the sight of the new moon (of the lunar month), the Prophet (PBUH) used to supplicate: “Allahumma ahillahu `alaina bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-Allah, Hilalu rushdin wa khairin (O Allah, let this moon appear on us with security and Iman; with safety and Islam. (O moon!) Your Rubb and mine is Allah. May this moon be bringing guidance and good).” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: After sighting the moon, one should recite the prayer which was recited by the Prophet (PBUH). The prayer cited in the text of this Hadith is one of them.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 221 : Merit of Suhur (Predawn meal in Ramadan) and the Excellence of Delaying having it till before Dawn

Hadith: 1229. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Eat Suhur (predawn meal). Surely, there is a blessing in Suhur.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us that Suhur is Masnun (Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH)), even if one takes a small quantity of food. This meal is blessed and maintains one’s energy and vitality during Saum. Against this, if a person goes to sleep after taking his dinner to save himself from the inconvenience of getting up before dawn or takes Suhur early will be, on one side, disobeying Messenger of Allah (PBUH) , while on the other side, he will be feeling hunger and thirst very early and very much as he himself has increased the period of fasting by not taking the Suhur. Subhan Allah! How the weaknesses of man have been taken into account in the teachings of Islam while suitable provision has been provided to overcome them!

Hadith: 1230. Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We took Suhur (predawn meal) with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and then we stood up for (Fajr) Salat (prayer). It was asked: “How long was the gap between the two?” He replied: “The time required for the recitation of fifty Ayat.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that Suhur should be taken towards the end of its timing. This is the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). One should, however, take care that it is done before dawn.

Hadith: 1231. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had two Mu’adhdhin: Bilal and Ibn Umm Maktum (May Allah be pleased with them). The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Bilal proclaims Adhan [call to Salat (prayer)] at fag end of night, so eat and drink till Ibn Umm Maktum pronounces Adhan.” Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) added: And the gap between their Adhan was not more than the time spent in one’s getting down and the other’s climbing (the minaret). [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that in the days of the Prophet (PBUH) there used to be two Mu’adhdhin and two Adhan in the morning. The first Adhan was meant to warn the people who were taking the Suhur meals that the time for the Suhur was about to finish and they should make preparation for Fajr prayer. Soon after that there was a second Adhan by another Mu’adhdhin which signified that the time for food was finished and people should attend to Salat. This practice was, however, terminated later so much so that we do not find it even in the times of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and that of At-Tabi`un (the successors of the Prophet’s Companions) and Tabi`ut-Tabi`in (the followers of the Successors). In any case, this practice can be revived.

So far, the question of time between the two Adhan is concerned, `Ulama’ have stated that after announcing the Adhan, Bilal used to be engaged in prayer, etc., and waited for the daybreak. When the time for the daybreak drew near, he would then come down and inform Ibn Umm Maktum who would then make Wudu’, and then proceed to call the Adhan at the beginning of the daybreak. (Ibn Allan).

Hadith: 1232. `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The difference between our observance of Saum (fasting) and that of the people of the Scriptures is Suhur (predawn meal in Ramadan).” [Muslim].

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 222 : The Superiority of Hastening to Break the Fast, and the supplication to say upon Breaking it

Hadith: 1233. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “People will continue to adhere to good as long as they hasten to break the Saum (fasting).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: “Adhere to good” here means welfare of the religion as well as that of this world. Breaking the Saum early does not mean that it is terminated before the prescribed time. What it really means is without any delay after the sunset. One should not delay it for the mere reason that the rigour one has gone through in the Saum should be enhanced further, as is done by some Sufi. There is no merit in such things because the real merit lies in following the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). Welfare of the Muslims will, therefore, come in the share of the Muslims because of their following the Prophet’s Sunnah of breaking the Saum in the early moments of the prescribed time.

Hadith: 1234. Abu Atiyyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Masruq and I visited `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) and said: “O Mother of the Believers! There are two Companions of Muhammad (PBUH) and neither of them holds back from doing good acts; but one of them hastens to break Saum (fasting) and hastens to perform the Maghrib prayer, while the other delays breaking Saum and delays performing Salat (prayer).” She asked, “Who is the one who hastens to break Saum and perform the Maghrib prayer?” Masruq said, “It is `Abdullah (meaning `Abdullah bin Mas`ud).” She said, “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to do so.” [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith points out the practice of the Prophet (PBUH) of breaking the Saum and performing the Maghrib prayer in the early moments of the prescribed time.

Hadith: 1235. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah the Most High says: `From amongst my slaves, the quicker the one is in breaking the Saum (fasting), the dearer is he to me.”’ [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: The person who breaks the Saum in its early time is best loved by Allah because he is a true follower of the Prophet (PBUH).

Hadith: 1236. east) and the day retreats from that side (i.e., west) and the sun sets, then it is time for a person observing Saum (fasting) to break his fast.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: The words “break his fast” can be interpreted in two ways. First, it is time to break the Saum . Second, the Saum has reached its end. Whether one eats or not the Saum is over because it comes to a close with sunset. Thus, the time for Saum has been determined that it begins with the daybreak and ends at sunset. Any increase in this time is exaggeration which is disliked by Allah.

Hadith: 1237. Abu Ibrahim `Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) on a journey and he was observing Saum (fasting). When the sun set, he (PBUH) said to a person, “Dismount and prepare the ground roasted barley drink for us.” Upon this he replied, “O Messenger of Allah, there is daylight still.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Get down and prepare barley drink for us.” He said, “But it is still daytime.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) again said to him, “Get down and prepare barely drink for us.” So he got down and prepared a barley liquid meal for him. The Prophet (PBUH) drank that and then said, “When you perceive the night approaching from that side, a person observing Saum (fasting) should break the fast.” And he (PBUH) pointed towards the east with his hand. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith stresses that Saum must be broken soon after sunset and without delay.

Hadith: 1238. Salman bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying, “When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure.” [Abu Dawud].

Hadith: 1239. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to break his Saum (fasting) before performing Maghrib prayer with three fresh date-fruits; if there were no fresh date-fruits, he will eat three dry dates; and if there were no dry date-fruits; he would take three draughts of water. [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: It is well to keep the priorities of things mentioned in the Hadith as one gets the reward of following the Sunnah in breaking his Saum.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 223 : Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast)

Hadith: 1240. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: `I am observing fast.”’ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith has already been mentioned and is repeated here for its being relevant to this chapter. We learn from it that during Saum not only food, drink and sex are prohibited but the improper use of the tongue and the other organs of the body as well. When one is observing Saum, he should neither use abusive language nor talk foolishly nor tell lies nor make obscene conversation nor indulge in backbiting nor quarrel with anyone. If someone provokes him, he should keep himself quiet and remember that he is observing Saum and he has to abstain from such things. As far as possible, he should keep his tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur’an.

Hadith: 1241. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This Hadith exhorts those observing Saum to fulfill all the requirements of fasting. One should not conduct himself in such a manner that on the one side he observes Saum and on the other he is fearless of Allah. To save himself from Allah’s Wrath and to get the reward of the fasts, one must abstain from all sorts of vices, such as cheating, lying, backbiting, and using obscene language. The threat held against such people in this Hadith should make them fear that their Saum will go waste and they would be deprived of its reward. It does not mean that such people should start eating and drinking during Saum but what is intended is that they should save themselves from all kinds of sins so that they may earn the reward of Saum.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 224 : Matters relating to As-Saum (Fasting)

Hadith: 1242. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If any one of you forgetfully eats or drinks (while observing fasting) he should complete his Saum (fasting), for Allah has fed him and given him to drink.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith tells us of a kindness and convenience of Islam that during the Saum if a person inadvertently does any such thing which destroys his Saum, i.e., eating, drinking, cohabitation with wife, etc., his Saum will remain intact due to forgetfulness, provided one abandons the act as soon as he remembers that he is observing Saum . He needs not make any expiation for such a Saum.

Hadith: 1243. Laqit bin Sabirah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I requested the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to talk to me about ablution. He said, “Perform the Wudu’ well (by washing those parts of the body, such as the face, hands and feet beyond what is required, like washing the hands up to the upper-arm instead of the elbow). Cleanse the base of your fingers and sniff water deep into the nose except when you are observing fast.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Ordinarily, it is necessary for Wudu’ that one should pass water through the nose and rinse mouth thoroughly. But when one is observing Saum, he has to take care that water does not go down the throat through the nose as this nullifies the Saum.

Hadith: 1244. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would wake up at Fajr time in a state of Janabah; so he would take bath before dawn and observe fasting. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadith: 1245. `Aishah, and Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would wake during Ramadan (fasting) in a state of major impurity without a wet dream, but on account of sexual intercourse and he would take a bath before dawn. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith sometimes and the one preceding it inform us that when the Prophet (PBUH) would awake in the morning and was in need of bath as a result of coition with his wife, he would take Sahur in that condition and then take a bath and perform Fajr prayer, because purification is essential for Salat. This condition of Janabah (impurity) occurred without Ihtilam (wet dream) and its cause was coitus with his wife because, according to a well-known saying, Ihtilam is the result of Satan’s suggestions from which Prophets are safe.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 225 : The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasting) in the months of Muharram and Sha’ban and the Secred Months

Hadith: 1246. Ramadan is the month of Allah, the Muharram; and the best Salat (prayer) next after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night (Tahajjud prayers).” [Muslim].
Commentary: Reference of the month to Allah is a sign of its distinction and auspiciousness like Baitullah, Naqatullah etc. Muharram is one of the sacred months and it is this month with which the Islamic year starts. The other three sacred months are Rajab, Dhul-Qa`dah, and Dhul-Hijjah. The Hadith points out that fasting in the month of Muharram is better than any other month of the year after Ramadan.

Hadith: 1247. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) did not observe voluntary Saum (fasting) so frequently during any other month as he did during Sha`ban. He observed Saum throughout the month of Sha`ban.
Another narration is: He (PBUH) observed Saum during the whole month of Sha`ban except a few days. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: We learn from another Hadith the reason why the Prophet (PBUH) kept greater number of Saum in the month of Sha`ban. He did so because deeds are presented before Allah during this month. For this reason, he liked that when his deeds were presented, he should be observing Saum (Nasa’i on the authority of Usamah (May Allah be pleased with him). In spite of this distinction of Sha`ban, Muslims have been ordered to observe Saum in the first fortnight only, and not in the second in order to maintain their energy and vitality for the obligatory Saum (i.e., Ramadan). The Prophet (PBUH) had greater spiritual strength and Saum did not cause him weakness due to this strength. Again, by virtue of this strength he would sometimes even observe Saum which is termed “Saum-al-Wisal” (observing Saum continuous without a break in the evening). But he has forbidden his followers from such Saum.

Hadith: 1248. Reported Mujibah Al-Bahiliyah on the authority of her father or uncle that he visited the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) once and then went to see him again after a year. His appearance had totally changed. He asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) if he had recognized him. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked, “Who are you?” He replied: “I am Al-Bahili who visited you last year.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “You were quite handsome, what has changed your appearance so much?” He replied, “Since my departure from here, I have not eaten anything except at night.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) remarked, “You have put yourself to torture. Observe Saum (fasting) during the Month of Patience (i.e., Ramadan) and fast one day from each month.” He submitted, “Permit me to observe more voluntary fasts because I have capacity to do so.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Then observe fasts for two days in every month.” He said, “Permit me to observe more.” The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Observe fasts on three days in every month.” He requested that he should be allowed to observe more fasts. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Fast three days during the sacred months and omit fasting for three days alternately.” He (PBUH) joined his three fingers together and left them apart while repeating this sentence thrice.
Commentary: The name of Mujibah Bahiliyah’s father was Abdullah bin Harith Al¬Bahli, and if this incident relates to his uncle, his name is not well-known. In any case, he used to take meal at night only, that is, he used to observe Saum daily. Because of this routine, his health was greatly affected and the Prophet (PBUH) prohibited him from observing Saum daily and stressed that he should keep Saum thrice a month only, especially in the sacred months. With the formula of ten-fold reward, he could thus get reward of thirty days Saum in a month. This is how he would be reckoned as one who observes Saum throughout the year. People with weak health should not observe more than three Saum in a month. Those who are healthy, are allowed to observe more Saum, but it will be well if they do so in the style of Prophet Dawud, that is, on alternate days.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 226 : The Excellence of As-Saum (The Fast) during the first ten Days of Dhul- Hijjah

Hadith: 1249. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?” He (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it.” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: This Hadith brings out the following two points:
1. Righteous deeds during the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah are far better and more rewarding than righteous deeds done on other days of the year, because they are Hajj days in the sacred season of pilgrimage. Because of their excellence and importance, Allah (SWT) swore by them, thus: “By the Dawn; by the ten Nights…” (89:1,2)
2. Jihad has great eminence in Islam.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 227 :  The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of ‘Arafah, ‘Ashura’ and Tasu’a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)

Hadith: 1250. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of `Arafah. He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.” [Muslim].
Commentary: The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is called Yaum-`Arafah. On this day, pilgrims stop and stand in prayers at `Arafat which is the most important ritual of Hajj, so much so that Hajj is deemed incomplete without it. On that day, the pilgrims are engaged in the remembrance of Allah and prayers as that is their most important worship on that day. For this reason, Saum is not desirable for them, but for other people, Saum has a special merit. The importance and merit of this Saum can be judged from the fact that it expiates sins for two consecutive years: the previous year and the current year. But these sins relate only to the minor sins, not the major ones, or become a means of elevation of one’s status.

Hadith: 1251. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of `Ashura’ and commanded us to fast on this day. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: `Ashura’ 10th of Muharram. In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet (PBUH) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, he (PBUH) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa, Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, he also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. According to another Hadith, he (PBUH) ordained the Muslims to observe Saum on `Ashura’ and in addition one more Saum on 9th or 11th of Muharram in opposition to the Jews. (Musnad Ahmad, Vol.4, P-21, edited by Ahmad Shakir; and Mujamma` Az-Zawaid, Vol.3, P-188). Thus observance of two Saum on this occasion is a Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). These two Saum can be observed either on 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram. It is regrettable indeed that present-day Muslims do not follow this Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and instead observe the baseless practices of mourning assemblies (Majalis), which is a grave sin practised by Shi`ah.

Hadith: 1252. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” [Muslim].

Hadith: 1253. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.” [Muslim].
Commentary: Ahadith. In order to oppose the Jews, he (PBUH) resolved to observe one more Saum with that of 10th of Muharram and ordained it for the Muslims. In this connection, we have quoted above the authority from Musnad Ahmad. Hence, the meanings we have given in the translation of the text are correct.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 228 : The Desirability of Fasting six Days in the Month of Shawwal

Hadith: 1254. Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who observes As-Saum (the fasts) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year.” [Muslim].
Commentary: According to the formula that there is at least ten-fold reward for every virtue, the Saum of one month (Ramadan) are equivalent to Saum of ten months. If one also observes six days of Saum of Shawwal, they will be equal to Saum of two months. Thus, one becomes eligible for the reward of one full years’ Saum. He who makes it a permanent feature is like one who observes Saum throughout his life. He will be considered by Allah as one who observes Saum permanently. Although voluntary in nature, they are highly important. One can observe these six-day Saum at a stretch or with intervals, but their observance one after the other at the beginning of the month is better. Similarly, if a person has missed some Saum of Ramadan due to illness, travelling etc., he should first make up the shortfall and then observe the voluntary six-day Saum of Shawwal.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 229 : The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday

Hadith: 1255. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said, “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation.” [Muslim].
Commentary: This Hadith points out the excellence of fasting on Mondays. The reason behind this, as is stated in the Hadith, is that the Prophet (PBUH) was born on it and that it was the day on which he received the first Revelation. It coincided with the 17th Ramadan as well.

Hadith: 1256. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Deeds of people are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. So I like that my actions be presented while I am fasting.” [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: Observance of Saum on Monday and Thursday is Mustahabb (desirable), and the reason for its being so has been mentioned in the Hadith.

Hadith: 1257. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her)u reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to observe fast on Mondays and Thursdays. [At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary: “Yataharra” in the Hadith means to seek and search, that is, he (PBUH) used to make special arrangements for it. The reason he was so particular about these Saum has been mentioned in the previous Hadith.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 230 : The Desirability of Observing Three Days of Fasting in Every Month

Hadith: 1258. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (PBUH) directed me to observe fast for three days in every month, to perform two Rak`ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadith: 1259. Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (PBUH) directed me to observe Saum (fasting) for three days in every month, to perform two Rak`ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadith: 1260. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Observing Saum (fasting) on three days of every month is equivalent to a full month’s fasting.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadith: 1261. Mu`adhah Al-`Adawiyah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her). Did the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) use to observe three days of Saum (fasting) in every month?” She replied, “Yes.” I asked, “On which days in the month did he observed fast?” She replied that he did not mind on which days of the month he observed fast. [Muslim].
Commentary: meritorious to observe Saum on 13th, 14th and 15th of each lunar month because the Prophet (PBUH) has so ordained it. He himself also used to take special care of these dates and observe Saum on them, as is evident from the forthcoming Ahadith.

Hadith: 1262. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “If you want to observe Saum on three days in a month, then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month.” [At-Tirmidhi].

Hadith: 1263. Qatadah bin Milhan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) directed us to observe Saum (fasting) on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month. [Abu Dawud].

Hadith: 1264. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: It was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to not to omit fast on `bright days’ whether he was staying at a place or on a journey. [An-Nasa’i].
Commentary: “Beed” is the plural of “Abyad” which means white. Three days of 13, 14 and 15 of lunar month are called “Al-Ayyam-ul-Beed” for the reason that their nights are bright because of the moonlight. The moon begins to diminish gradually after these days. In any case, it is evident from the Ahadith mentioned here that observance of Saum on these days is more meritorious but one can do so with benefit on other days also.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 8 : Virtues
Chapter 231 : The Merit of Providing something to the Person Observing Saum (Fasting) for breaking the Fast

Hadith: 1265. Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.” [At-Tirmidhi].

Hadith: 1266. Umm `Umarah Al-Ansariyah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Once the Prophet (PBUH) visited us and I served him some food. He (PBUH) asked me to eat. I replied that I was observing (optional) fast. He (PBUH) said, “When people eat by a person observing fast, the angels keep asking Allah’s forgiveness for that person until they have had their fill.”
Commentary: This Hadith tells us the merits of the person who is himself observing Saum but serves meals to others.

Hadith: 1267. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) came to visit Sa`d bin `Ubadah (May Allah be pleased with him) who presented bread and olive oil to him. The Prophet (PBUH) ate it and said, “The observers of fast have broken their fast with you (this is the literal translation, but the meaning is: `May Allah reward you for providing a fasting people with food to break their fast’); the pious people have eat your food and the angels invoked blessings on you.” [Abu Dawud].
Commentary: The word “Aftara” is informative in nature, but it is used in the sense of a prayer. Thus, what it denotes is “May Allah give you the reward of one who arranges for the Iftar (breaking the Saum) of somebody.” Thus, it induces one to hospitality according to his means.

Riyadh Al Saliheen >
Book 17: Prohibited Actions

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 17 : Prohibited Actions
Chapter 336 : Prohibition of Observing an Optional Saum (Fast) by a Woman without the Permission of her Husband

Hadith: 1750. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “It is not lawful for a woman to observe an optional Saum (fast) without the permission of her husband when he is at home. Nor should she allow anyone to enter his house without his permission.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: Fasting here signifies voluntary fasting. Similar is the case of other voluntary prayers, i.e., voluntary Salat, recitation, etc. It is not permissible to do such acts without the permission of the husband if he is present. It should be borne in mind that a women is not permitted to let even her natural relations (who are Mahram) come in her home in the absence of her husband. She can, however, allow such persons to come about whom her husband has given express permission or in respect of whom he keeps silent.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 17 : Prohibited Actions
Chapter 345 : Abomination of Selecting Friday for Fasting

Hadith: 1760. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not choose the Friday night among all other nights for standing in (Tahajjud) prayer, and do not choose Friday among all other days for Saum (fasting) except that one you have accustomed to.” [Muslim].
Commentary: It is undesirable to fix Jumu`ah for voluntary fast. One can, however, observe fasting if Friday occurs in his routine of fasts, i.e., if one observes fast on alternate days and Jumu`ah occurs on the day when he observes fast, or if one observes the fast of the Day of `Arafah, or the Day of `Ashura’, and Friday occurs on that day, or if Friday occurs during the Ayyam Al-Beid, or Friday occurs when one is observing fasts of Nadhr (fasts one has vowed for). There is no harm in observing fast on Friday in all such cases but its special observance on Friday is not recommended.

Hadith: 1761. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as saying: “None of you should observe fast on Friday except that he should observe fast either one day before it or one day after it.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that we can fast on Friday if we fast, along with it, on Thursday or Saturday, i.e., either one day before or after it.

Hadith: 1762. Muhammad bin `Abbad (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I asked Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him). Did the Prophet (PBUH) prohibit fasting on Friday?” He said, “Yes.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadith: 1763. Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of the Believers, said that the Prophet (PBUH) visited her on a Friday and she was observing fast. He asked, “Did you observe fast yesterday?” She said, “No.” He asked, “Do you intend to observe fast tomorrow?” She said, “No.” He said, “In that case, give up your fast today.” [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that if someone is keeping fast on Friday and has not fasted the day before, nor does he intend to fast the following day, i.e., Saturday, it is permissible for him to break his fast.

Riyadh Al Saliheen > Book 17 : Prohibited Actions
Chapter 346 : Prohibition of Extending Fast beyond one Day

Hadith: 1764. Abu Hurairah and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited observing continuous voluntary fasts beyond one day. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Hadith: 1765. Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited observing continuous fasts beyond one day. The Companions submitted: “But you do it.” He replied, “I am not like you. I am given to eat and to drink (from Allah).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Commentary:
1. Through this Hadith we learn that in certain matters the Prophet (PBUH) had some specific injunctions which were obligatory for him but not for his Ummah. Such things were permissible for him but not for his followers. All these things are called his special distinctions. It is not permissible for Muslims to follow such practices. One of these things is Saum Al-Wisal, which means to observe fast for several days at a stretch without taking any food. Since Allah had granted him special power and patience, he could observe fast continuously for days. As his followers are not endowed with that energy and patience, they are not permitted to do so.
2. “I am not like you” does not mean that “I am not a man like you,” because such an interpretation goes against a categorical statement of the Qur’an to the effect that “I am a man like you”. What the statement “I am not like you” really means is “you do not possess that special power which has been granted to me.”
3. “I am given to eat and to drink” signifies that Allah (SWT) provides him with the strength and energy which he can derive from food and drink without necessarily having them.