Voluntary Fasting Days in Islam - The Sunnah Fasting Days

Voluntary Fasting Days in Islam are a spiritual complement to the obligatory fast of Ramadan. They allow Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah throughout the entire year. Especially for Muslims living in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, observing sunnah fasting days brings structure, discipline, and inner clarity into daily life between work, university, and family commitments.

Allah says in a Hadith Qudsi:

كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ يُضَاعَفُ الْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا إِلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ إِلَّا الصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ
“Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied – a good deed is rewarded ten to seven hundred times – except fasting. It is for Me, and I Myself will reward it.” (Hadith Qudsi, Muslim)

Voluntary fasting is therefore a direct connection with Allah that extends beyond Ramadan and opens doors to immense reward all year round.

Complete List of Voluntary Fasting Days in Islam

The sunnah fasting days are distributed throughout the Islamic year, allowing flexible spiritual practice without overwhelm. These days are established in authentic Hadith and recommended by classical scholars.

For working professionals in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, recurring days such as Mondays and Thursdays are especially easy to integrate.

Fasting Day	Time	Special Reward
White Days	13th 14th 15th of each Islamic month	Like fasting an entire month
Monday and Thursday	Weekly	Deeds are presented to Allah
Six Days of Shawwal	In Shawwal after Ramadan	Like fasting a full year
Day of Arafah	9th Dhul Hijjah	Expiation for two years
Ashura	10th Muharram	Expiation for one year
Fasting of Dawud	Every other day	Best voluntary fast
The month Sha‘ban	(13th, 14th, and 15th)	A recommended Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

Read Also: Benefits and Importance of Fasting In Ramadan In Islam

1. White Days (13th–15th of Every Hijri Month

The White Days fall on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Islamic month. They offer a regular opportunity for spiritual renewal.

The Prophet ﷺ encouraged fasting these days. Abu Dharr reported:

“The Messenger of Allah commanded us to fast the three White Days – the 13th, 14th, and 15th.” (An-Nasai)

In another narration in Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting three days every month, and the most virtuous choice is the White Days.

For Muslims in Europe, this brings clear benefits:

• Three fixed days each month create routine
• Dates can be planned well in advance
• Employers can be informed early
• Short duration makes workplace integration easier

2. Fasting on Monday and Thursday

Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is among the most consistent sunnah fasting days observed by the Prophet ﷺ throughout his life.

Aisha reported that the Prophet was keen to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

The virtue of fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

• Presentation of deeds: Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet said: “Deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.” (At-Tirmidhi)
• Birth of the Prophet: When asked why he fasted on Monday, he replied: “That is the day I was born and the day revelation came to me.” (Muslim)
• Gates of Paradise open on these days

Those who wish to deepen their practice benefit immensely from understanding Arabic. Structured online programs at Denk Arabisch make this accessible and practical.

3. Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal

Whoever fasts six days in Shawwal after Ramadan receives the reward as if fasting the entire year, according to Hadith.

These days may be consecutive or spread throughout the month. Flexibility is explicitly permitted.

• Begin after Eid al Fitr
• Not obligatory
• Great reward equal to a full year of fasting

Can I Fast the Six Days Separately?

Yes. The majority of scholars allow both consecutive and distributed fasting.

For Muslims in Germany Austria and Switzerland:

• They may distribute the six days across weekends
• They can combine them with the White Days
• They have the entire month of Shawwal to complete them

Combining Intentions in Shawwal

If the six days coincide with the White Days, both intentions may be combined.

Important: You must complete six total days in Shawwal. If three are White Days, three additional days are required.

Read Also: What Is The Purpose Of Fasting In Ramadan?

4. Dhul Hijjah and the Day of Arafah

The first nine days of Dhul Hijjah are considered the best days of the year. The ninth day is Arafah.

Allah says:

وَالْفَجْرِ وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ
“By the dawn and the ten nights.” (Al-Fajr 1–2)

Fasting on the Day of Arafah Expiation for Two Years

Abu Qatada reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the previous year and the coming year.” (Muslim)

For 2026:
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah 1447 is expected to fall on May 26 2026 in Germany Austria and Switzerland.

For pilgrims at Arafah fasting is not allowed. For non pilgrims worldwide it is highly recommended.

Read Also: Islamic Studies: Your Guide to Authentic Knowledge – Where to Begin?

5. Fasting in Muharram and Ashura

Muharram is one of the four sacred months. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The best fasting after Ramadan is in the month of Allah, Muharram.” (Muslim)

The Virtue of Ashura

“Fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the past year.” (Muslim)

It is recommended to fast:

• 9th and 10th Muharram
• or 10th and 11th Muharram

This ensures distinction from other religious traditions.

Read also: Learning Arabic: The ultimate guide for Muslims in Germany

6. The Fasting of Prophet Dawud

The Fast of Prophet David (peace be upon him) is regarded as the best form of voluntary fasting. It consists of fasting one day and breaking the fast the next. The Prophet ﷺ described it as the most beloved type of fasting to Allah.

Among its virtues are:

• The Love of Allah: “The most beloved fasting to Allah is the fasting of David.”
• Great Reward: It is equivalent to fasting half of the year.
• Balance: It combines devotion with the body’s rightful need for rest.

It is recommended for those who are able to observe it without hardship, while maintaining other religious obligations and refraining from fasting on prohibited days such as the two Eids and the Days of Tashreeq.

Read Also: Rules for Fasting During Ramadan

7. Fasting in Sha’ban

Shaban holds a special place before Ramadan. Aisha reported:

“I never saw the Messenger of Allah fast more in any month than in Shaban.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Wisdom behind fasting in Shaban:

• Preparation for Ramadan
• Increased spiritual awareness
• Deeds are raised to Allah

Caution: In the second half of Shaban, one should not begin new fasting unless it is part of an established routine.

Can You Combine Multiple Voluntary Fasts?

Yes. In many cases, you may combine two sunnah fasting intentions in one day (for example, fasting on a Monday that also falls on the White Days) and hope for the reward of both.

However, combining voluntary fasting with an obligatory fast (such as making up missed Ramadan days) is a matter of scholarly difference. To be safe, many scholars recommend completing obligatory fasts separately before observing voluntary ones.

At this stage, many learners seek structured guidance. Courses such as “Arabic Courses” or “Tajweed Quran Learning” at Denk Arabisch help connect religious practice with deep linguistic understanding.

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FAQ

What is the correct intention for voluntary fasting?

The intention may be formed before midday as long as nothing has been eaten.

Is fasting on Friday alone allowed?

It is disliked unless combined with Thursday or Saturday.

Can I fast voluntarily while owing Ramadan days?

Obligatory missed days take priority.

On which days is fasting forbidden?

Fasting is prohibited on Eid al Fitr and Eid al Adha.

What breaks voluntary fasting?

Intentional eating or drinking. Intentional vomiting. Menstruation.

Can I Choose Only One Sunnah Fasting Day?

Yes. Consistency is more important than quantity. Even one Monday per week can have a profound impact.

Scholars emphasize regularity over intensity. Small consistent deeds are beloved to Allah.

Conclusion

Voluntary Fasting Days in Islam are a powerful way to strengthen spirituality throughout the year. Whether fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, observing the White Days, or fasting on Arafah, small consistent steps bring immense reward.

What matters most is sincerity and consistency.

If you wish to connect your fasting practice with a deeper understanding of the Quran and Arabic language, begin your structured learning journey today with Denk Arabisch.