Fasting is one of the most profound acts of worship in Islam. While Ramadan is its central pillar, the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ teaches us that fasting outside of Ramadan carries immense rewards and benefits—spiritually, physically, and socially. Yet, many Muslims limit fasting to Ramadan alone, overlooking its broader role in their lives.
1. Fasting Six Days of Shawwāl
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwāl, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime."
[Sahih Muslim, 1164]
These days can be fasted consecutively or spread out, offering an easy way to extend the blessings of Ramadan.
2. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
The Prophet ﷺ was keen on fasting Mondays and Thursdays. When asked why, he said:
"Deeds are presented [to Allah] on Mondays and Thursdays, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting."
[Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 747]
This practice instills discipline, regularity, and a constant spiritual connection beyond Ramadan.
3. Fasting Three White Days Each Month
The Prophet ﷺ recommended fasting the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month, known as Ayyām al-Bīḍ (the white days).
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 1979 | Sahih Muslim, 1159]
This rhythm ensures fasting remains part of life throughout the year.
4. Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah
For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah expiates sins:
"It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year."
[Sahih Muslim, 1162]
It is a day of immense mercy, making this fast one of the most valuable outside Ramadan.
5. Fasting the Day of ‘Āshūrā’
Fasting on the 10th of Muharram is highly recommended, and the Prophet ﷺ advised adding the 9th or 11th to distinguish from the practice of other communities.
"This is the day by which Allah saved Musa and the Children of Israel from Pharaoh, so Musa fasted it. And I fast it."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 2004 | Sahih Muslim, 1130]
Its reward is the expiation of the previous year’s sins.
6. Fasting in Sha‘bān
The Prophet ﷺ would fast more in Sha‘bān than any other month outside Ramadan.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 1969 | Sahih Muslim, 1156]
This prepares the believer spiritually for Ramadan and strengthens consistency.
7. Alternating Day Fasting (Sawm Dāwūd)
The Prophet ﷺ said the most beloved fast to Allah is the fast of Dāwūd عليه السلام: fasting one day and breaking the fast the next.
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 3420 | Sahih Muslim, 1159]
This method balances devotion and mercy on the self.
8. Avoiding Extremes in Voluntary Fasting
While fasting is virtuous, the Prophet ﷺ warned against extremes that harm the body or prevent balance in life. Moderation is itself a Sunnah.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Voluntary Fasts
Plan your voluntary fasts around work, study, and health.
Pair fasting with extra acts of worship like Qur’an recitation and charity.
Make the intention the night before, even if unsure, to keep the door of reward open.·
Encourage family and friends to join—it strengthens consistency and adds collective reward.
Fasting beyond Ramadan is a way of keeping the heart alive and connected to Allah all year long. It transforms the spirit of Ramadan into a lifestyle rather than a season.
Making Up Missed Days of Ramadan
If someone missed days of Ramadan due to illness, menstruation, or travel, it is obligatory to make them up. Allah says:
“…and whoever is ill or on a journey – then [fast] an equal number of other days.”
[Qur’an 2:185]
Delaying without excuse until the next Ramadan requires both makeup and expiation according to many scholars. This is often overlooked when people focus only on voluntary fasts.
Fasting When Seeking Protection
At times of difficulty, fasting can be a means of seeking Allah’s help and protection. Fasting humbles the heart, strengthens du‘ā’, and is a shield against sins. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fasting is a shield.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 1894 | Sahih Muslim, 1151]
Fasting on Behalf of the Deceased
If someone died owing missed fasts, a family member may fast on their behalf. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever dies while owing some fasts, his guardian should fast on his behalf.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, 1952 | Sahih Muslim, 1147]
This is a way of honoring the deceased and fulfilling their religious duty.
Etiquette of Voluntary Fasting
Make intention before Fajr, but for voluntary fasts it can be made even during the day if one has not eaten.
Do not boast about fasting—keep it between you and Allah unless encouraging others.·
Break fast on time—the Sunnah is to hasten the ifṭār at sunset.
Break fast with dates and water, following the practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
Avoid excessive hardship—if voluntary fasting harms health or prevents other obligations, it is better to break it.
Breaking a Voluntary Fast
If one breaks a voluntary fast without excuse, it is not sinful, but completing it is better. The Prophet ﷺ himself once broke a voluntary fast upon being offered food, showing that flexibility is part of the Sunnah.
[Sahih Muslim, 1154]
Reviving the Sunnah of Fasting
Voluntary fasting is a forgotten Sunnah for many Muslims. By observing it regularly, a believer brings light and discipline into daily life, turning ordinary days into days filled with remembrance of Allah.
