Muslims are commanded by Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala to perform certain acts of worship, one of which is fasting. Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam, a fundamental obligation that must be observed by every Muslim as a sign of faith.
In general, fasting is divided into two types: obligatory fasting and sunnah (voluntary) fasting. Obligatory fasting is fasting that must be performed, while sunnah fasting is not mandatory, but observing it brings rewards and honor.
By understanding and practicing the various types of fasting according to their guidelines, the fasting process can be carried out in a healthy and smooth manner while also providing spiritual benefits. To learn more about the different types of fasting, read this article until the end.
The Virtues of Fasting
Fasting during Ramadan is not merely about refraining from eating and drinking, but also offers many benefits for faith, the heart, and daily life. Some of its virtues include:
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Fasting elevates one’s rank in the sight of Allah by nurturing sincerity, while also bringing inner peace and wisdom.
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Fasting can erase past sins, especially when accompanied by Tarawih prayers, Qur’an recitation, and charity.
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Fasting helps control desires, trains restraint from hunger, thirst, emotions, and excessive wants, thereby strengthening mental discipline.
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Fasting encourages Muslims to give more charity and care for others, while earning multiplied rewards.
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Fasting increases obedience in worship, motivating prayer, Qur’an reading, and supplication, forming long-term positive habits.
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Fasting teaches gratitude, encouraging Muslims to appreciate simple blessings and live more calmly and happily.
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Fasting helps avoid sinful acts, purifies oneself from bad behavior, and improves social relationships.
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Fasting trains patience and mental resilience, making one wiser in facing life’s challenges.
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Fasting maintains physical and spiritual health through regulated eating patterns, sufficient rest, and self-control.
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Fasting provides multiplied rewards for all good deeds, from self-restraint to small acts of kindness, making Ramadan a month full of blessings.
Types of Obligatory Fasting
In Islam, fasting is not limited to the month of Ramadan. There are several types of fasting that are considered obligatory and must be observed by Muslims under certain conditions. The following are types of obligatory fasting:
1. Ramadan Fasting
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim. This obligation is stated in the Qur’an, hadith, and agreed upon by scholars. The virtues of Ramadan fasting are immense. The Messenger of Allah Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
“A blessed month has come to you. Allah SWT has made fasting in it obligatory for you. In it, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. In it, there is a night better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its goodness is truly deprived.”
(Narrated by An-Nasa’i, Al-Baihaqi, and Ahmad)
2. Expiatory Fasting (Kafarat)
Expiatory fasting is performed to atone for mistakes or sins resulting from violating certain rules or neglecting obligations. For example, a person must perform kafarat fasting if they have marital relations during Ramadan fasting, kill an animal while in the state of ihram, or if a husband performs zihar (likening his wife to a woman forbidden to him). This fasting aims to purify oneself from wrongdoing and draw closer to Allah.
3. Vow Fasting (Nazar)
Vow fasting is performed when a person promises Allah to fast if a wish is fulfilled or a goal is achieved. For instance, someone vows to fast for several days if their prayer is answered or after overcoming a trial. This fasting is an obligation that must be fulfilled, reflecting gratitude and commitment to Allah.
4. Make-Up Fasting (Qada)
Make-up fasting is obligatory for those who missed Ramadan fasting for valid reasons, such as menstruation or postpartum bleeding. This fasting must be performed for the same number of days missed to repay the fasting debt of Ramadan.
Types of Sunnah Fasting
In addition to obligatory fasting, Islam also recognizes several types of sunnah fasting. These fasts are not mandatory, but observing them brings rewards and virtues. Some examples include:
1. Monday–Thursday Fasting
Monday–Thursday fasting is a sunnah muakkadah (highly recommended). Its virtue is mentioned in a hadith stating that human deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays. The hadith says:
“Indeed, deeds are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. Then Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala forgives every Muslim (or believer), except two who are estranged from each other. Allah says, ‘Delay these two.’”
(Narrated by Ahmad)
2. Ayyamul Bidh Fasting
Ayyamul Bidh fasting is performed for three days each Hijri month, on the 13th, 14th, and 15th. The Prophet Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam explained that fasting on these days carries great merit, equivalent to fasting for an entire year. One of the hadith narrated by Imam Bukhari states:
“From Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu 'anhu, he said: ‘My beloved (the Messenger of Allah) advised me with three things which I never abandon until I die: fasting three days every month (Ayyamul Bidh), performing Duha prayer, and performing Witr prayer before sleeping.’”
(Narrated by Bukhari)
3. Arafah Fasting
Arafah fasting is observed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, when pilgrims are at the Plain of Arafah. Its virtue is immense, as mentioned in a hadith narrated by Abu Qatadah Radhiyallahu 'anhu:
“Fasting on the day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year. And fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.”
(Narrated by Muslim, Ahmad, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, and Abu Dawud)
4. Six Days of Shawwal Fasting
Fasting six days in the month of Shawwal is performed after Eid al-Fitr. Its virtue is mentioned in a hadith narrated by Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, in which the Prophet Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for an entire year.”
5. Ashura Fasting
Ashura fasting is performed on the 10th of Muharram. The Prophet Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam explained that this fast is not obligatory but recommended. In a hadith narrated by Muawiyah bin Abu Sufyan, he said:
“This day is the day of Ashura. Fasting on it is not obligatory for you, and I am fasting today. Whoever wishes may fast, and whoever wishes may refrain.”
(Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim)
The virtue of Ashura fasting is also great, as it expiates the sins of the previous year:
“And fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the previous year.”
(Narrated by Muslim, Ahmad, An-Nasa’i, Ibn Majah, and Abu Dawud)
6. Tasu’a Fasting
The Prophet Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam instructed Muslims regarding fasting on Ashura. When the companions said, “O Messenger of Allah, this is a day revered by the Jews and Christians,” the Prophet replied:
“If I am still alive next year, I will surely fast on the ninth (Tasu’a).”
(Narrated by Ahmad and Muslim)
Ibn Abbas Radhiyallahu 'anhu explained that before the following year arrived, the Prophet had passed away. From this hadith, Muslims are encouraged to also fast on the 9th of Muharram to complement Ashura fasting.
7. Fasting in the Month of Sha’ban
Before Ramadan, there is another month in which fasting is highly recommended, namely Sha’ban. The Prophet Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam demonstrated the importance of increasing worship during this month. Aisyah Radhiyallahu 'anha narrated:
“I never saw the Messenger of Allah Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam complete fasting for an entire month except Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Sha’ban.”
(Narrated by Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa’i, and Malik)
8. Fasting During the Sacred Months
The sacred months in Islam are Dhu al-Qa’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajab. During these months, Muslims are encouraged to perform more sunnah fasting. The Prophet Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
“Fast during some of the sacred months, then leave it. Fast during some of the sacred months, then leave it. And fast during some of the sacred months, then leave it.”
(Narrated by An-Nasa’i, Ahmad, and Ibn Khuzaimah)
This means that although fasting in the sacred months is not obligatory, it still carries great virtue and rewards for those who observe it.
That concludes the explanation of the various types of fasting, from obligatory to sunnah fasting. By understanding these types, it is hoped that their observance can be carried out better in order to attain rewards and draw closer to Allah.
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