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The
Forbidden Days to Fast, prohibited to single out Friday as a day of
fasting
The day of Friday is a kind of weekly 'id for Muslims and,
therefore, it is prohibited to fast on that day. Most scholars say
that this prohibition is one of dislike, not one of complete
forbiddance.
If one fasts on the day before or after it, or if it is a day that
one customarily fasts on (for example, the 13th, 14th, or 15th of
the month), or if it is the day of 'Arafah or 'Ashurah, then it
is not disliked to fast on such a Friday.
'Abdullah ibn 'Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah entered the
room of Juwairiyah bint al-Harith while she was fasting on a Friday.
He asked her: "Did you fast yesterday?" She answered,
"No." He said: "Do you plan to fast tomorrow?"
She answered, "No." Therefore he said: "Then
break your fast." This is related by Ahmad and an-Nasa'i with a
good chain.
'Amr al-'Ashari reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah say:
"Verily, Friday is an 'id for you, so do not fast on it unless
you fast the day before or after it." This is related by
al-Bazzar with a good chain.
'Ali counseled: "He who wants to [fast] voluntarily should fast
on Thursday instead of Friday, for Friday is a day of eating,
drinking, and remembrance." This is related by Ibn Abu
Shaibah with a good chain.
In the two Sahih (those of al-Bukhari and Muslim), Jabir reported
that the Prophet said: "Do not fast on Friday unless you fast
on it together with the day before or the day after."
Muslim's version states: "Do not exclusively choose the night
of Friday [Thursday night in English] as a special night for
performing the night prayers. Also, do not exclusively choose Friday
as a day of fasting unless it occurs on a day that you
regularly fast."
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