Fasting Mondays and Thursdays
Blog Post written by Loyola University Chicago's Sariya Siddiqui.
Published 10/21/13
Published 10/21/13
The Prophet (SAW) said that Allah the Exalted says, "‘Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it…’” (Bukhari and Muslim).
The Prophet (SAW) also stated, "Whoever fasts a day for the sake of Allah, Allah (SWT) will distance his face from the Hell-fire a by the distance of 70 years." (Bukhari)
Ever wonder why Allah (SWT) gave such a great importance to a seemingly simple act, to the extent where it is exalted over other acts like charity, prayer, etc.? The answer likely lies in the purpose of fasting itself. The Qur'an explains that we fast for two main reasons: (1) so that we learn gratitude and (2) so that we gain God-consciousness.
Sitting in the Masjid, listening to the conversation of the sisters fasting on the Day of Arafah really showed me how fasting teaches us gratitude. For the most part, as college students, we do not end up eating too much everyday. However, fasting is still a sacrifice of the little we do consume. It is a reminder that our parched throats and tired bodies are only remedied by the provision of Allah (SWT). We would have nothing without Him providing for us -- giving us health, wealth, shelter, intellect, talent, etc.
Fasting also teaches us God-consciousness. It is an act of leaving not only certain Halaal things, like food and drink, but also the Haraam that we are used to doing. We keep our tongues from cursing, lying, backbiting, etc; our eyes from seeing that which displeases Allah (SWT); and our limbs from taking us to place which displease Him. We do this only because we care about obeying our Creator. Unlike other deeds, it can't be to show off. It can't be to fit in. For the most part, no one else can even tell we are fasting, so our intentions our purely for Him.
While the day of Arafah was of course a very rewarded fast, the Prophet (SAW) encouraged us to fast other days as well, including Mondays and Thursdays. When he was asked why he fasted these two days, he (S) replied:
“The deeds of the worshippers are presented before Allah on Monday and Thursday, I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” [Nasa’i]
Insha' Allah, we can all make this small sacrifice in our lives to please Allah (SWT) by showing Him that we care about His obedience and worship.
The Prophet (SAW) also stated, "Whoever fasts a day for the sake of Allah, Allah (SWT) will distance his face from the Hell-fire a by the distance of 70 years." (Bukhari)
Ever wonder why Allah (SWT) gave such a great importance to a seemingly simple act, to the extent where it is exalted over other acts like charity, prayer, etc.? The answer likely lies in the purpose of fasting itself. The Qur'an explains that we fast for two main reasons: (1) so that we learn gratitude and (2) so that we gain God-consciousness.
Sitting in the Masjid, listening to the conversation of the sisters fasting on the Day of Arafah really showed me how fasting teaches us gratitude. For the most part, as college students, we do not end up eating too much everyday. However, fasting is still a sacrifice of the little we do consume. It is a reminder that our parched throats and tired bodies are only remedied by the provision of Allah (SWT). We would have nothing without Him providing for us -- giving us health, wealth, shelter, intellect, talent, etc.
Fasting also teaches us God-consciousness. It is an act of leaving not only certain Halaal things, like food and drink, but also the Haraam that we are used to doing. We keep our tongues from cursing, lying, backbiting, etc; our eyes from seeing that which displeases Allah (SWT); and our limbs from taking us to place which displease Him. We do this only because we care about obeying our Creator. Unlike other deeds, it can't be to show off. It can't be to fit in. For the most part, no one else can even tell we are fasting, so our intentions our purely for Him.
While the day of Arafah was of course a very rewarded fast, the Prophet (SAW) encouraged us to fast other days as well, including Mondays and Thursdays. When he was asked why he fasted these two days, he (S) replied:
“The deeds of the worshippers are presented before Allah on Monday and Thursday, I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” [Nasa’i]
Insha' Allah, we can all make this small sacrifice in our lives to please Allah (SWT) by showing Him that we care about His obedience and worship.
Insha'Allah this week, let us practice the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Prophet (S) and fast on Monday and Thursday! :)