Excerpt from the translation of Sahih
Bukhari (Volume 3, Book 31):Number 115:
Narrated Talha bin 'Ubaid-Ullah:
A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O
Allah's Apostle! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as
regards the prayers." He replied: "You have to offer perfectly the
five compulsory prayers in a day and night (24 hours), unless you
want to pray Nawafil." The bedouin further asked, "Inform me what
Allah has made compulsory for me as regards fasting." He replied,
"You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want
to fast more as Nawafil." The bedouin further asked, "Tell me how
much Zakat Allah has enjoined on me." Thus, Allah's Apostle informed
him about all the rules (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin
then said, "By Him Who has honored you, I will neither perform any
Nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me. Allah's
Apostle said, "If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he
will be granted Paradise)."
Number 116:
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
The Prophet observed the fast on the 10th of Muharram ('Ashura), and
ordered (Muslims) to fast on that day, but when the fasting of the
month of Ramadan was prescribed, the fasting of the 'Ashura' was
abandoned. 'Abdullah did not use to fast on that day unless it
coincided with his routine fasting by chance.
Number 117:
Narrated 'Aisha:
(The tribe of) Quraish used to fast on the day of Ashura' in the
Pre-lslamic period, and then Allah's Apostle ordered (Muslims) to
fast on it till the fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed;
whereupon the Prophet said, "He who wants to fast (on 'Ashura') may
fast, and he who does not want to fast may not fast."
Number 118:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a
shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual
relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and
impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should
tell him twice, 'I am fasting." The Prophet added, "By Him in Whose
Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting
person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.
(Allah says about the fasting person), 'He has left his food, drink
and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the
fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied
ten times."
Number 119:
Narrated Abu Wail from Hudhaifa:
Umar asked the people, "Who remembers the narration of the Prophet
about the affliction?" Hudhaifa said, "I heard the Prophet saying,
'The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbors is
expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity." 'Umar
said, "I do not ask about that, but I ask about those afflictions
which will spread like the waves of the sea." Hudhaifa replied,
"There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions." 'Umar asked,
"Will that gate be opened or broken?" He replied, "It will be
broken." 'Umar said, "Then the gate will not be closed again till
the Day of Resurrection." We said to Masruq, "Would you ask Hudhaifa
whether 'Umar knew what that gate symbolized?" He asked him and he
replied "He ('Umar) knew it as one knows that there will be night
before tomorrow, morning.
Number 120:
Narrated Sahl:
The Prophet said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and
those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of
Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be
said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up,
and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the
gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it."
Number 121:
'Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever gives two kinds (of things or
property) in charity for Allah's Cause, will be called from the
gates of Paradise and will be addressed, 'O slaves of Allah! Here is
prosperity.' So, whoever was amongst the people who used to offer
their prayers, will be called from the gate of the prayer; and
whoever was amongst the people who used to participate in Jihad,
will be called from the gate of Jihad; and whoever was amongst those
who used to observe fasts, will be called from the gate of Ar-Raiyan;
whoever was amongst those who used to give in charity, will be
called from the gate of charity." Abu Bakr said, "Let my parents be
sacrificed for you, O Allah's Apostle! No distress or need will
befall him who will be called from those gates. Will there be any
one who will be called from all these gates?" The Prophet replied,
"Yes, and I hope you will be one of them."
Number 122:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise
are opened."
Number 123:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates
of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the
devils are chained."
Number 124:
Narrated Ibn Umar: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "When you see the
crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see
the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky
is overcast (and you can't see It) then regard the crescent (month)
of Ramadan (as of 30 days)".
Number 125:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr
out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all
his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month
of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah,
then all his previous sins will be forgiven."
Number 126:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to
be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and
Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of
the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur'an to Gabriel,
and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast
wind (which causes rain and welfare).
Number 127:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil
actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink
(i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)"
Number 128:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle said, "Allah said, 'All the deeds of Adam's sons
(people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will
give the reward for it.' Fasting is a shield or protection from the
fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should
avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody
should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting.' By
Him in Whose Hands my soul is' The unpleasant smell coming out from
the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than
the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person,
one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when
he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his
fasting."
Number 129:
Narrated 'Alqama: While I was walking with 'Abdullah he said, "We
were in the company of the Prophet and he said, 'He who can afford
to marry should marry, because it will help him refrain from looking
at other women, and save his private parts from looking at other
women, and save his private parts from committing illegal sexual
relation; and he who cannot afford to marry is advised to fast, as
fasting will diminish his sexual power."
Number 130:
Narrated Abdullah bin Umar:
Allah's Apostle mentioned Ramadan and said, "Do not fast unless you
see the crescent (of Ramadan), and do not give up fasting till you
see the crescent (of Shawwal), but if the sky is overcast (if you
cannot see it), then act on estimation (i.e. count Sha'ban as 30
days)."
Number 131:
Narrated Abdullah bin Umar:
Allah's Apostle said, "The month (can be) 29 nights (i.e. days), and
do not fast till you see the moon, and if the sky is overcast, then
complete Sha'ban as thirty days."
Number 132:
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
The Prophet said, "The month is like this and this," (at the same
time he showed the fingers of both his hands thrice) and left out
one thumb on the third time.
Number 133:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet or Abu-l-Qasim said, "Start fasting on seeing the
crescent (of Ramadan), and give up fasting on seeing the crescent
(of Shawwal), and if the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it),
complete thirty days of Sha'ban."
Number 134:
Narrated Um Salama:
The Prophet vowed to keep aloof from his wives for a period of one
month, and after the completion of 29 days he went either in the
morning or in the afternoon to his wives. Someone said to him "You
vowed that you would not go to your wives for one month." He
replied, "The month is of 29 days."
Number 135:
Narrated Anas:
Allah's Apostle vowed to keep aloof from his wives for one month,
and he had dislocation of his leg. So, he stayed in a Mashruba for
29 nights and then came down. Some people said, "O Allah's Apostle!
You vowed to stay aloof for one month," He replied, "The month is of
29 days."
Number 136:
Narrated Abu Bakra:
The Prophet said, "The two months of 'Id i.e. Ramadan and Dhul-Hijja,
do not decrease (in superiority)."
Number 137:
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
The Prophet said, "We are an illiterate nation; we neither write,
nor know accounts. The month is like this and this, i.e. sometimes
of 29 days and sometimes of thirty days."
Number 138:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "None of you should fast a day or two before the
month of Ramadan unless he has the habit of fasting (Nawafil) (and
if his fasting coincides with that day) then he can fast that day."
Number 139:
Narrated Al-Bara:
It was the custom among the companions of Muhammad that if any of
them was fasting and the food was presented (for breaking his fast),
but he slept before eating, he would not eat that night and the
following day till sunset.
Qais bin Sirma-al-Ansari was fasting and came to his wife at the
time of Iftar (breaking one's fast) and asked her whether she had
anything to eat. She replied, "No, but I would go and bring some for
you." He used to do hard work during the day, so he was overwhelmed
by sleep and slept. When his wife came and saw him, she said,
"Disappointment for you." When it was midday on the following day,
he fainted and the Prophet was informed about the whole matter and
the following verses were revealed: "You are permitted To go to your
wives (for sexual relation) At the night of fasting." So, they were
overjoyed by it. And then Allah also revealed: "And eat and drink
Until the white thread Of dawn appears to you Distinct from the
black thread (of the night)." (2.187)
Number 140:
Narrated 'Adi bin Hatim:
When the above verses were revealed: 'Until the white thread appears
to you, distinct from the black thread,' I took two (hair) strings,
one black and the other white, and kept them under my pillow and
went on looking at them throughout the night but could not make
anything out of it. So, the next morning I went to Allah's Apostle
and told him the whole story. He explained to me, "That verse means
the darkness of the night and the whiteness of the dawn."
Number 141:
Narrated Sahl bin Saud:
When the following verses were revealed: 'Eat and drink until the
white thread appears to you, distinct from the black thread' and of
dawn was not revealed, some people who intended to fast, tied black
and white threads to their legs and went on eating till they
differentiated between the two. Allah then revealed the words, 'of
dawn', and it became clear that meant night and day.
Number 142:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Bilal used to pronounce the Adhan at night, so Allah's Apostle?
said, "Carry on taking your meals (eat and drink) till Ibn Um Maktum
pronounces the Adhan, for he does not pronounce it till it is dawn.
Number 143:
Narrated Sahl bin Sad:
I used to take my Suhur meals with my family and then hurry up for
presenting myself for the (Fajr) prayer with Allah's Apostle.
Number 144:
Narrated Anas:
Zaid bin Thabit said, "We took the Suhur with the Prophet . Then he
stood for the prayer." I asked, "What was the interval between the
Suhur and the Adhan?" He replied, "The interval was sufficient to
recite fifty verses of the Quran."
Number 145:
Narrated 'Abdullah:
The Prophet fasted for days continuously; the people also did the
same but it was difficult for them. So, the Prophet forbade them (to
fast continuously for more than one day). They slid, "But you fast
without break (no food was taken in the evening or in the morning)."
The Prophet replied, "I am not like you, for I am provided with food
and drink (by Allah)."
Number 146:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
The Prophet said, "Take Suhur as there is a blessing in it."
Number 147:
Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa:
Once the Prophet ordered a person on 'Ashura' (the tenth of
Muharram) to announce, "Whoever has eaten, should not eat any more,
but fast, and who has not eaten should not eat, but complete his
fast (till the end of the day).
Number 148:
Narrated 'Aisha and Um Salama:
At times Allah's Apostle used to get up in the morning in the state
of Janaba after having sexual relations with his wives. He would
then take a bath and fast.
Number 149:
Narrated 'Aisha:
The Prophet used to kiss and embrace (his wives) while he was
fasting, and he had more power to control his desires than any of
you. Said Jabir, "The person who gets discharge after casting a look
(on his wife) should complete his fast."
Number 150:
Narrated Hisham's father:
Aisha said, "Allah's Apostle used to kiss some of his wives while he
was fasting," and then she smiled.
Number 151:
Narrated Zainab:
(daughter of Um Salama) that her mother said, "While I was (lying)
with Allah's Apostle underneath a woolen sheet, I got the
menstruation, and then slipped away and put on the clothes (which I
used to wear) in menses. He asked, "What is the matter? Did you get
your menses?" I replied in the affirmative and then entered
underneath that woolen sheet. I and Allah's Apostle used to take a
bath from one water pot and he used to kiss me while he was
fasting."
Number 152:
Narrated 'Aisha:
(At times) in Ramadan the Prophet used to take a bath in the morning
not because of a wet dream and would continue his fast.
Number 153:
Narrated Abu Bakr bin 'Abdur-Rahman:
My father and I went to 'Aisha and she said, "I testify that Allah's
Apostle at times used to get up in the morning in a state of Janaba
from sexual intercourse, not from a wet dream and then he would fast
that day." Then he went to Um Salama and she also narrated a similar
thing.
Number 154:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "If somebody eats or drinks forgetfully then he
should complete his fast, for what he has eaten or drunk, has been
given to him by Allah." Narrated 'Amir bin Rabi'a, "I saw the
Prophet cleaning his teeth with Siwak while he was fasting so many
times as I can't count." And narrated Abu Huraira, "The Prophet
said, 'But for my fear that it would be hard for my followers, I
would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Siwak on every
performance of ablution." The same is narrated by Jabir and Zaid bin
Khalid from the Prophet who did not differentiate between a fasting
and a nonfasting person in this respect (using Siwak).
Aisha said, "The Prophet said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is a purification
for the mouth and it is a way of seeking Allah's pleasures." Ata'
and Qatada said, "There is no harm in swallowing the resultant
saliva."
Number 155:
Narrated Humran:
I saw 'Uthman performing ablution; he washed his hands thrice,
rinsed his mouth and then washed his nose, by putting water in it
and then blowing it out, and washed his face thrice, and then washed
his right forearm up to the elbow thrice, and then the left-forearm
up to the elbow thrice, then smeared his head with water, washed his
right foot thrice, and then his left foot thrice and said, "I saw
Allah's Apostle performing ablution similar to my present ablution,
and then he said, 'Whoever performs ablution like my present
ablution and then offers two Rakat in which he does not think of
worldly things, all his previous sins will be forgiven."
Number 156:
Narrated 'Aisha:
A man came to the Prophet and said that he had been burnt (ruined).
The Prophet asked him what was the matter. He replied, "I had sexual
intercourse with my wife in Ramadan (while I was fasting)." Then a
basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet and he asked, "Where
is the burnt (ruined) man?" He replied, "I am present." The Prophet
told him to give that basket in charity (as expiation).
Number 157:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
While we were sitting with the Prophet a man came and said, "O
Allah's Apostle! I have been ruined." Allah's Apostle asked what was
the matter with him. He replied "I had sexual intercourse with my
wife while I was fasting." Allah's Apostle asked him, "Can you
afford to manumit a slave?" He replied in the negative. Allah's
Apostle asked him, "Can you fast for two successive months?" He
replied in the negative. The Prophet asked him, "Can you afford to
feed sixty poor persons?" He replied in the negative. The Prophet
kept silent and while we were in that state, a big basket full of
dates was brought to the Prophet . He asked, "Where is the
questioner?" He replied, "I (am here)." The Prophet said (to him),
"Take this (basket of dates) and give it in charity." The man said,
"Should I give it to a person poorer than I? By Allah; there is no
family between its (i.e. Medina's) two mountains who are poorer than
I." The Prophet smiled till his pre-molar teeth became visible and
then said, 'Feed your family with it."
Number 158:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
A man came to the Prophet and said, "I had sexual intercourse with
my wife on Ramadan (while fasting)." The Prophet asked him, "Can you
afford to manumit a slave?" He replied in the negative. The Prophet
asked him, "Can you fast for two successive months?" He replied in
the negative. He asked him, "Can you afford to feed sixty poor
persons?" He replied in the negative. (Abu Huraira added): Then a
basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet and he said (to that
man), "Feed (poor people) with this by way of atonement." He said,
"(Should I feed it) to poorer people than we? There is no poorer
house than ours between its (Medina's) mountains." The Prophet said,
"Then feed your family with it."
Number 159:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet was cupped while he was in the state of lhram, and also
while he was observing a fast.
Number 160:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet was cupped while he was fasting.
Number 161:
Narrated Thabit Al-Bunani:
Anas bin Malik was asked whether they disliked the cupping for a
fasting person. He replied in the negative and said, "Only if it
causes weakness."
Number 162:
Narrated Ibn Abi Aufa:
We were in the company of Allah's Apostle on a journey. He said to a
man, "Get down and mix Sawiq (powdered barley) with water for me."
The man said, "The sun (has not set yet), O Allah's Apostle." The
Prophet again said to him, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for
me." The man again said, "O Allah's Apostle! The sun!" The Prophet
said to him (for the third time) "Get down and mix Sawiq with water
for me." The man dismounted and mixed Sawiq with water for him. The
Prophet drank it and then beckoned with his hand (towards the East)
and said, "When you see the night falling from this side, then a
fasting person should break his fast."
Number 163:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami said, "O Allah's Apostle! I fast
continuously."
Number 164:
Narrated 'Aisha:
(the wife of the Prophet) Hamza bin 'Amr Al-Aslami asked the
Prophet, "Should I fast while traveling?" The Prophet replied, "You
may fast if you wish, and you may not fast if you wish."
Number 165:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
Allah's Apostle set out for Mecca in Ramadan and he fasted, and when
he reached Al-Kadid, he broke his fast and the people (with him)
broke their fast too. (Abu 'Abdullah said, "Al-Kadid is a land
covered with water between Usfan and Qudaid.")
Number 166:
Narrated Abu Ad-Darda:
We set out with Allah's Apostle on one of his journeys on a very hot
day, and it was so hot that one had to put his hand over his head
because of the severity of heat. None of us was fasting except the
Prophet and Ibn Rawaha.
Number 167:
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah:
Allah's Apostle was on a journey and saw a crowd of people, and a
man was being shaded (by them). He asked, "What is the matter?" They
said, "He (the man) is fasting." The Prophet said, "It is not
righteousness that you fast on a journey."
Number 168:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:
We used to travel with the Prophet and neither did the fasting
persons criticize those who were not fasting, nor did those who were
not fasting criticize the fasting ones.
Number 169:
Narrated Tawus:
Ibn 'Abbas said, "Allah's Apostle set out from Medina to Mecca and
he fasted till he reached 'Usfan, where he asked for water and
raised his hand to let the people see him, and then broke the fast,
and did not fast after that till he reached Mecca, and that happened
in Ramadan." Ibn 'Abbas used to say, "Allah's Apostle (sometimes)
fasted and (sometimes) did not fast during the journeys so whoever
wished to fast could fast, and whoever wished not to fast, could do
so."
Number 170:
Narrated Nafi:
Ibn 'Umar recited the verse: "They had a choice either to fast or to
feed a poor person for every day, and said that the order of this
Verse was cancelled.
Number 171:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Sometimes I missed some days of Ramadan, but could not fast in lieu
of them except in the month of Sha'ban." Said Yahya, a sub-narrator,
"She used to be busy serving the Prophet ."
Number 172:
Narrated Abu Said:
The Prophet said, "Isn't it true that a woman does not pray and does
not fast on menstruating? And that is the defect (a loss) in her
religion."
Number 173:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever died and he ought to have fasted (the
missed days of Ramadan) then his guardians must fast on his behalf."
Number 174:
Narrated Ibn Abbas:
A man came to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother
died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed
Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf?" The Prophet replied in the
affirmative and said, "Allah's debts have more right to be paid." In
another narration a woman is reported to have said, "My sister
died..."
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: A woman said to the Prophet "My mother died and
she had vowed to fast but she didn't fast." In another narration Ibn
'Abbas is reported to have said, "A woman said to the Prophet, "My
mother died while she ought to have fasted for fifteen days."
Number 175:
Narrated Umar bin Al-Khattab:
Allah's Apostle said, "When night falls from this side and the day
vanishes from this side and the sun sets, then the fasting person
should break his fast."
Number 176:
Narrated Abdullah bin Abi Aufa:
We were in the company of the Prophet on a journey and he was
fasting, and when the sun set, he addressed somebody, "O so-and-so,
get up and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's
Apostle! (Will you wait) till it is evening?" The Prophet said, "Get
down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "O Allah's
Apostle! (If you wait) till it is evening." The Prophet said again,
"Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us." He replied, "It is still
daytime."(1) The Prophet said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with
water for us." He got down and mixed Sawiq for them. The Prophet
drank it and then said, "When you see night falling from this side,
the fasting person should break his fast."
Number 177:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Aufa:
We were traveling with Allah's Apostle and he was fasting, and when
the sun set, he said to (someone), "Get down and mix Sawiq with
water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle! (Will you wait) till
it is evening?" The Prophet again said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with
water for us." He replied, "O Allah's Apostle! It is still daytime."
The Prophet said again, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for us."
So, he got down and carried out that order. The Prophet then said,
"When you see night falling from this side, the fasting person
should break his fast," and he beckoned with his finger towards the
east.
Number 178:
Narrated Sahl bin Sad:
Allah's Apostle said, "The people will remain on the right path as
long as they hasten the breaking of the fast."
Number 179:
Narrated Ibn Abi Aufa:
I was with the Prophet on a journey, and he observed the fast till
evening. The Prophet said to a man, "Get down and mix Sawiq with
water for me." He replied, "Will you wait till it is evening?" The
Prophet said, "Get down and mix Sawiq with water for me; when you
see night falling from this side, the fasting person should break
his fast."
Number 180:
Narrated Abu Usama from Hisham bin 'Ursa from Fatima:
Asma bint Abi Bakr said, "We broke our fast during the lifetime of
the Prophet on a cloudy day and then the sun appeared." Hisham was
asked, "Were they ordered to fast in lieu of that day?" He replied,
"It had to be made up for." Ma'mar said, "I heard Hisham saying, "I
don't know whether they fasted in lieu of that day or not."
Number 181:
Narrated Ar-Rubi' bint Mu'awadh:
"The Prophet sent a messenger to the village of the Ansar in the
morning of the day of 'Ashura' (10th of Muharram) to announce:
'Whoever has eaten something should not eat but complete the fast,
and whoever is observing the fast should complete it.' "She further
said, "Since then we used to fast on that day regularly and also
make our boys fast. We used to make toys of wool for the boys and if
anyone of them cried for, he was given those toys till it was the
time of the breaking of the fast."
Number 182:
Narrated Anas:
The Prophet said, "Do not practice Al-Wisal (fasting continuously
without breaking one's fast in the evening or eating before the
following dawn)." The people said to the Prophet, "But you practice
Al-Wisal?" The Prophet replied, "I am not like any of you, for I am
given food and drink (by Allah) during the night."
Number 183:
Narrated Abdullah bin Umar:
Allah's Apostle forbade Al-Wisal. The people said (to him), "But you
practice it?" He said, "I am not like you, for I am given food and
drink by Allah."
Number 184:
'Narrated Abu Sa'id:
That he had heard the Prophet saying, "Do not fast continuously
(practise Al-Wisal), and if you intend to lengthen your fast, then
carry it on only till the Suhur (before the following dawn)." The
people said to him, "But you practice (Al-Wisal), O Allah's
Apostle!" He replied, "I am not similar to you, for during my sleep
I have One Who makes me eat and drink."
Number 185:
Narrated Aisha:
Allah's Apostle forbade Al-Wisal out of mercy to them. They said to
him, "But you practice Al-Wisal?" He said, "I am not similar to you,
for my Lord gives me food and drink. "
Number 186:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah's Apostle forbade Al-Wisal in fasting. So, one of the Muslims
said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal. O Allah's Apostle!" The
Prophet replied, "Who amongst you is similar to me? I am given food
and drink during my sleep by my Lord." So, when the people refused
to stop Al-Wisal (fasting continuously), the Prophet fasted day and
night continuously along with them for a day and then another day
and then they saw the crescent moon (of the month of Shawwal). The
Prophet said to them (angrily), "If It (the crescent) had not
appeared, I would have made you fast for a longer period." That was
as a punishment for them when they refused to stop (practising Al-Wisal).
Number 187:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said twice, "(O you people) Be cautious! Do not practice
Al-Wisal." The people said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal?" The
Prophet replied, "My Lord gives me food and drink during my sleep.
Do that much of deeds which is within your ability."
Number 188:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:
Allah's Apostle said, "Do not fast continuously day and night
(practise Al-Wisal) and if anyone of you intends to fast
continuously day and night, he should continue till the Suhur time."
They said, "But you practise Al-Wisal, O Allah's Apostle!" The
Prophet said, "I am not similar to you;. during my sleep I have One
Who makes me eat and drink."
Number 189:
Narrated Abu Juhaifa:
The Prophet made a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abu Ad-Darda.'
Salman paid a visit to Abu Ad-Darda' and found Um Ad-Darda' dressed
in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She
replied, "Your brother Abu Ad-Darda' is not interested in (the
luxuries of) this world." In the meantime Abu Ad-Darda' came and
prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested Abu Ad-Darda' to eat
(with him), but Abu Ad-Darda' said, "I am fasting." Salman said, "I
am not going to eat unless you eat." So, Abu Ad-Darda' ate(with
Salman). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abu Ad-Darda'
got up (to offer the night prayer), but Salman told him to sleep and
Abu Ad-Darda' slept. After sometime Abu Ad-Darda' again got up but
Salman told him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night,
Salman told him to get up then, and both of them offered the prayer.
Salman told Abu Ad-Darda', "Your Lord has a right on you, your soul
has a right on you, and your family has a right on you; so you
should give the rights of all those who has a right on you." Abu Ad-Darda'
came to the Prophet and narrated the whole story. The Prophet said,
"Salman has spoken the truth."
Number 190:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Allah's Apostle used to fast till one would say that he would never
stop fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say that
he would never fast. I never saw Allah's Apostle fasting for a whole
month except the month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in
any month more than in the month of Sha'ban.
Number 191:
Narrated 'Aisha:
The Prophet never fasted in any month more than in the month of
Sha'ban. He used to say, "Do those deeds which you can do easily, as
Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and
tired (of performing religious deeds)." The most beloved prayer to
the Prophet was the one that was done regularly (throughout the
life) even if it were little. And whenever the Prophet offered a
prayer he used to offer it regularly .
Number 192:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet never fasted a full month except the month of Ramadan,
and he used to fast till one could say, "By Allah, he will never
stop fasting," and he would abandon fasting till one would say, "By
Allah, he will never fast."
Number 193:
Narrated Anas:
Allah's Apostle used to leave fasting in a certain month till we
thought that he would not fast in that month, and he used to fast in
another month till we thought he would not stop fasting at all in
that month. And if one wanted to see him praying at night, one could
see him (in that condition), and if one wanted to see him sleeping
at night, one could see him (in that condition) too.
Number 194:
Narrated Humaid:
I asked Anas about the fasting of the Prophet. He said "Whenever I
liked to see the Prophet fasting in any month, I could see that, and
whenever I liked to see him not fasting, I could see that too, and
if I liked to see him praying in any night, I could see that, and if
I liked to see him sleeping, I could see that, too." Anas further
said, "I never touched silk or velvet softer than the hand of
Allah's Apostle and never smelled musk or perfumed smoke more
pleasant than the smell of Allah's Apostle."
Number 195:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As:
"Once Allah's Apostle came to me," and then he narrated the whole
narration, i.e. your guest has a right on you, and your wife has a
right on you. I then asked about the fasting of David. The Prophet
replied, "Half of the year," (i.e. he used to fast on every
alternate day).
Number 196:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As:
Allah's Apostle said to me, "O 'Abdullah! Have I not been informed
that you fast during the day and offer prayers all the night."
'Abdullah replied, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle!" The Prophet said,
"Don't do that; fast for few days and then give it up for few days,
offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on
you, and your wife has a right on you, and your guest has a right on
you. And it is sufficient for you to fast three days in a month, as
the reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times, so it will be
like fasting throughout the year." I insisted (on fasting) and so I
was given a hard instruction. I said, "O Allah's Apostle! I have
power." The Prophet said, "Fast like the fasting of the Prophet
David and do not fast more than that." I said, "How was the fasting
of the Prophet of Allah, David?" He said, "Half of the year," (i.e.
he used to fast on every alternate day).
Afterwards when 'Abdullah became old, he used to say, "It would have
been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet
(which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month)."
Number 197:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
Allah's Apostle was informed that I had taken an oath to fast daily
and to pray (every night) all the night throughout my life (so
Allah's Apostle came to me and asked whether it was correct): I
replied, "Let my parents be sacrificed for you! I said so." The
Prophet said, "You can not do that. So, fast for few days and give
it up for few days, r ray and sleep. Fast three days a month as the
reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times and that will be equal
to one year of fasting." I replied, "I can do better than that." The
Prophet said to me, "Fast one day and give up fasting for a day and
that is the fasting of Prophet David and that is the best fasting."
I said, "I have the power to fast better (more) than that." The
Prophet said, "There is no better fasting than that."
Number 198:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
The news of my daily fasting and praying every night throughout the
night reached the Prophet. So he sent for me or I met him, and he
said, "I have been informed that you fast everyday and pray every
night (all the night). Fast (for some days) and give up fasting (for
some days); pray and sleep, for your eyes have a right on you, and
your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you." I
replied, "I have more power than that (fasting)." The Prophet said,
"Then fast like the fasts of (the Prophet) David". I said, "How?" He
replied, "He used to fast on alternate days, and he used not to flee
on meeting the enemy." I said, "From where can I get that chance?"
('Ata' said, "I do not know how the expression of fasting daily
throughout the life occurred.") So, the Prophet said, twice,
"Whoever fasts daily throughout his life is just as the one who does
not fast at all."
Number 199:
Narrated Mujahid from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
The Prophet said (to 'Abdullah), "Fast three days a month."
'Abdullah said, (to the Prophet) "I am able to fast more than that."
They kept on arguing on this matter till the Prophet said, "Fast on
alternate days, and recite the whole Qur'an once a month." 'Abdullah
said, "I can recite more (in a month)," and the argument went on
till the Prophet said, "Recite the Qur'an once each three days."
(i.e. you must not recite the whole Qur'an in less than three days).
Number 200:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As:
The Prophet said to me, "You fast daily all the year and pray every
night all the night?" I replied in the affirmative. The Prophet
said, "If you keep on doing this, your eyes will become weak and
your body will get tired. He who fasts all the year is as he who did
not fast at all. The fasting of three days (a month) will be equal
to the tasting of the whole year." I replied, "I have the power for
more than this." The Prophet said, "Then fast like the fasting of
David who used to fast on alternate days and would never flee from
the battle field, on meeting the enemy.
Number 201:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr:
Allah's Apostle was informed about my fasts, and he came to me and I
spread for him a leather cushion stuffed with palm fires, but he sat
on the ground and the cushion remained between me and him, and then
he said, "Isn't it sufficient for you to fast three days a month?" I
replied, "O Allah's Apostle! (I can fast more)." He said, "Five?" I
replied, "O Allah's Apostle! (I can fast more)." He said, "Seven?" I
replied, "O Allah's Apostle! (I can fast more)." He said, "Nine
(days per month)?" I replied, "O Allah's Apostle! (I can fast more)"
He said, "Eleven (days per month)?" And then the Prophet said,
"There is no fast superior to that of the Prophet David it was for
half of the year. So, fast on alternate days."
Number 202:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
My friend (the Prophet ) advised me to observe three things:
(1) to fast three days a month;
(2) to pray two Rakat of Duha prayer (fore-noon prayer); and
(3) to pray Witr before sleeping.
Number 203:
Narrated Anas:
The Prophet paid a visit to Um-Sulaim and she placed before him
dates and ghee. The Prophet said, "Replace the ghee and dates in
their respective containers for I am fasting." Then he stood
somewhere in her house and offered an optional prayer and then he
invoked good on Um-Sulaim and her family. Then Um-Sulaim said, "O
Allah's Apostle! I have a special request (today)." He said, "What
is it?" She replied, "(Please invoke for) your servant Anas." So
Allah's Apostle did not leave anything good in the world or the
Hereafter which he did not invoke (Allah to bestow) on me and said,
"O Allah! Give him (i.e. Anas) property and children and bless him."
Thus I am one of the richest among the Ansar and my daughter Umaina
told me that when A-Hajjaj came to Basra, more than 120 of my
offspring had been buried.
Number 204:
Narrated Mutarrif from 'Imran Ibn Husain:
That the Prophet asked him (Imran) or asked a man and Imran was
listening, "O Abu so-and-so! Have you fasted the last days of this
month?" (The narrator thought that he said, "the month of Ramadan").
The man replied, "No, O Allah's Apostle!" The Prophet said to him,
"When you finish your fasting (of Ramadan) fast two days (in
Shawwal)." Through another series of narrators 'Imran said, "The
Prophet said, '(Have you fasted) the last days of Sha'ban?"
Number 205:
Narrated Muhammad bin 'Abbas:
I asked Jabir "Did the Prophet forbid fasting on Fridays?" He
replied, "Yes." (Other narrators added, "If he intends to fast only
that day.")
Number 206:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
I heard the Prophet saying, "None of you should fast on Friday
unless he fasts a day before or after it."
Number 207:
Narrated Abu Aiyub from Juwairiya bint Al-Harith:
The Prophet visited her (Juwairiya) on a Friday and she was fasting.
He asked her, "Did you fast yesterday?" She said, "No." He said, "Do
you intend to fast tomorrow?" She said, "No." He said, "Then break
your fast." Through another series of narrators, Abu Aiyub is
reported to have said, "He ordered her and she broke her fast."
Number 208:
Narrated Alqama:
I asked 'Aisha "Did Allah s Apostle, use to choose some special days
(for fasting)?" She replied, "No, but he used to be regular
(constant) (in his service of worshipping). Who amongst you can
endure what Allah's Apostle used to endure?"
Number 209:
Narrated Um Al-Fadl bint Al-Harith:
"While the people were with me on the day of 'Arafat they differed
as to whether the Prophet was fasting or not; some said that he was
fasting while others said that he was not fasting. So, I sent to him
a bowl full of milk while he was riding over his camel and he drank
it."
Number 210:
Narrated Maimuna:
The people doubted whether the Prophet was fasting on the day of
'Arafat or not, so I sent milk while he was standing at 'Arafat, he
drank it and the people were looking at him.
Number 211:
Narrated Abu 'Ubaid:
(the slave of Ibn Azhar) I witnessed the 'Id with 'Umar bin Al-Kattab
who said, Allah's Apostle has forbidden people to fast on the day on
which you break fasting (the fasts of Ramadan) and the day on which
you eat the meat of your sacrifices (the first day of 'Id ul Fitr
and 'Id ul-Adha).
Number 212:
Narrated Abu Sa'id:
The Prophet forbade the fasting of 'Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha (two
feast days) and also the wearing of As-Samma' (a single garment
covering the whole body), and sitting with one's leg drawn up while
being wrapped in one garment. He also forbade the prayers after the
Fajr (morning) and the 'Asr (afternoon) prayers.
Number 213:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Two fasts and two kinds of sale are forbidden: fasting on the day of
'Id ul Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha and the kinds of sale called Mulamasa
and Munabadha. (These two kinds of sale used to be practiced in the
days of Pre-lslamic period of ignorance; Mulamasa means when you
touch something displayed for sale you have to buy it; Munabadha
means when the seller throws something to you, you have to buy it.)
Number 214:
Narrated Ziyad bin Jubair:
A man went to Ibn 'Umar I. and said, "A man vowed to fast one day
(the sub-narrator thinks that he said that the day was Monday), and
that day happened to be 'Id day." Ibn 'Umar said, "Allah orders vows
to be fulfilled and the Prophet forbade the fasting on this day
(i.e. Id)."
Number 215:
Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:
(who fought in twelve Ghazawat in the company of the Prophet). I
heard four things from the Prophet and they won my admiration. He
said;
1. "No lady should travel on a journey of two days except with her
husband or a Mahram;
2. "No fasting is permissible on the two days of Id-ul-Fitr and 'Id-ul-Adha;
3. "No prayer (may be offered) after the morning compulsory prayer
until the sun rises; and no prayer after the 'Asr prayer till the
sun sets;
4. "One should travel only for visiting three Masajid (Mosques):
Masjid-ul-Haram (Mecca), Masjid-ul-Aqsa (Jerusalem), and this (my)
Mosque (at Medina)."
Number 216:
Narrated 'Aisha and Ibn 'Umar:
Nobody was allowed to fast on the days of Tashrlq except those who
could not afford the Hadi (Sacrifice).
Number 217:
Narrated Ibn 'Umar:
Fasting for those who perform ,Hajj-at-Tamattu' (in lieu of the Hadi
which they cannot afford) may be performed up to the day of 'Arafat.
And if one does not get a Hadi and has not fasted (before the 'Id)
then one should fast of the days of Mina. (11, 12 and 13th of Dhul
Hajja).
Number 218:
Narrated Salim's father:
The Prophet said, "Whoever wishes may fast on the day of 'Ashura'."
Number 219:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Allah's Apostle ordered (the Muslims) to fast on the day of 'Ashura',
and when fasting in the month of Ramadan was prescribed, it became
optional for one to fast on that day ('Ashura') or not.
Number 220:
Narrated Aisha:
Quraish used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' in the Pre-lslamic
period, and Allah's Apostle too, used to fast on that day. When he
came to Medina, he fasted on that day and ordered others to fast,
too. Later when the fasting of the month of Ramadan was prescribed,
he gave up fasting on the day of 'Ashura' and it became optional for
one to fast on it or not.
Number 221:
Narrated Humaid bin 'Abdur Rahman:
That he heard Muawiya bin Abi Sufyan on the day of 'Ashura' during
the year he performed the Hajj, saying on the pulpit, "O the people
of Medina! Where are your Religious Scholars? I heard Allah's
Apostle saying, 'This is the day of 'Ashura'. Allah has not enjoined
its fasting on you but I am fasting it. You have the choice either
to fast or not to fast (on this day).' "
Number 222:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
The Prophet came to Medina and saw the Jews fasting on the day of
Ashura. He asked them about that. They replied, "This is a good day,
the day on which Allah rescued Bani Israel from their enemy. So,
Moses fasted this day." The Prophet said, "We have more claim over
Moses than you." So, the Prophet fasted on that day and ordered (the
Muslims) to fast (on that day).
Number 223:
Narrated Abu Musa:
The day of 'Ashura' was considered as 'Id day by the Jews. So the
Prophet ordered, "I recommend you (Muslims) to fast on this day."
Number 224:
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
I never saw the Prophet seeking to fast on a day more (preferable to
him) than this day, the day of 'Ashura', or this month, i.e. the
month of Ramadan.
Number 225:
Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa: The Prophet ordered a man from the
tribe of Bani Aslam to announce amongst the people that whoever had
eaten should fast the rest of the day, and whoever had not eaten
should continue his fast, as that day was the day of 'Ashura' .
