Fasting on Friday alone is considered forbidden in Islam, based on specific narrations and scholarly interpretations.
The Ruling on Fasting Friday
Based on Islamic teachings, fasting specifically on Friday, while not fasting the day before (Thursday) or the day after (Saturday), is discouraged and typically considered haram (forbidden) or makruh tanzihi (discouraged but not strictly forbidden, closer to permissible). The consensus among scholars, derived from Prophetic traditions, is that singling out Friday for fasting is not permissible.
Why Fasting Friday Alone is Forbidden
The provided reference highlights the reason for this prohibition:
Fasting Friday alone is forbidden because it is a day of du'a, dhikr and worship, such as ghusl, going to the prayer early and waiting for the prayer, listening to the khutbah and reciting a lot of dhikr after it. So it is mustahabb not to fast so that one will have more energy to do these duties.
Friday (Yawm al-Jumu'ah) is a special day in the Islamic week, often referred to as the "master of days." It is designated for heightened worship and spiritual activities.
Here are some reasons why singling out Friday for fasting is discouraged:
- Focus on Worship: Friday is meant for special acts of worship, including the congregational Jumu'ah prayer, listening to the khutbah (sermon), making extensive du'a (supplication), and increasing dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
- Conserving Energy: Fasting can sometimes lead to a decrease in energy levels. By not fasting on Friday, one can feel more energetic and able to fully participate in and benefit from the day's special religious duties and recommended acts.
- Avoiding Resemblance: There are reports suggesting a desire to differentiate Islamic practices from other religious traditions that might have specific days of fasting or significance.
Permissible Ways to Fast on Friday
While fasting only on Friday is not allowed, there are exceptions where fasting on this day becomes permissible:
- Fasting Thursday and Friday: If one fasts on Thursday and continues their fast into Friday, this is permissible.
- Fasting Friday and Saturday: Similarly, if one intends to fast on Friday and continues their fast on Saturday, this is also permissible.
- Fasting as Part of a Regular Habit: If Friday happens to coincide with a day one regularly fasts (e.g., fasting alternate days, fasting the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month, or fasting a specific day like 'Arafah or 'Ashura'), and the intention is not solely to fast because it is Friday, then it is generally considered permissible.
- Making Up Missed Fasts: If one needs to make up a mandatory fast (like a missed day from Ramadan) and Friday happens to be the day they choose to do so, this is also permissible.
Summary of Fasting on Friday:
| Scenario | Ruling | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting only on Friday | Forbidden (Haram) / Strongly Discouraged | To avoid singling it out and to conserve energy for Friday worship. |
| Fasting Thursday and Friday | Permissible | Not singling out Friday. |
| Fasting Friday and Saturday | Permissible | Not singling out Friday. |
| Friday coincides with a regular fast habit | Permissible | The intention is for the habit, not solely the day itself. |
| Making up a missed mandatory fast | Permissible | Necessary obligation takes precedence. |
In conclusion, the prohibition is specifically against isolating Friday for fasting. If Friday is included as part of a longer fast or coincides with another valid reason for fasting, it is generally allowed.
