25 January 2022 
4 Min 
No Comment 
While Fasting in Ramadan is mandated for every Muslim who is able to, there is the Sunnah of Fasting Monday and Thursday. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast on these days regularly. We might ask ourselves, why Mondays and Thursdays? Moreover, how can we unlock the full potential of this weekly Sunnah?
It was narrated that ‘Aishah said:
“The Messenger of Allah used to be keen to fast on Mondays and Thursday.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 2364
Contents [hide]
- 1 A Weekday Devotion (Fasting Monday and Thursday):
- 2 Beyond Mere Abstinence:
- 3 Making it a Habit:
- 4 Unlocking the Rewards:
- 5 Embrace and preserve the fast:
- 6 Let fasting transform you for the better:
A Weekday Devotion (Fasting Monday and Thursday):
Do you ever feel the Monday blues? Imagine, instead of feeling burdened, you could make every Monday a spiritual journey and lift your spirits by being mindful of the devotion to Allah (SWT). Your silent expression of gratitude is a chance to purify yourself before the week unfolds.
Thursdays are equally important as Prophet (SAW) told us about the significance of Fasting Monday and Thursday in a hadith:
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. It was said:
“O Messenger of Allah, why do you fast on Mondays and Thursdays?” He said: “On Mondays and Thursdays Allah forgives every Muslim except two who have forsaken one another. He says: ‘Leave these two until they reconcile.’” Sunan Ibn Majah 1740
Beyond Mere Abstinence:
Abstaining from food and drink is the outwardly worship, The true power lies in the intention we make when we fast and give up all such actions which may invalidate our fast. We can focus on the following while we fast to get the most out of this form of worship:
- Deepening the connection with Allah (SWT): Read Quran with Tajweed, engage in extra prayers, memorize Quran and increase remembrance (dhikr). Let hunger pangs remind you of your dependence on what Allah (SWT) provides in sustenance.
- Self-reflection and improvement: Be mindful of your thoughts and actions. Rein in negativity and practice patience. Try to strive so you can attain better character.
- Empathy and social responsibility: Share your Iftar meals with loved ones give in charity to those in need. Fasting should not leave you isolated; it should foster compassion and connection.
Making it a Habit:
Consistency is key to Fasting Monday and Thursday consistently. Start with one day and then gradually add another day. As you get used to fasting one day at a time, it will in sha Allah become easier until you start to look forward to the fast and the sweetness of eeman it brings.
Unlocking the Rewards:
A key to developing the habit of Fasting Monday and Thursday is to remind yourself of the immense rewards it brings to the one who observes the practice regularly.
Abu Hurairah narrated that:
the Messenger of Allah said: “Deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.” Jami` at-Tirmidhi 747
Embrace and preserve the fast:
Abu ‘Ubaidah said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah say: ‘Fasting is a shield, so long as you do not damage it.”‘ Sunan an-Nasa’i 2233
Narrated Abu Hurairah:
The Prophet (ﷺ) as saying: Fast is a shield ; when one of you is fasting, he should neither behave in an obscene manner nor foolishly. If a man fights or abuses him, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting. Sunan Abi Dawud 2363
Let fasting transform you for the better:
Beyond merely giving up food and drink, let the fast be a transformational joruney which let’s you improve yourself to be better in character. Preserve the fast as though you are protecting it from the challenges of daily life and let in nourish your soul. May Allah (SWT) make us all steadfast on this Sunnah.
It was narrated from Sahi bin Sad that the Prophet said:
“For those who fast there is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which no one but they will enter. When the last of them has entered it, it will be closed. Whoever enters through it will drink, and whoever drinks will never thirst again.” Sunan an-Nasa’i 2236