The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) met me and said: Have I not been informed that you told: I shall stand at prayer all the night, and I shall fast during the day ? He said: I think so. Yes, Messenger of Allah, I have said this. He said: Get up and pray at night and sleep ; fast and break your fast ; fast three days every month: that is equivalent to keeping perpetual fast. I said: Messenger of Allah, I have more power than that. He said: Then fast one day and break your fast one day. That is the most moderate fast ; that is the fast of Dawud (David). He said: I have more power than that. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: There is no fast more excellent that it.
Hadith Commentary: The Middle Path in Worship
This narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2427 in the Book of Fasting (Kitab Al-Siyam) demonstrates the Prophet's wisdom in guiding his companions toward balanced worship. The companion's initial intention to pray all night and fast continuously represents excessive zeal that contradicts the moderate nature of Islam.
The First Recommendation: Monthly Three Days
The Prophet's initial guidance of fasting three days monthly reflects the Islamic principle that consistent moderate deeds are superior to excessive worship that cannot be maintained. Scholars note these three days are equivalent to perpetual fasting in reward due to the multiplication of good deeds.
The Superior Practice: David's Fast
When the companion demonstrated greater capacity, the Prophet prescribed fasting alternate days, describing this as "the most moderate fast" and attributing it to Prophet David. Classical commentators explain this pattern allows the body proper rest while maintaining spiritual discipline, embodying the balance between worldly needs and spiritual aspirations.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Scholars derive from this hadith that while supererogatory fasting is praiseworthy, it must not lead to neglecting other obligations or harming one's health. The Prophet's final statement "There is no fast more excellent than it" establishes the superiority of David's fast over continuous fasting, emphasizing quality and sustainability over mere quantity in worship.