The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2373

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever fasts every day of his life, then he has not fasted."'

Commentary on the Prohibition of Continuous Fasting

This hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i contains profound wisdom regarding the balanced approach to worship that Islam teaches. The apparent meaning indicates that fasting every single day without break is not only discouraged but considered as if one has not fasted at all in terms of spiritual reward.

The scholars explain that this prohibition serves multiple purposes: it preserves the distinction between obligatory and supererogatory acts, maintains the body's health for proper worship, prevents extremism in religion, and upholds the rights of one's family and society. Continuous fasting may lead to weakness that prevents performing other obligations.

Imam Nawawi commented that this teaching demonstrates Islam's moderation - we are neither to neglect worship nor to exhaust ourselves through excessive practices. The Shariah has designated specific days for fasting and others for feasting, creating a balanced spiritual life.

This ruling applies to voluntary fasting, as the obligatory fast of Ramadan has fixed days. The wisdom behind this teaching is to prevent innovation in worship and maintain the distinctive character of Islamic practices as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).