Hadith Text & Reference

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever fasts every day of his life, then he has neither fasted, nor broken the fast.'"

Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 2374 | Book: The Book of Fasting

Meaning & Prohibition

This hadith prohibits perpetual fasting (wisal), clarifying that one who fasts continuously has not truly fulfilled the act of fasting as legislated, nor has he properly observed the breaking of the fast. The Islamic Shari'ah mandates specific times for fasting and breaking fast.

Scholarly Commentary

Imam an-Nawawi explains this indicates the prohibition against connecting one fast to another without eating or drinking in between. The wisdom behind this prohibition includes preserving one's health, maintaining the distinction between acts of worship, and preventing excessive asceticism that contradicts the balanced nature of Islam.

Legal Ruling & Exceptions

The majority of scholars consider perpetual fasting to be makruh (disliked) rather than haram (forbidden), except for those who can do it without harm, like Dawud (upon him be peace) who fasted alternate days. However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade his companions from wisal out of mercy.

Spiritual Balance

This teaching emphasizes Islam's moderate path, rejecting monasticism while encouraging consistent worship within divinely prescribed limits. True devotion lies in following the Sunnah, not in self-devised extremes that may lead to physical harm or spiritual ostentation.