The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2375

"Someone who heard him told me that Ibn 'Umar (said) that the Prophet said: 'Whoever fasts every day of his life, then he has not fasted.'"

Commentary on the Prohibition of Continuous Fasting

This noble hadith from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding fasting. The scholars have unanimously agreed that perpetual fasting - meaning fasting every single day without break - is prohibited in Islam.

Imam an-Nawawi explains in his commentary that this prohibition serves multiple divine wisdoms: it preserves the rights of one's body, maintains the distinction between obligatory and supererogatory acts, and prevents extremism in worship which leads to exhaustion and inability to fulfill other obligations.

Legal Ruling and Exceptions

The majority of scholars hold that fasting every day is makruh tahrimi (prohibitively disliked) rather than absolutely haram, except for those who have made it their habitual practice before Islam and can maintain it without harm. However, fasting on specific prohibited days (Eid, Tashreeq days) remains absolutely forbidden.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that the phrase "he has not fasted" means he has not achieved the proper fasting that Allah loves, as moderation is the sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in all matters of worship.

Practical Application

The recommended practice is to follow the sunnah of fasting three days each month (preferably the white days: 13th, 14th, and 15th), fasting Mondays and Thursdays, and the day of Arafah and Ashura. This balanced approach earns great reward while maintaining one's health and capacity for other religious and worldly duties.

This teaching reflects Islam's comprehensive approach to life, balancing spiritual aspirations with physical needs and social responsibilities, preventing the monasticism that Allah has not prescribed for this ummah.