The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2376

"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 Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic jurisprudence regarding fasting. The scholars of Islam have explained that this prohibition serves multiple divine wisdoms.

Imam an-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, explains that continuous fasting without break is forbidden because it leads to physical weakness that prevents one from fulfilling other religious obligations and worldly responsibilities. The body has rights over the soul, and exhausting it contradicts the balanced approach of Islam.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, in Fath al-Bari, clarifies that this prohibition applies to fasting all days without exception. However, one may fast most days while observing the recommended days of breaking fast, such as the two Eid days and the days of Tashreeq, which are specifically prohibited for fasting.

The wisdom behind this teaching is to maintain moderation in worship, preserve one's health, and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet who would sometimes fast and sometimes break fast. This balance reflects the comprehensive nature of Islamic law that considers both spiritual and physical needs of the human being.