"My father told me that he heard the Messenger of Allah say, when mention was made in his presence of a man who fasted for the rest of his life: 'He neither fasted nor broke his fast."' 'Ata said: "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."
The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2380
This narration from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) contains profound wisdom regarding the balanced approach to worship that Islam advocates. The Prophet's statement "He neither fasted nor broke his fast" concerning one who fasts perpetually demonstrates that such extreme practices are not recognized as valid worship in the sight of Allah.
The Wisdom of Moderation in Worship
The scholars explain that Islam is the religion of moderation and balance. Continuous fasting without break contradicts the Sunnah of the Prophet, who regularly fasted certain days and broke his fast on others. This balance preserves one's health, maintains strength for other obligations, and prevents exhaustion that may lead to abandoning worship altogether.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that such extreme practices often stem from misunderstanding true piety. The Shari'ah has designated specific days for fasting and others for breaking fast, and going beyond these boundaries is an innovation (bid'ah) that deprives the worshipper of the intended blessings.
The Legal Ruling on Continuous Fasting
According to the majority of scholars, perpetual fasting is makruh (disliked) as it contradicts the established Sunnah. The Prophet said: "Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your family has a right over you." This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a Muslim's life receive their due rights.
Imam al-Nawawi states that the recommended practice is to fast the days specifically encouraged in the Sunnah - such as Mondays and Thursdays, the White Days (13th, 14th, 15th of each lunar month), and the month of Ramadan - while maintaining the balance Islam requires for sustainable worship throughout one's lifetime.