the Messenger of Allah was asked about his fasting and he got angry. 'Umr said: "We are content with Allah as our lord, Islam as our religion and Muhammad as or Prophet." And he was aksed about someone who fasted for the rest of his life and said: "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 Prohibition of Perpetual Fasting
The hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i 2383 reveals the Prophet's disapproval of excessive fasting that leads to perpetual observance without break. When questioned about fasting continuously throughout one's life, the Messenger of Allah responded with clear disapproval, stating such a person "has not fasted" in the true sense.
The Balanced Approach to Worship
Islamic scholarship emphasizes moderation in all acts of worship. The Prophet's anger at the suggestion of lifelong fasting demonstrates that Islam rejects extremism even in righteous deeds. True worship maintains balance, preserving one's health and ability to fulfill other religious and worldly obligations.
The companions' response - contentment with Allah as Lord, Islam as religion, and Muhammad as Prophet - shows proper understanding that excessive innovation in worship contradicts the balanced path established by the Prophet.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that perpetual fasting negates the very essence of fasting, which involves alternating between fasting and breaking fast. The prophetic statement "he has not fasted" means such continuous observance lacks the proper form and spirit of Islamic fasting.
This teaching protects the Muslim community from falling into extremes while maintaining the recommended voluntary fasts like Mondays and Thursdays, the white days (13th, 14th, 15th of lunar month), and the six days of Shawwal - all within the balanced framework of Islamic law.