The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2411

"I heard the Messenger of Allah say: 'It is a good fast to fast three days of each month."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes the virtue of fasting three days every month. This practice is known as the "Days of the White" (Ayyam al-Beed), referring to the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month when the moon is full and bright.

Scholars explain that fasting three days monthly equals fasting continuously throughout the year in reward, as each good deed is multiplied tenfold. Thus, three days become thirty, completing a month's worth of fasting. This demonstrates Allah's boundless mercy in rewarding His servants.

The wisdom behind specifying these particular days includes: following the sunnah of Prophet Dawud (who fasted alternate days), maintaining spiritual discipline throughout the year, and purifying the soul regularly without causing excessive hardship.

While the white days are preferred, scholars note one may choose any three days monthly. This flexibility ensures all Muslims can maintain this beneficial practice according to their circumstances, while still obtaining the great reward promised by the Messenger of Allah.