"The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was devoutly committed to fasting every Monday and Thursday.”
The Excellence of Monday and Thursday Fasting
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) maintained consistent fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, as narrated in Ash-Shama'il Al-Muhammadiyah 304. This practice demonstrates the Sunnah of voluntary fasting beyond obligatory Ramadan fasting, showing the Prophet's continuous devotion to worship.
Wisdom Behind These Specific Days
Scholars explain that Monday is blessed as the day of the Prophet's birth and the day Revelation first descended. Thursday is significant as deeds are presented to Allah on this day, and the Prophet desired his fasting to be among the deeds elevated while he was fasting.
Imam Al-Nawawi comments in his Sharh that these two days combine both weekly devotion and the hope that one's fasting will be accepted while deeds are shown to the Almighty.
Legal Ruling and Spiritual Benefits
This fasting is classified as Sunnah Mu'akkadah (emphasized tradition) according to the majority of scholars. The consistent practice teaches us the importance of regular voluntary worship and developing spiritual discipline throughout the year.
Ibn Al-Qayyim notes in Zad Al-Ma'ad that this practice reflects the balanced approach to worship - neither excessive nor negligent - that characterized the Prophet's way.