Types of fasting in Islam: A complete guide for Muslims

Learn about the different types of fasting in Islam, from obligatory fasting to sunnah fasting, as well as their benefits and procedures.

Brilio.net - Fasting is one of the most recommended acts of worship in Islam. Apart from being a form of obedience to Allah SWT, fasting also has many benefits both in terms of spirituality and health. In Islam, there are various types of fasting that Muslims can do. This article will discuss in full the various types of fasting in Islam, ranging from obligatory fasting to sunnah fasting.

1. Ramadan fasting

Ramadan fasting is a fast that is obligatory for every Muslim who has attained puberty and is of sound mind during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to refrain from eating, drinking, and anything that invalidates the fast from dawn to sunset. Ramadan fasting has many advantages, one of which is as a form of self-control and increasing piety to Allah SWT.

2. Vow fasting

Vow fasting is fasting that must be done because someone has vowed or promised to fast if a desire or hope is fulfilled. This vow must be fulfilled as a form of obedience to Allah SWT. For example, a person vows to fast for three days if he passes the test. So, after passing the test, he must perform the fast.

3. Fasting of Atonement

Penance fasting is a fast done as a form of atonement for certain sins or transgressions. For example, a person who breaks an oath or commits a violation in Hajj is required to fast as an atonement. The number of expiation fasting days varies depending on the type of violation committed.

1. Monday and Thursday fasting

Fasting on Monday and Thursday is a sunnah fast recommended by the Prophet SAW. This fast is done every Monday and Thursday. The Prophet SAW said that human deeds are lifted on Mondays and Thursdays, so he strongly encouraged his people to fast on those days.

2. Fasting Ayyamul Bidh

Ayyamul Bidh fasting is a sunnah fasting that is done on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Hijri month. This fast is also known as the white days fast because on those nights the full moon shines brightly. Fasting Ayyamul Bidh has many advantages, one of which is as a form of self-control and increasing piety.

3. Fasting Ashura

Ashura fasting is a sunnah fast that is done on the 10th of Muharram. This fast has a very big priority, one of which is as a form of atonement for minor sins during the past year. The Prophet SAW strongly encouraged his people to fast on the day of Ashura and added to it by fasting on the 9th of Muharram.

4. Fasting of Arafat

Fasting Arafah is a sunnah fast that is done on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, which is the day before Eid al-Adha. This fast is highly recommended for Muslims who are not performing the Hajj. The priority of Arafah fasting is as a form of atonement for minor sins during the past year and the coming year.

Fasting is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam. There are various types of fasting that Muslims can do, ranging from obligatory fasting such as Ramadan fasting, vow fasting, and expiation fasting, to sunnah fasting such as Monday and Thursday fasting, Ayyamul Bidh fasting, Ashura fasting, and Arafah fasting. Apart from being a form of obedience to Allah SWT, fasting also has many benefits both in terms of spirituality and health. By understanding the different types of fasting and how to do it, Muslims can perform fasting better and get great benefits.

(brl/red)