SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE · LONDON
Sunnah fasting
Mondays, Thursdays and the White Days. A regular rhythm of worship, one day at a time.
YOUR FASTING CALENDAR
Know the days. Prepare with intention.
Three days. A monthly habit.
Ayyām bīyḍ · 13th, 14th & 15th· Fasting dates stay up to date and refresh automatically.
Consistency, intention and gratitude.
Voluntary fasting creates regular opportunities to turn towards Allah, practise patience and remember those in need. Begin with a manageable routine and follow the mosque’s current timetable. These fasts are voluntary; Ramadan fasting has its own obligatory status.
Rasūlullāh (sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Keep fast so that you keep healthy.” (Tabarānī, al-Mu‘jam al-Awsāt)
EVERY WEEK
Monday & Thursday
These two weekly fasts offer a simple rhythm of worship. The cards above show the next Monday and Thursday available for voluntary fasting. Eid, Tashriq and Ramadan days are not presented as optional weekly fasts.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī
EVERY HIJRI MONTH
Ayyām bīyḍ · the White Days
The 13th, 14th and 15th are known as the White Days, named for the bright moonlit nights around the full moon. They follow the lunar calendar, so their Gregorian dates change from month to month.
“Fasting three days in every month is like fasting the entire year. These days are ayyām bīyḍ, the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth days of every (lunar) month.” Sunan Abū Dāwūd
If one of these dates is a prohibited fasting day, do not fast it. In particular, 13 Dhul-Hijjah is a day of Tashriq. The date cards mark this exception clearly.
Plan your fasting day.
Before dawn
Make your intention and prepare for the day. Have suhur before the fasting start time. Fasting begins at true dawn (imsak), not at the Fajr iqamah or at sunrise. Use the current mosque timetable; ask the imam if you are unsure about a timing or intention.
At sunset
Break the fast at Maghrib, according to the mosque’s timetable. Keep the day focused on worship, kindness and restraint. A voluntary routine should be appropriate to your circumstances; ask the imam about missed obligatory fasts, travel or other personal questions.
Days when fasting is not permitted.
Do not observe voluntary fasts on the following five days of the Hijri year, even if they fall on a Monday, Thursday or White Day.
| Occasion | Hijri date |
|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr · first day | 1 Shawwal |
| Eid al-Adha · first day | 10 Dhul-Hijjah |
| Days of Tashriq · remaining Eid al-Adha days | 11, 12 & 13 Dhul-Hijjah |
13 Dhul-Hijjah is not a voluntary fasting day, despite being the 13th of a lunar month.
Special rules concerning pilgrims and obligatory fasts require individual guidance. The cards here are a voluntary-fasting guide, not a ruling on an individual case.
More opportunities through the year.
Shawwal, Arafah and Ashura
Other recommended occasions include six days of Shawwal after Eid al-Fitr, the day of Arafah for those not performing Hajj, and Ashura with the day before or after it. Check the mosque’s announcements for the relevant dates.
Keep the calendar in view
Fasting dates update automatically. Hijri dates and fasting dates follow Fazilet Calendar automatically. Follow Hijri dates, worship times and daily Islamic knowledge with Fazilet Calendar.
Questions before you begin.
Why are some prayer times missing from future date cards?
Dates can be calculated further ahead than the live prayer feed provides timings. Fajr and iftar times appear only when the mosque’s feed includes that date. Please return closer to the day and check the prayer-times page.
What if a White Day falls on an Eid or Tashriq day?
The fasting prohibition takes priority. Do not fast on that date. Ask the imam how to arrange your voluntary monthly routine.
Do I have to fast these days?
These are recommended voluntary fasts. They do not replace Ramadan or other obligatory fasts. Consult the imam about your individual responsibilities.
YOUR DAILY LIFE GUIDE
Something meaningful, every day.
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