Fasting Three Days a Month: A Sunnah That Feeds the Soul

In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the simple acts of worship that carry immense rewards. One such gem is the Sunnah of fasting three days of each Islamic month — a powerful habit of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that brings both spiritual and physical benefits.

This act may seem small, but its impact is lifelong. Let’s explore why you should consider adding this Sunnah to your monthly routine.

A Timeless Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ

أَوْصَانِي خَلِيلِي صَلَّى ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِثَلَاثٍ لَا أَدَعُهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ أَمُوتَ، صَوْمِ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ، وَصَلَاةِ ٱلضُّحَىٰ، وَأَنْ أُوتِرَ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَنَامَ

Abu Huraira (رضي الله عنه) said:
“My friend (the Prophet ﷺ) advised me to do three things which I will never give up until I die: fasting three days every month, praying Duha, and sleeping after Witr.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1178

صَوْمُ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ صَوْمُ الدَّهْرِ كُلِّهِ

“Fasting three days of every month is like fasting for a whole year”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1979

Why the 13th, 14th, and 15th?

إِنْ كُنْتَ صَائِمًا مِنَ الشَّهْرِ ثَلَاثَةَ أَيَّامٍ، فَصُمْ ثَلَاثَ عَشْرَةَ، وَأَرْبَعَ عَشْرَةَ، وَخَمْسَ عَشْرَةَ

“If you fast any part of the month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th.”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi 761

Spiritual and Physical Benefits

• Increases taqwa (God-consciousness)
• Brings you closer to Allah (ﷻ)
• Encourages patience, self-control, and gratitude

• Supports metabolism and digestion
• Encourages mindful eating
• Can help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation

These days are not only spiritually rich — they’re easy to observe when you follow the Hijri calendar monthly. Whether you're a student, parent, or busy professional, having a clear Islamic calendar in your space helps you schedule your worship around what matters most.

Tips to Get Started

• Start simple: Even if you begin with any three days, build momentum and aim for the White Days.
• Use an Islamic Calendar: A printed one on your wall from IslamicCalendars.com, keeping track of the Hijri dates helps ensure you never miss the blessed White Days.
• Fast with friends or family: It’s easier — and more rewarding — together.
• Make du‘a: Ask Allah (ﷻ) to help you remain consistent and sincere.

To stay consistent, use a printed Hijri calendar from our Moon Phase Series. Each design is crafted to help you track the lunar months at a glance — making Sunnah habits easier to keep.

فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ

“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it…”
— Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7)

📤 Share this blog with family or friends who love the Sunnah — and let’s revive fasting the White Days together!

📚 References

• Sahih al-Bukhari 1178
• Sahih al-Bukhari 1979
• Sunan al-Tirmidhi 761
• Surah Al-Zalzalah (99:7)
• IslamQA: Fasting Three Days a Month

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the White Days in Islam?

The White Days (Ayyām al-Bīḍ, ٱلْأَيَّامُ ٱلْبِيْضُ) are the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each Islamic (Hijri) month. These days are named for the full moon’s brightness, as the moon is at or near its fullest.

Reference:
“The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘If you fast any part of the month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th.’”
— Sunan al-Tirmidhi 761

2. Do I have to fast exactly on the 13th, 14th, and 15th?

While it is best to fast on the White Days, any three days of the Hijri month still fulfill the Sunnah.

Reference:
IslamQA explains that the Sunnah is fulfilled whether the three days are consecutive or separate, and even if not on the 13th–15th.
— IslamQA Fatwa #69781

3. Can I combine my intention to fast the White Days with making up missed Ramadan fasts?

Yes, you may combine intentions — if your primary goal is to make up a missed Ramadan fast. You’ll get the reward for both, in shā’ Allāh.

Reference:
“There is nothing wrong with combining the intention for making up a fast and observing a Sunnah fast.”
— IslamQA Fatwa #95780

4. What if I miss the White Days this month?

If you miss them, you can still fast any other three days of the month. The important thing is the consistency of fasting three days every Hijri month, as advised by the Prophet ﷺ.

Reference:
“My close friend (the Prophet ﷺ) advised me... to fast three days of every month...”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 1178

5. Do the White Days have to fall on Mondays or Thursdays?

No. The White Days follow the Hijri calendar, not the weekdays. However, if they happen to fall on Monday or Thursday, you can get the reward for both Sunnahs by fasting on those days.

Reference:
The Prophet ﷺ used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays — Sunan Abu Dawood 2430
and fast the White Days — Sunan al-Tirmidhi 761

Make the Sunnah Easier to Follow

Our Islamic calendars are designed to help you recognize the White Days, Islamic holidays, and important moments — all in one beautiful, easy-to-use design.

🗓️ Shop Calendars Now →