Beyond the obligatory Ramadan fast, there are many voluntary fasts that make light, blessed practice all year. Here are the best-known, with their sources.
Sunnah fasts through the year
- Mondays & Thursdays. Days when deeds are raised; the Prophet ﷺ regularly fasted them. (Tirmidhi.)
- Ayyamul Bidh. The three bright days: the 13th, 14th, 15th of each Hijri month. (Tirmidhi & Nasa'i.)
- Arafah. 9th of Dhul-Hijjah — expiates the past and coming year (for non-pilgrims). (Muslim.)
- Ashura. 10th of Muharram (with Tasua, the 9th, recommended too). (Muslim.) See Ashura for kids.
- Six days of Shawwal. After Eid — reward like fasting a year. (Muslim.) See Shawwal fasting.
- Fast of Dawud. Fast one day, skip the next — the fast most beloved to Allah. (Bukhari & Muslim.)
Involving your child
Children aren't obligated to fast but can join the practice. Start with a half-day fast on Monday or Thursday, fast together, and celebrate iftar. Small consistency beats a lot that quickly fades.
See the dua for breaking fast and the 12 Hijri months.