In Islam, fasting is not limited to the obligatory fast during Ramadan. There are also other types of obligatory and recommended fasts, each with its own merits. By understanding the various types of fasting, you can maximize your worship to achieve goodness in this world and the hereafter. Let’s check out the list!
The Virtue of Fasting for People Who Do It
Quoting the explanation on the Ministry of Religion website, there are many advantages of fasting for people who observe it. The following are some of the fasts explained in the Qur’an and hadith:
- Fasting can be an opportunity to cleanse oneself and erase past sins as long as it is done sincerely and with full faith.
- Fasting can help control lust and prevent sinful acts.
- Allah SWT promises a door to heaven for those who fast diligently, his name is Ar-Rayyan.
- Fasting can also be a reason for prayers to be answered because the prayers of fasting people are said to be prayers that are not rejected.
- Fasting can increase piety for believers.
Also read: The Little-Known Benefits of Fasting: Good for Your Soul, Body, and Finances!
Types of Obligatory Fasting
Fasting in Islam is divided into two main categories: obligatory fasting and voluntary fasting. Obligatory fasting is obligatory for everyone, and failing to do so without a valid reason is a sin. Below are several types of obligatory fasting and their respective virtues.
1. Ramadan fasting
Fasting during the entire month of Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty, is sane, and is able to perform it. Its benefits are numerous, from the forgiveness of sins, the multiplication of good deeds, to the prohibition of the gates of Hell.
2. Nazar Fasting
Votive fasting is a fast that a person obligates upon himself as a form of promise to Allah. People who make a vow will fast according to their promise if their prayer is answered. The virtue of fasting is a form of sincerity in fulfilling promises and expressing gratitude to Allah SWT.
3. Expiation Fast
Expiation fasting is a penalty or expiation for violating Islamic law. For example, breaking an oath, accidentally killing someone, or having sexual intercourse during the day during Ramadan. Its importance lies in its expiation of sins and an opportunity for a Muslim to repent and correct their mistakes.
4. Qadha fasting
Qadha fasting is fasting that is done to replace the Ramadan fast that is missed due to Islamic reasons, such as illness, travelling, or being pregnant and/or breastfeeding. The priority is to fulfill responsibilities to Allah and ensure that Ramadan obligations are carried out.
Types of Sunnah Fasting
In addition to obligatory fasting, Islam also recommends voluntary fasting to increase piety and improve the quality of worship. Below are the various types of voluntary fasting and their virtues.
1. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays
This fasting is a habit of Rasulullah SAW which was recommended for his people. That’s because human deeds are checked on Monday and Thursday, so the apostle wanted his deeds to be checked while fasting.
2. Ayyamul Bidh Fasting
This fast is carried out in the middle of every Hijri month, precisely on the 13th, 14th, and 15th. Whoever carries it out, their good deeds will be rewarded tenfold, as if they were fasting all the time.
3. Daud Fast
The Daud fast was carried out alternately, meaning one day he fasted and one day he didn’t. As explained in HR. Bukhari and Muslim, this fast is the most favored fast of Allah SWT.
4. Asyura fast
The Asyura fast is observed every 10th of Muharram to commemorate the rescue of the Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) and his people from Pharaoh’s pursuit. Its virtue is that it can erase the sins of the previous year. However, to distinguish it from the Jewish custom of fasting on the 10th of Muharram, Muslims also observe the fast. It is recommended to fast Tasu’a on the 9th of Muharram.
5. Sha’ban fasting
The Prophet often fasted in the month of Sha’ban. The priority of this fast is as spiritual preparation before entering the month of Ramadan and coincides with the night of Nisfu Sya’ban in the middle of the month.
6. Shawwal fasting
The Shawwal fast is observed for six days in the month of Shawwal, following Eid al-Fitr. Those who observe it are considered to have fasted throughout the year. Shawwal fasting can also be an opportunity to maintain piety after Ramadan.
7. Arafah Fasting
Fasting on Arafah is recommended every year on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah for Muslims who are not performing the Hajj. Its virtue is immense, as it expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.
8. Fasting in the Haram Months
The haram months are the months that are revered and holy, namely Dzulqa’dah, Dzulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab. Increasing fasting in these months is a sunnah recommended by the Prophet Muhammad SAW.
These are the various types of fasting you need to know. In Islam, fasting isn’t just about abstaining from hunger and thirst; it also fosters good habits that bring many benefits in life, one of which is discipline.
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