The Virtue and Benefits of Fasting the White Days for Women
Fasting is a significant manifestation of spiritual strength, and Allah Almighty has mentioned fasting in the Qur’an as a means of achieving taqwa (piety). In today’s world, filled with trials and temptations, every step presents a challenge, and sin is at its peak. Until the eyes are closed, the heart, mind, hands, and feet remain safe, but once the eyes are opened, a person may fall into sin. In the wakefulness of 17 to 18 hours, sins emerge from eyes, ears, tongue, hands, feet, heart, and mind—some of which are even more disgraceful when done in isolation. May Allah have mercy on our condition.
Fasting provides spiritual strength. It purifies the tongue, heart, hands, feet, eyes, ears, body, and soul, making the limbs seek the pleasure of Allah while in a state of fasting. Hence, by paying special attention to fasting, a person can protect themselves from the attacks of Shaytan and the trials and tribulations of this world. The obligatory fast of Ramadan is a once-a-year obligation. Besides it, a Muslim should observe voluntary fasts as much as possible based on their convenience. The Prophet ﷺ observed various types of voluntary fasts, one of which is the fasting of the “White Days,” for which there is great virtue. Specific virtues of fasting during the White Days have been narrated, and the Prophet ﷺ regularly observed them and emphasized their practice for his Ummah.
The Prophet ﷺ said regarding the White Days:
صومُ ثلاثةِ أيامٍ صومُ الدهرِ كلِّه
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1979)
“Fasting for three days each month is like fasting the whole year.”
The fasting of the White Days is one of the recommended fasts, and the Prophet ﷺ urged its observance. Abu Huraira رضي اللہ عنہ narrates:
أوصاني خليلي بثلاثٍ، لا أدعُهنَّ حتى أموتَ : صومُ ثلاثةِ أيامٍ من كلِّ شهرٍ، وصلاةُ الضحى، ونومٌ على وِترٍ
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1178)
“My close friend (the Prophet ﷺ) advised me three things that I should never leave until I die: fasting three days of every month, praying the Duha (forenoon) prayer, and sleeping on an odd-numbered (Witr) night.”
Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As رضي اللہ عنہما reports that the Prophet ﷺ said:
وإن بحَسْبِك أن تصومَ كلَّ شهرٍ ثلاثةَ أيامٍ، فإن لك بكلِّ حسنةٍ عشْرَ أمثالِها، فإن ذلك صيامُ الدهرِ كلِّه
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1975)
“It is sufficient for you to fast three days every month, for you will receive ten rewards for every good deed, making it like fasting the entire year.”
These fasts are extremely important for cleansing the heart and purifying it. The Prophet ﷺ said:
أَلا أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِمَا يُذْهِبُ وَحَرَ الصَّدْرِ صَوْمُ ثَلاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْر
(Sahih al-Nasa’i: 2384)
“Shall I not inform you about what removes the heat (resentment) of the chest? It is fasting for three days of every month.”
In this hadith, “وَحَرَ الصَّدْرِ” refers to heart’s negative feelings like grudges, hatred, animosity, or intense anger.
SubhanAllah, how essential this hadith is for purifying the hearts! Anyone who consistently observes these three days of fasting will have a clean heart, stay away from quarrels, and avoid harmful emotions such as jealousy, hatred, and anger.
The Prophet ﷺ observed these fasts both in travel and in residence. Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي اللہ عنہما narrates:
كان لا يُفْطِرُ أيامَ البيضِ في حَضَرٍ و لا سفرٍ
(Silsilat al-Saheehah: 580)
“He ﷺ did not break his fast during the White Days, whether in residence or during travel.”
The White Days fasts are observed on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Islamic lunar calendar each month. The Prophet ﷺ said to Abu Dharr رضي اللہ عنہ:
يا أبا ذرٍّ إذا صُمتَ منَ الشَّهرِ ثلاثةَ أيَّامٍ ، فصُم ثلاثَ عشرةَ ، وأربعَ عشرةَ وخمسَ عشرةَ
(Sahih al-Tirmidhi: 761)
“O Abu Dharr, when you fast three days of the month, fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th.”
It is better to observe the White Days’ fast in the middle of the month, but if for some reason it is done at the beginning or end of the month, it is also valid.
Mu’adhah al-Adawiyah asked Umm al-Mu’minin Aisha رضي اللہ عنہا:
أكان رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليه وسلَّمَ يصوم من كلِّ شهرٍ ثلاثةَ أيامٍ ؟ قالت : نعم . فقلتُ لها : من أيِّ أيامِ الشهرِ كان يصوم ؟ قالت : لم يكن يُبالي من أيِّ أيامِ الشهرِ يصومُ
(Sahih Muslim: 1160)
“Did the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fast three days every month?” She replied: “Yes.” I asked: “On which days of the month did he fast?” She said: “He did not mind which days of the month he fasted.”
This hadith tells us that fasting three days of every month is known as the “White Days” fast. These three fasts can be observed at the beginning, middle, or end of the month, and can be taken together or separately.
A Few Issues and Rulings Regarding the White Days’ Fasts:
- Observing the White Days fasts is highly recommended (Mustahabb). One who observes them will receive great reward, and one who misses them will not incur a sin.
- The reward for these three fasts is like fasting for the entire year.
- The Islamic (lunar) calendar should be followed for the dates of the White Days, not the Gregorian calendar. It is preferred to fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the month. However, fasting these days either separately or at the beginning or end of the month is also sufficient.
- If someone vows to fast three days every month but finds it difficult, they may offer a kafara (compensation) for the vow.
- Fasting the White Days in place of making up for missed fasts (qada) in Ramadan is not valid; one should complete the qada first and then fast the White Days later.
- If one combines the intention for fasting Ashura, the fasts of Shawwal, the Day of Arafah, and the White Days, they will receive the reward of all these fasts.
- If someone has regularly fasted the White Days every month but misses one month due to a difficulty or negligence, there is no sin in that.
Women and the White Days’ Fasts:
Allah has commanded women to remain at home. While at home, they are responsible for raising children, managing the household, and taking care of their husbands’ affairs. Many women finish their housework early and then engage in gossip, backbiting, idle talk, and spreading rumors, which not only destroys their own home but can also ruin others’ homes. This is a common issue among women, whereas men, being busy with work, are less prone to it.
A woman who maintains her five daily prayers with humility and devotion will not fall into the spiritual illnesses of the tongue and heart. For purifying the heart, the fasting of the White Days is highly beneficial. In particular, the Prophet ﷺ described these fasts as removing the deceit and whispers from the chest. Therefore, all Muslim women should make an effort to observe these fasts. They have the time and the need to silence their tongues and calm their minds and souls.
By fasting, a woman can gain control over her tongue, heart, ears, hands, and feet, helping her stay free from spiritual and physical ailments. Many women fast the White Days regularly and protect themselves from tongue-related diseases, heart diseases, and bodily ailments. If a woman experiences menstruation during the middle of the month, she can fast on the beginning or the end of the month, and this will be sufficient.
These fasts are not exclusive to women, but they are particularly beneficial for them due to their daily routines and habits. May Allah grant us all the ability to observe these fasts. Ameen.
Maqbool Ahmad Salafi
Islamic Dawah Center, Northern Ta’if (Misrah)
