Fasting on Monday and Thursday

Islamic Fiqh > Fasting > Fasting on Monday and Thursday

The most reported weekly supererogatory fast: evidence, virtues and rules to know before practicing it.

Updated on 31 August 2026 at 3:55 AM

A practice recommended by agreement

The fuqaha agree upon the recommended character of fasting Monday and Thursday of every week. Usama ibn Zayd reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to fast Monday and Thursday; when asked, he said: "The deeds of the servants are presented on Monday and Thursday" (reported by at-Tirmidhi 788).

Monday has moreover its own history: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was born on it and received revelation on it. Fasting these two days thus means offering to Allah the very days on which deeds are presented.

Practical note

These two days are fasted with a night intention like every voluntary fast. Whoever owes days of Ramadan gives priority to the make-up according to the majority, then resumes this regular practice.

Glossary (in Arabic): خصام صامتة إمساك في الصيام صام
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم Fri 21 Rabi' al-Awwal
الجمعة 21 ربيع الأول
أحدب متناقص Waning Gibbous Day 22 / 29.5
Illumination 51%
New moon in 7 days
اللهم صل على محمد O Allah, send blessings upon Muhammad