Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was informed that I have said: "By Allah, I will fast all the days and pray all the nights
as long as I live." On that, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked me. "Are you the one who says: 'I will fast all the
days and pray all the nights as long as I live?' " I said, "Yes, I have said it." He said, "You cannot do
that. So fast (sometimes) and do not fast (sometimes). Pray and sleep. Fast for three days a month, for
the reward of a good deed is multiplied by ten time, and so the fasting of three days a month equals
the fasting of a year." I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I can do (fast) more than this." He said, "Fast on
every third day. I said: I can do (fast) more than that, He said: "Fast on alternate days and this was the
fasting of David which is the most moderate sort of fasting." I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I can do (fast)
more than that." He said, "There is nothing better than that."
Narrated by Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr:
Context
In this hadith, Abdullah bin Amr narrates how he expressed his intention to fast and pray continuously. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised him against such extremes, suggesting a balanced approach to worship. This interaction highlights the importance of moderation in religious practices and the Prophet's role as a guide.
Modern Application
In the context of fasting outside Ramadan, this hadith teaches the value of moderation in religious observance. It encourages individuals to find a sustainable balance in their spiritual practices, ensuring they remain committed without overwhelming themselves.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Prayer and Fasting because it addresses the practices of worship and the importance of moderation in them.
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] - then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.
Indeed, your Lord knows, [O Muhammad], that you stand [in prayer] almost two thirds of the night or half of it or a third of it, and [so do] a group of those with you. And Allah determines [the extent of] the night and the day. He has known that you [Muslims] will not be able to do it and has turned to you in forgiveness, so recite what is easy [for you] of the Qur'an. He has known that there will be among you those who are ill and others traveling throughout the land seeking [something] of the bounty of Allah and others fighting for the cause of Allah. So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakah and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, 'Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.' "
Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.