About Monday & Thursday Fasting

Fasting Mondays and Thursdays

Voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is a highly recommended Sunnah that the Prophet ﷺ regularly observed. These are not obligatory — missing them requires no makeup — but they are among the most beloved regular fasts outside Ramadan, combining religious significance with consistency.

This is considered one of the easiest ways to maintain a lifelong practice of fasting throughout the year.

Significance & benefits

The Practice of the Prophet ﷺ

'Ā'ishah رضي الله عنها said: "The Prophet ﷺ used to fast Mondays and Thursdays" (Nasā'ī 2361, Ibn Majah 1739).

Why Monday?

The Prophet ﷺ was asked about fasting on Monday and he said: "That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received [the first] revelation" (Muslim 1162). It is a day of special connection to the Prophet ﷺ and to the beginning of Islam.

Why Thursday?

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting" (Tirmidhi 747, classed as hasan by Al-Albani). The angels ascend with the record of deeds on these days, making them ideal for fasting.

Fasting as a Shield

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Fasting is a shield from the Fire" (Ahmad 8404, Nasā'ī). Every Monday and Thursday fast adds a shield between the believer and punishment.

Benefits

  1. Deeds presented while fasting — a deeply beloved state in the sight of Allah.
  2. Emulating the Prophet ﷺ in his regular, consistent practice.
  3. Spiritual training throughout the year — not only in Ramadan.
  4. Expiation of minor sins and Allah's pleasure.
  5. Physical benefits — regular intermittent fasting twice a week has well-documented health benefits.
  6. Accessibility — most people can fast two days per week without hardship.

How to perform / practice

Intention

Make your intention (niyyah) the night before or before Fajr on the day of the fast. A specific verbal declaration is not required — the intention in your heart suffices.

During the Fast

  1. Abstain from food, drink, and marital intimacy from the time of Fajr until Maghrib.
  2. Guard your tongue and conduct — the Prophet ﷺ warned against fasting while engaging in lying, backbiting, or argument: "If someone insults you or picks a fight, say: 'I am fasting'" (Bukhari 1904).
  3. Make du'a — the supplication of the fasting person is answered (Tirmidhi 3598).

Breaking the Fast

Break the fast at Maghrib, following the Sunnah with dates and water. Do not delay Maghrib for the iftar.

Flexibility and Priorities

  • No makeup required if you miss a Monday or Thursday — these are voluntary.
  • Prioritize making up missed Ramadan fasts before fasting voluntarily (Bukhari 1950).
  • Do not fast during menstruation, post-natal bleeding, illness that warrants it, or when it would harm you or your dependents.
  • If you start a voluntary fast but break it without a valid excuse, the majority of scholars recommend making it up as a precaution, though this is not agreed upon.

References