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Is it haram to fast on Friday?

Published in Islamic Fasting Rules 2 mins read

Yes, fasting on Friday alone is considered haram (forbidden).

Why Fasting Only on Friday is Discouraged

According to Islamic teachings, Friday is a day of special significance, characterized by:

  • Du'a (supplication)
  • Dhikr (remembrance of Allah)
  • Various acts of worship

These acts include:

  • Performing Ghusl (ritual purification)
  • Arriving early for prayer
  • Waiting for the prayer
  • Listening to the Khutbah (sermon)
  • Engaging in abundant Dhikr after the prayer.

Fasting only on Friday contradicts the spirit of the day, which is meant for communal worship and remembrance.

Permissible Scenarios for Fasting on Friday

While fasting only on Friday is discouraged, it's permissible under certain circumstances:

  • Combining with Another Fast: If you fast on Thursday and Friday, or Friday and Saturday, it is permissible.
  • Fulfilling an Obligation: If Friday coincides with a day you are obligated to fast, such as making up for missed Ramadan fasts or fulfilling a vow.
  • Voluntary Fasting Pattern: If you regularly fast on alternate days (like the fasting of Prophet Dawood, peace be upon him) and Friday happens to be one of those days.

Summary

Condition Ruling Explanation
Fasting only on Friday Haram Contradicts the spirit of Friday as a day of worship and remembrance.
Fasting Thursday and Friday Permissible Combining the Friday fast with the preceding day.
Fasting Friday and Saturday Permissible Combining the Friday fast with the following day.
Obligatory Fast on Friday Permissible If fasting is obligatory (e.g., making up missed fasts, fulfilling a vow), it's allowed.
Regular Voluntary Fast on Friday Permissible If Friday falls within a regular voluntary fasting pattern (e.g., fasting every other day), it's permitted.