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. |