Fasting on Friday when it coincides with the day of Arafat; fatwa from the permanent committee of Scholars
Fatwa #6655 from the Permanent Committee
Q: Debates have ignited between the students of knowledge not to mention the common people concerning fasting on Friday if it coincides with the day of Arafat. So it is permissible to fast that day by itself if it comes on Friday or is it obligatory to fast a day before it or a day after it, keeping in mind that if it comes on Friday it contradicts the hadiths that prohibit fasting on Friday. So we desire from you that you remove this confusion and make clear the correct Islamic ruling concerning this and for you with ALLAH are the best of rewards.
A: It is legislated to fast on the day of Arafat if it coincides with Friday even without fasting the day before it. This is due to what has been authenticated from the Prophet peace and blessing of ALLAH are upon him, from his incitement to fast this day and his making clear the great virtue of this day and the great reward for fasting this day. The Messenger of ALLAH peace and blessing are upon him said, ?The day of Arafat is expiation for two years, the past year and the following year, and fasting the day of Aashoora is expiation for the past year. (Related by Ahmad, Muslim and Abu Dawud) And this hadith is specific as it relates to the general hadith, ?Let not one of you fast on Friday except that he fast a day before it or a day after it?. (Related by Bukari and Muslim) So this prohibition is based on if the Muslim singled out fasting on Friday just because it is Friday. But as for his fasting on Friday for another reason that is desired in the Islamic legislation and something that has been encouraged then this is not prohibited rather it is legislated even if he only fasted that day. But if he fast the day before it then it is better, because this is being on the safe side and working according to both hadith and it will be a greater reward. And with ALLAH lies all success and may the peace and blessing be upon our Prophet and upon his family and his companions.
rasheed.b
23-12-2006 @ 11:03 AM
