Fasting the Day of 'Arafah if it falls on a Saturday
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Fatwa number ( 11747 )
Q: People here have differed regarding fasting on the Day of 'Arafah this year, as it coincided with Saturday. Some said that this is the Day of 'Arafah, so we fast it because it is the Day of 'Arafah, not because it is Saturday, which is forbidden to fast. Others did not fast it because it is Saturday, which is forbidden to honor in opposition to the Jews. I did not fast this day, and I am confused about my situation. I no longer know the legal ruling for this day. I searched for it in legal and religious books but did not reach a clear, definitive ruling regarding this day. I ask your Eminence to guide me to the legal ruling and send it to me in writing. May Allah reward you for this and for the beneficial knowledge you provide to Muslims in this world and the Hereafter.
A: It is permissible to fast the Day of 'Arafah independently, whether it falls on Saturday or any other day of the week, because there is no difference between them; because fasting the Day of 'Arafah is an independent recommended practice (sunnah), and the hadith prohibiting fasting on Saturday is weak due to its inconsistency and its contradiction with authentic hadiths.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
Q: People here have differed regarding fasting on the Day of 'Arafah this year, as it coincided with Saturday. Some said that this is the Day of 'Arafah, so we fast it because it is the Day of 'Arafah, not because it is Saturday, which is forbidden to fast. Others did not fast it because it is Saturday, which is forbidden to honor in opposition to the Jews. I did not fast this day, and I am confused about my situation. I no longer know the legal ruling for this day. I searched for it in legal and religious books but did not reach a clear, definitive ruling regarding this day. I ask your Eminence to guide me to the legal ruling and send it to me in writing. May Allah reward you for this and for the beneficial knowledge you provide to Muslims in this world and the Hereafter.
A: It is permissible to fast the Day of 'Arafah independently, whether it falls on Saturday or any other day of the week, because there is no difference between them; because fasting the Day of 'Arafah is an independent recommended practice (sunnah), and the hadith prohibiting fasting on Saturday is weak due to its inconsistency and its contradiction with authentic hadiths.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.