We know that it is not permissible to fast on Friday alone unless it is preceded by a day or followed by another day, and likewise for Saturday, but if a person intends
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The questioner : You say that we know it is not permissible to fast on Friday alone unless it is preceded by a day or followed by a day, and likewise for Saturday. But if a person intends to fast on Friday on the condition that he will fast on Saturday after it, but does not fast on Saturday for a legal or non-legal excuse, what is the ruling on fasting on Friday? And likewise, if he intends to fast on Saturday and Sunday but only fasts on Saturday and does not fast on Sunday, I ask for guidance on this?
The Shaykh : The questioner’s statement that it is not permissible to fast on Friday is a loose expression, because if one says "it is not permissible," it means it is forbidden. The matter of fasting on Friday is not like that; rather, the prohibition is only for dislike (makruh) and not for prohibition (haram). The prohibition applies only if a person fasts specifically on Friday, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):Sahih Muslim 1144b If a person fasts on Friday alone because it is Friday, that is disliked. So we tell him to fast on Thursday with it or on Saturday. If he fasts on Friday intending to fast on Saturday but is prevented from doing so, there is no sin on him, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): Sahih al-Bukhari 1.
As for the questioner’s statement: "and likewise for Saturday," Saturday is not like Friday, because the prohibition of fasting on Friday alone is authentic, whereas there is no such prohibition for Saturday. In fact, there is doubt regarding the hadith prohibiting fasting on Saturday alone; some scholars have weakened it due to its anomaly, and others have said it was abrogated. In any case, specifying Saturday for fasting is not like specifying Friday. If someone fasts on Saturday and Sunday, there is no problem. If he fasts on Saturday alone, it is not prohibited in the same way Friday is prohibited. And Allah knows best.
The questioner : May Allah bless you, Shaykh Muhammad, and may He magnify your reward for what you have presented.
The Shaykh : The questioner’s statement that it is not permissible to fast on Friday is a loose expression, because if one says "it is not permissible," it means it is forbidden. The matter of fasting on Friday is not like that; rather, the prohibition is only for dislike (makruh) and not for prohibition (haram). The prohibition applies only if a person fasts specifically on Friday, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying: Do not single out the night (preceding) Friday among the nights for prayer and do not single out Friday among days for fasting but only when anyone among you is accustomed to fast (on dates) which coincide with this day (Friday).
لا تخصوا يوم الجمعة بصيام ولا ليلتها بقيامThe reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.
إنما الأعمال بالنيات وإنما لكل امرئ ما نوىAs for the questioner’s statement: "and likewise for Saturday," Saturday is not like Friday, because the prohibition of fasting on Friday alone is authentic, whereas there is no such prohibition for Saturday. In fact, there is doubt regarding the hadith prohibiting fasting on Saturday alone; some scholars have weakened it due to its anomaly, and others have said it was abrogated. In any case, specifying Saturday for fasting is not like specifying Friday. If someone fasts on Saturday and Sunday, there is no problem. If he fasts on Saturday alone, it is not prohibited in the same way Friday is prohibited. And Allah knows best.
The questioner : May Allah bless you, Shaykh Muhammad, and may He magnify your reward for what you have presented.