5 Most Recommended Sunnah Fasts: Dalil, Intentions, and Their Virtues

Fasting is not limited to the month of Ramadan. Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam set an example by practicing various sunnah fasts throughout the year. These acts of worship are not only a way to increase rewards, but also a means to purify the heart, train patience, and nurture empathy for others.

Among the many types of sunnah fasts, five stand out as the most important and highly encouraged. Each of them carries unique virtues and has specific intentions (niyyah) that can be recited.

1. Monday and Thursday Fasts

Rasulullah SAW regularly fasted on Mondays and Thursdays. As narrated on muslim.or.id, “Deeds are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.” (HR. Tirmidzi no. 747. At Tirmidzi classified this hadith as hasan gharib. Al Hafizh Abu Thohir considered its chain hasan. Shaykh Al Albani graded it sahih lighoirihi, meaning authentic through other narrations).

For Muslims, these fasts are not only a physical exercise but also a consistent way of maintaining devotion at the beginning and end of each week.

Intention for Monday:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ يَوْمِ ٱلإِثْنَيْنِ سُنَّةً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma yaumal itsnaini sunnatan lillahi ta‘ala.

Intention for Thursday:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ يَوْمِ ٱلْخَمِيسِ سُنَّةً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma yaumal khamiisi sunnatan lillahi ta‘ala.

This practice is more than just a weekly habit, it reflects the Prophet’s way of strengthening his connection with Allah at the very moment when human deeds are raised to Him.

2. The Ayyamul Bidh Fasts

In the middle of every Hijri month, on the 13th, 14th, and 15th, Muslims are encouraged to fast. These days are called Ayyamul Bidh or “the white days” because they coincide with the full moon.

Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam said: “Fasting three days every month is like fasting for a lifetime.” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).

Though light and manageable, this fast carries immense reward.

Intention:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ أَيَّامِ ٱلْبِيضِ سُنَّةً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma ayyamil bidh sunnatan lillahi ta‘ala.

With only three days a month, a believer can earn the reward of fasting the entire year.

3. Six Days of Fasting in Shawwal

After Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to continue with six additional fasts in the month of Shawwal. Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the entire year.” (HR. Muslim).

These fasts can be performed consecutively or separately, as long as they fall within the month of Shawwal.

Intention:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سِتَّةٍ مِنْ شَوَّالٍ للهِ تعالى

Nawaitu shauma ghadin ‘an adai sittatin min syawwal lillahi ta’ala.

By practicing these fasts, it is as though the spirit of Ramadan continues, ensuring that worship does not end with the passing of the holy month.

4. The Day of Arafah Fast

For those not performing Hajj, fasting on the 9th of Dzulhijjah—the Day of Arafah—is a golden opportunity. Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi Wasallam said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year.” (HR. Muslim).

Intention:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ سُنَّةً لِلّٰهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma arafata sunnatan lillahi ta‘ala.

This day serves as a moment of immense forgiveness, when a servant may receive expiation for two years of sins through just one day of fasting.

5. The Tasu’a and Ashura Fasts

In the month of Muharram, Rasulullah SAW encouraged fasting on the 9th (Tasu’a) and the 10th (Ashura).

When asked about the Ashura fast, the Prophet said: “Fasting on the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.” (HR. Muslim, No: 1977).

According to MUI, here are the intentions.

Tasu’a Fast Intention:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سُنَّةِ التَا سُوعَاء لِلهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma ghadin ‘an adâ’i sunnatit Tasû‘â lillâhi ta‘âlâ.

“I intend to fast tomorrow on the sunnah of Tasu’a for the sake of Allah SWT.”

Ashura Fast Intention:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سُنَّةِ ِعَا شُورَاء لِلهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma ghadin ‘an adâ’i sunnatil âsyûrâ lillâhi ta‘âlâ.

“I intend to fast tomorrow on the sunnah of Ashura for the sake of Allah SWT.”

If the intention is made during the day (before midday):

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ هَذَا اليَوْمِ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سُنَّةِ التَا سُوعَاء أو عَا شُورَاء لِلهِ تَعَالَى

Nawaitu shauma hâdzal yaumi ‘an adâ’i sunnatit Tasû‘â awil âsyûrâ lillâhi ta‘âlâ.

“I intend to fast today on the sunnah of Tasu’a or Ashura for the sake of Allah SWT.”

This fast carries deep meaning. On the Day of Ashura, Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala saved Prophet Musa from Pharaoh. Through fasting, Muslims are reminded to revive gratitude for Allah’s mercy and protection.

Complete Sunnah Fasting with Charity

Sunnah fasting is more than just abstaining from food and drink, it cultivates empathy for those in need. When the body feels hunger, the heart becomes more sensitive to the struggles of others. That is why giving charity is the perfect complement to fasting.

Through Hijrah Amal on Muamalat DIN, Muslims can easily give charity, zakat, or waqf in a simple and sharia-compliant way, all within one practical application.

With sunnah fasting, the heart becomes purified; with giving, life becomes more blessed.