The Fast of King David

This non-obligatory fast is said to have its origin with the Hebrew King. Muhammad The Prophet, blessed is his name, is supposed to have said that among the non-obligatory fasts, the fast of King David is the best. This is recorded in the Bukhari and Muslim hadith, or recorded sayings of the Prophet. The method of the fast is similar to the one done in the month of Ramadan except that it is done every other day--fast one day, rest the next.

The Three-day Fast

This fast is done every month of the Arabic/Islamic calender for three consecutive days. The method is as the Ramadan fast. The best dates to commence this is on the 13th, 14th and 15th. This fast is non-obligatory.

The Six-day Fast

This fast is done for six days, preferably consecutive days in the month (Syawal) following Ramadan. Like the obligatory fast, no nourishment is taken from dawn to dusk. This is a non-obligatory fast like the above.

The Arafah-day Fast

To those who are not going on the pilgrimage to the Ka'ba, the Arafah-day fast is suggested for cleansing and the gaining of merit. It is done on the 9th day of the month of Zulhijah. This non-obligatory fast is supposed to wipe one's sins created within a two-year period--the year before the fast and the year after.

The Eighth-day Fast

Another single-day fast is the one done in the month of Zulhijah, just a day prior to the Arafah-day fast.

The Tasu'a and Asura Fast

This fast takes place on the 9th and 10th day of the month of Muharam.

The Al-Baidh (Full Moon) Fast

It is recorded that the Prophet enjoyed fasting in this period and encouraged others to do so. This is a three-day fast during the full moon.

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