Abu Dawud

Fasting

Book Number: 007 / Hadith Number: 2422

Narated By Abdullah ibn al-Harith or Uncle of Mujibah al-Bahiliyyah : The father or Uncle of Mujibah al-Bahiliyyah visited the Apostle of Allah (pbuh). He then went away and came to him (again) after one year when his condition and appearance had changed.

He said: Apostle of Allah, do you not recognize me? He asked: Who are you? He replied: I am al-Bahili who came to you last year. He said: What has changed you? You were looking well, then you were good in appearance? He said: I have only food at night since I departed from you.

Thereupon the Apostle of Allah (pbuh) said: Why did you torment yourself? Fast during Ramadan (the month of patience) and fast for one day every month. He said: Increase it for me, for I have (more) strength. He said: Fast two days. He again said: Increase it for me. He said: Fast three days. He again said: Increase it for me. He said: Fast during the inviolable months and then stop; fast during the inviolable months and then stop; fast during the inviolable months and then stop. He indicated by his three fingers, and joined them and then opened them.