Intention & Benefits of the White Days Fasting

The 'white days' refer to the middle of the Islamic lunar month which are the 13th, 14th and 15th. According to Imam al-Nawawi, there is no strict requirement to fast only on these days for the recommended three-day fast each month. Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi, in his book Fiqh of Fasting, also mentions that different practices in choosing the days show flexibility in this matter.

A Muslim can fast at the beginning, middle or end of the month, depending on convenience. However, Imam al-Nawawi agrees that the best days are the 13th, 14th and 15th, based on several hadiths.

Why are They Called “Ayyamul Bidh”?

They are called Ayyamul Bidh (أيام البيض), meaning “White Days,” because the nights fall during the full moon, when its light is bright and white. This happens on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every lunar month, whether the month has 29 or 30 days.

Muslims are encouraged to fast on these days, as mentioned by Imam al-Bukhari in his Sahih, in the chapter 'Fasting on the White Days (13th, 14th and 15th).'

Evidence for the White Days Fast

Hadith 1: Abu Dzar al-Ghifari reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, “O Abu Dzar! If you fast three days in a month, then fast on the 13th, 14th and 15th," Narrated by Tirmidhi, Ahmad, and al-Nasa’i.

Hadith 2: Qatadah bin Milan reported that the Prophet ﷺ instructed, "Fast on the White Days, the 13th, 14th and 15th. The reward is like fasting for a lifetime," Narrated by Muslim, Ahmad and Abu Dawud.

Note for women: If you cannot fast on the white days, you may choose any other three days in the month.

Intention (Niyyah) for the White Days Fast

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ أَيَّامَ الْبِيْضِ سُنَّةً لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

Meaning: “I intend to fast the white days as a sunnah for Allah Most High.”

If you forget to make the intention at night or before dawn, it’s still valid as long as you make the intention before midday, provided you haven’t eaten, drunk or done anything that breaks the fast.

Must the Three Days be Consecutive?

No. You can fast them on separate days. Even fasting one or two days will bring reward. The fast is sunnah, not obligatory.

Benefits of the White Days Fast

Reward like fasting all year

The Prophet ﷺ said, "Fasting three days each month, along with Ramadan to Ramadan, is like fasting the entire year," Narrated by Muslim.

Boosts immunity
Fasting improves the body’s resistance to illness. Studies from both Islamic and non-Islamic have shown that those who fast regularly tend to have stronger immune systems.

A Sunnah from the Prophet’s advice
Abu Hurairah RA reported that the Prophet ﷺ advised him to fast three days every month, perform two rak’ahs of duha prayer, and pray witr before sleeping.

Teaches empathy for the poor
Fasting helps you feel the hardship of those in need, increasing gratitude for what you have.

Purifies the soul
It trains self-control, builds good character and removes bad habits which benefiting both body and spirit.

The white days fast is a highly recommended sunnah. Allah loves those who fast for His sake and has promised them a special gate in Paradise called ar-Rayyan. May this guide help you increase your acts of worship and closeness to Allah.