Fasting Mondays and Thursdays: The Prophetic Sunnah

Among the voluntary acts of worship in the Sunnah, few are as consistent and accessible as fasting every Monday and Thursday. The Prophet ﷺ observed this fast with remarkable regularity throughout his life, and when asked about it, he offered an explanation that reveals the deep spiritual logic behind these two particular days. This is not an obligatory fast — it is a voluntary act of worship, a way of investing two days each week in the currency of accountability and gratitude.

The Hadith: Why Monday and Thursday?

This hadith is the heart of the practice. Every Monday and Thursday, the deeds of every servant are presented to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ wanted his deeds to be presented while he was in a state of fasting — a beautiful expression of voluntary devotion. Usamah ibn Zayd (ra) also asked the Prophet ﷺ about fasting on Mondays and received confirmation that this was the day deeds were presented, and also the day the Prophet was born and the day revelation came to him. (Abu Dawud, Muslim)

The Special Virtue of Monday

Monday carries three reasons for particular honour in the life of the Prophet ﷺ. It is the day of his birth, the day the first revelation came to him — Iqra, the command to read — and according to some narrations, the day he passed away. All three are milestones of the prophetic mission, and the Prophet ﷺ fasted on this day as a form of gratitude for the blessings it brought. He said: ‘That is the day on which I was born, and the day on which I was sent as a Prophet, or the day on which the revelation came to me.’ (Muslim)

How to Observe the Monday–Thursday Fast

Observing this fast is straightforward. It is a nafl (voluntary) fast and follows the same rules as all voluntary fasts:

1. Form the intention (niyyah) in the morning before eating or drinking anything. For voluntary fasts, the intention can be made during the morning hours.
2. Abstain from eating, drinking and anything that breaks the fast from the true dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
3. Have suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) if possible — the Prophet ﷺ encouraged it: ‘Take suhoor, for in suhoor there is barakah.’ (Bukhari, Muslim)
4. Break the fast at Maghrib with dates and water, following the sunnah of iftar.
5. Pair the fast with other acts of worship such as the mid-morning prayer — see our guide on Salatul Duha.

Can You Fast Only One of the Two Days?

Yes. While the Prophet ﷺ typically fasted both Monday and Thursday, scholars agree that fasting either one alone carries great reward. Aishah (ra) reported that the Prophet ﷺ was very particular about fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. (An-Nasa’i) If your schedule allows only one day, begin with Monday because of its additional virtues, and gradually add Thursday as the habit takes root.

Combining These Fasts with Other Sunnah Fasts

The Monday–Thursday fast fits beautifully alongside the other recommended fasts of the Islamic calendar. The three white days — the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month — often fall on weekdays and can coincide. The six days of Shawwal after Ramadan are another pillar of voluntary fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal has fasted the whole year.’ (Muslim) Building a habit of Monday and Thursday fasting creates the discipline that makes these other fasts feel natural.

“To fast is better for you, if you only knew.” (Quran 2:184) This verse reminds us that the discipline, the health benefits, and the spiritual elevation of fasting are a gift, not a burden — and one that is available to us every single week.

Start small: commit to one Monday fast. Then add Thursday. Let your fasting be accompanied by morning adhkar to set the tone for a day of mindful worship.