In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful
Ruling on fasting on 13th of Dhul-Hijjah with the intention of the White Days
Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Aziz bin Abdillah bin Baaz may Allah have mercy on him
Question: My mother, may Allah grant her success, fasts the three white days (13th, 14th, and 15th) of every month. In the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the 13th day falls within the days of Tashreeq. Should she fast that day or is fasting on the 14th and 15th of Dhul-Hijjah sufficient for her?
Answer: Your mother, or anyone else, should not fast on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade fasting on the days of Tashreeq. He said,
“The days of Tashriq (the three days following ‘Eidul Adhaa i.e. 11th , 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah) are days of eating, drinking and remembering (dhikr) of Allah, the Most Great and Glorious.” [Muslim]
However, there is nothing wrong with fasting those days for the one who was unable to make the sacrifice.
This has been reported by Bukhari in his Sahih that ‘Aisha and Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said,
“Nobody was allowed to fast on the days of Tashriq except for those, who could not afford the Hadi (sacrifice).”
She should fast the 14th and 15th. If she wishes, she can fast the 16th or any other day from the days of Dhul-Hijjah until she completes the three days.
That is because the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised a group of companions to fast three days of every month. Whether they are the three white days or not. However, it is best for a Muslim to fast on the three white days (generally).
Translated by: Abu Awzaa’ee AbdusSalaam
الفقير الى الله
Trying to Follow the Salaf 