Is it disliked to fast only on Saturday?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Fasting

Book 9 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is disliked to fast only on Saturday. The basis for this ruling is the Hadith of the Prophet, peace be upon him: "Do not fast on Saturday except for what is obligatory upon you," as narrated by Abdullah bin Busr, which Al-Tirmidhi classified as Hasan (good). Another narration states that if one cannot find anything else, they should chew on a vine branch or a piece of wood. The dislike applies only when Saturday is singled out; if one fasts it along with another day, it is not disliked, following the precedent set by the Hadith of Abu Hurairah and Juwayriyyah regarding Friday.

Supporting text

If the fast on Saturday coincides with a regular established fast for the individual, then it is not disliked.