What is the ruling on observing the fast throughout the entire year (Siyām al-Dahr)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Fasting
Primary text
Observing the fast throughout the entire year is generally disliked (Makrūh). This ruling is supported by the narration where the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "He neither fasted nor broke his fast" regarding one who fasts the entire year, indicating a lack of true merit or perhaps disapproval. Furthermore, compelling physical hardship and weakness, resembling prohibited monasticism (*tabattul*), is the reason for the dislike. Evidence for this is the Prophet's instruction to Abdullah ibn Amr not to fast perpetually, recommending the fast of Dawud instead, stating that the fast of three days is equivalent to fasting the entire year, and confirming that the fast of Dawud (one day fasting, one day breaking) is the best form of fasting.
Supporting text
It is permissible if the two Eid days and the days of Tashreeq are excluded from the continuous fast. If these prohibited days are included, the act becomes unlawful (*muharram*). This view aligns with the opinion of Ahmad when the exceptions are observed, and it is reported similarly from Malik and is the position of Shafi'i, citing that a group of Companions, such as Abu Talha, observed continuous fasting.