This hadith, narrated by Abu Hurairah (RAA) and collected in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, addresses the prohibition of fasting immediately before Ramadan unless one has an established habit of voluntary fasting.
Arabic text
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ - رضى الله عنه - قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اَللَّهِ - صلى الله عليه وسلم - {لَا تَقَدَّمُوا رَمَضَانَ بِصَوْمِ يَوْمٍ وَلَا يَوْمَيْنِ، إِلَّا رَجُلٌ كَانَ يَصُومُ صَوْمًا، فَلْيَصُمْهُ} مُتَّفَقٌ عَلَيْهِ
Translation(Meaning)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “None of you should fast a day or two before the (beginning of the) month of Ramadan, unless it is a day on which one is in the habit of fasting (i.e., voluntary fasting that coincides with that day).”(Agreed upon, meaning it is recorded in both Bukhari and Muslim).
Avoid Fasting Just Before Ramadan
The hadith clearly prohibits fasting one or two days before Ramadan to differentiate between voluntary fasting and the obligatory fasting of Ramadan.The wisdom behind this prohibition is to ensure clarity between voluntary fasts and the mandatory fasts of Ramadan.
Exception for Habitual Fasting
The hadith allows fasting before Ramadan only if it coincides with a person’s regular voluntary fasting habit.
Prevention of Excessive Burden
Fasting just before Ramadan may cause fatigue, making it harder to observe Ramadan properly.The Prophet (ﷺ) wanted his followers to enter Ramadan energetic and spiritually prepared.
Qur’anic verses
The Qur’an does not explicitly mention fasting before Ramadan, but it establishes the importance of clear regulations regarding fasting.
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185): “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.”
This verse makes it clear that Ramadan fasting begins only after the new moon is sighted, not before.
Importance of Following the Prophet (ﷺ)’s Guidance
Surah Al-Hashr (59:7):“And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from.”
Since the Prophet (ﷺ) explicitly forbade fasting before Ramadan, obeying him is an obligation.
Some Wisdoms Behind This Prohibition
- If people start fasting before Ramadan, they may blur the distinction between obligatory and voluntary fasts.
- The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged entering Ramadan in full strength, rather than starting it while already tired from fasting.
- Fasting before Ramadan could lead to uncertainty about the actual start date of the month.
Conclusion
This hadith highlights the importance of clarity in Islamic practices. Fasting before Ramadan is prohibited, except for those who have a habit of fasting on specific days. The wisdom behind this ruling is to ensure that Ramadan starts with full energy, clarity, and distinction from voluntary fasts.By following this sunnah, Muslims can properly prepare for Ramadan spiritually and physically, ensuring they maximize the rewards of the blessed month.
Allah(SWT) knows best!
