Hadith #5917

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Fasting on the 'luminous days' (i.e. on the 13th, 14th and 15th) of every [lunar] month raises the stations and magnifies the rewards.

This Hadith highlights the significance and virtues of fasting on specific days of the lunar month.

Let us delve into the key words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The term (siyam) "صِيامُ" refers to fasting, which entails abstaining from food, drink, and other physical desires from dawn until sunset, with the intention of seeking closeness to Allah and attaining spiritual purification. The phrase (al-ayam al-bayd) "الأيامِ البيضِ" translates to "the luminous days," referring to the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of the lunar month. These days are known for their brightness and radiance.

To comprehend the significance of fasting on these specific days, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183),

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.

This verse emphasizes the obligatory nature of fasting during the month of Ramadan. However, it also highlights the broader purpose of fasting, which is to attain righteousness and piety.

Fasting on the luminous days of every month serves as an additional opportunity to increase our righteousness and piety. It is a voluntary act of worship that allows us to elevate our spiritual ranks and earn greater rewards from Allah. The act of fasting itself is a means of self-discipline, self-control, and self-purification. By abstaining from physical desires, we train ourselves to prioritize our spiritual well-being and strengthen our connection with Allah.

Furthermore, fasting on these specific days can be seen as a reflection of the Prophetic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each lunar month, known as the "white days." This practice was also followed by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and serves as a way to emulate their noble example.

The act of fasting on the luminous days not only raises our spiritual stations but also magnifies the rewards we receive from Allah. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hadid (57:21),

Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is like the width of the heavens and earth, prepared for those who believed in Allah and His messengers. That is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.

By engaging in voluntary acts of worship, such as fasting on these specific days, we strive to earn the immense rewards and blessings promised by Allah.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) encourages Muslims to fast on the luminous days of every lunar month. This voluntary act of worship not only raises our spiritual ranks but also magnifies the rewards bestowed upon us by Allah. By emulating the Prophetic tradition and engaging in acts of self-discipline and self-purification, we seek to attain righteousness and draw closer to our Creator. May Allah grant us the ability to observe these blessed days and benefit from their virtues.