Nasai

Urdu Hashiyah (Commentary):

From all the preceding narrations, it is understood that voluntary (nafl) fasts should be kept to a minimum so that consistency can be maintained and so that the rights of people (huquq al-‘ibad) and one’s livelihood are not disrupted. Three fasts in a month are sufficient. Allah Ta‘ala, out of His grace, will grant the reward of fasting for the entire month. Fasting more than this is not preferable, though it is permissible. In voluntary fasts, one should consider one’s own convenience. It is not necessary to keep all three fasts consecutively. One may fast once every ten days, or complete them according to Mondays and Thursdays. If there is no hardship, then it is better to keep the three fasts of the “white nights” (ayyam al-bid) together. Fasting continuously (without break) is prohibited. Fasting on the last one or two days of Sha‘ban, on the two Eids, and during the days of Tashriq is also prohibited. Fasting only on Friday has been prohibited. Similarly, fasting only on Saturday has also been prohibited; one should fast a day before or after as well. Specific fasts, such as the six fasts of Shawwal, may be kept together; the nine fasts of Dhu’l-Hijjah may also be kept together—there is no harm in this, as these occur only once in the entire year.

If there is no hardship during travel, it is better to keep the fasts of Ramadan, but if there is hardship or it becomes a burden for others, then it is better not to fast. During jihad, if fighting is ongoing or imminent, then in order to maintain strength, it is preferable not to fast in Ramadan, and to make up the fasts later. If the fighting is prolonged, then it is better to fast. During travel, keeping or not keeping voluntary fasts is left to one’s discretion, but it should not become a burden for others. If one feels hardship, or if a guest arrives, or if extremely desirable food becomes available, there is no harm in breaking a voluntary fast. One may make up the voluntary fast later, but it is not obligatory. A voluntary fast may also be started during the day before midday (zawal), provided nothing has been eaten before. A person excused (ma‘dhur) should, out of respect, avoid eating and drinking openly during Ramadan. And Allah knows best.