Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 229

The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday

باب استحباب صوم الاثنين والخميس‏:‏

This short chapter highlights a gentle weekly habit: fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. These were days the Prophet (peace be upon him) chose for himself, not as a heavy duty but as a steady act of devotion woven into ordinary weeks.

The hadith give simple reasons for the practice and show him keeping to it. The thread to carry away is that small, repeated acts of worship, tied to certain days, can keep the heart turned toward Allah throughout the year.

Hadith 1255

Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

عن أبي قتادة رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ سئل عن صوم يوم الاثنين فقال‏:‏ ‏ "‏ذلك يوم ولدت فيه، ويوم بعثت أو أنزل علي فيه‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said, "That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation." [Muslim].

In plain words

The Prophet linked fasting on Mondays to meaningful moments in his own life. It shows that this day held a special place for him, which is why he marked it with worship.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1255 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 265

Hadith 1256

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏ تعرض الأعمال يوم الاثنين والخميس، فأحب أن يعرض عملي وأنا صائم‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال‏:‏ حديث حسن، ورواه مسلم بغير ذكر الصوم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Deeds of people are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. So I like that my actions be presented while I am fasting." [At-Tirmidhi].

In plain words

Our deeds are shown to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and the Prophet wished to be fasting when his were presented. It teaches us to want our actions reviewed while we are in a state of worship.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1256 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 266

Hadith 1257

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her)u reported:

وعن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت‏:‏ كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يتحرى صوم الاثنين والخميس‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه الترمذي وقال حديث حسن‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe fast on Mondays and Thursdays. [At-Tirmidhi].

In plain words

A simple report that the Prophet regularly fasted on these two days. His steady example is itself the lesson, showing this was a settled habit in his life.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1257 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 267