This chapter turns to a second steady rhythm: fasting three days in each lunar month. The repeated phrase across these reports, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) directed his companions to fast three days monthly alongside the forenoon (Duha) prayer and the Witr prayer, shows fasting placed within a small bundle of regular acts that keep faith alive between the bigger seasons of worship.
Watch two threads here. First, the generous arithmetic of mercy: three days a month can weigh like a lifetime of fasting because Allah multiplies good deeds. Second, the gentle structure: the Prophet pointed to the bright nights, the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth, as an easy anchor, while Aishah's report shows he himself was not rigid about which days, leaving room for ease.
Hadith 1258
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: أوصاني خليلي صلى الله عليه وسلم بثلاث: صيام ثلاثة أيام من كل شهر، وركعتي الضحى وأن أوتر قبل أن أنام. ((متفق عليه))
My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (ﷺ) directed me to observe fast for three days in every month, to perform two Rak'ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
The Prophet personally advised this companion to keep three acts: fasting three days a month, praying the short forenoon (Duha) prayer, and praying Witr before sleeping. It shows a small bundle of regular acts that keep faith steady.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1258 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 268
Hadith 1259
Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي الدرداء رضي الله عنه قال: أوصاني حبيبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم بثلاث لن أدعهن ما عشت: بصيام ثلاثة أيام من كل شهر، وصلاة الضحى، وبأن لا أنام حتى أوتر. ((رواه مسلم)).
My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (ﷺ) directed me to observe Saum (fasting) for three days in every month, to perform two Rak'ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Another companion received the same advice from the Prophet: three days of monthly fasting, the Duha prayer, and Witr before bed. The repeated counsel underlines how valued these simple, regular habits were.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1259 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 269
Hadith 1260
'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص، رضي الله عنهما، قال: قال رسول الله: "صوم ثلاثة أيام من كل شهر صوم الدهر كله" ((متفق عليه))
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Observing Saum (fasting) on three days of every month is equivalent to a full month's fasting." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Fasting just three days each month is counted as if you fasted the whole month. It reflects Allah's generosity in multiplying small, consistent good deeds.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1260 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 270
Hadith 1261
Mu'adhah Al-'Adawiyah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:
وعن معاذة العدوية أنها سألت عائشة رضي الله عنها: أكان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يصوم من كل شهر ثلاثة أيام، فقالت: نعم. فقلت: من أي الشهر كان يصوم؟ قالت: لم يكن يبالي من أي الشهر يصوم. ((رواه مسلم)).
I asked 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her). Did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) use to observe three days of Saum (fasting) in every month?" She replied, "Yes." I asked, "On which days in the month did he observed fast?" She replied that he did not mind on which days of the month he observed fast. [Muslim].
In plain words
Aishah confirmed the Prophet fasted three days monthly but did not tie himself to fixed dates. This leaves room for ease, letting a person choose whichever days suit them.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1261 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 271
Hadith 1262
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن أبي ذر رضي الله عنه، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إذا صمت من الشهر ثلاثًا، فصم ثلاث عشرة، وأربع عشرة وخمس عشرة" رواه الترمذي وقال: حديث حسن.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If you want to observe Saum on three days in a month, then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month." [At-Tirmidhi].
In plain words
If you wish to fast three days a month, the Prophet pointed to the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth as a clear and easy guide. It offers a simple anchor for the habit.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1262 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 272
Hadith 1263
Qatadah bin Milhan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
وعن قتادة بن ملحان، رضي الله عنه، قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يأمرنا بصيام أيام البيض: ثلاث عشرة، وأربع شعرة وخمس عشرة. ((رواه أبو داود.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) directed us to observe Saum (fasting) on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month. [Abu Dawud].
In plain words
The Prophet directed his companions to the same three days, the thirteenth to fifteenth of the lunar month. It reinforces these as a settled, recommended choice.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1263 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 273
Hadith 1264
Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
وعن ابن عباس، رضي الله عنهما، قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم "لا يفطر أيام البيض في حضر ولا سفر" ((رواه النسائي بإسناد حسن)).
It was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to not to omit fast on 'bright days' whether he was staying at a place or on a journey. [An-Nasa'i].
In plain words
The Prophet kept up his fasting on these bright days whether at home or travelling. His constancy, even on journeys, shows how firmly he held to this practice.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1264 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 274