Q 2: What are the days on which it is prohibited to observe Sawm (Fast)?

A: The days on which it is prohibited to observe Sawm include the day of doubt which is the thirtieth day of the month of Sha`ban if the new moon of Ramadan has not been sighted, the two Eids: `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast) and `Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of the Sacrifice), and the Days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), (Part No. 9; Page No. 293) except for a Mutamatti` (pilgrim performing `Umrah during the months of Hajj, followed by Hajj in the same year with a break in between) or Qarin (pilgrim combining Hajj and `Umrah without a break in between) who cannot slaughter a Hady (sacrificial animal offered by pilgrims). This is because it was authentically reported from `Aishah and Ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) that they said: It is not permissible to observe Sawm on the Days of Tashriq except for the one who cannot find a Hady. (Related by Al-Bukhari in his Sahih [Authentic Book of Hadith]) In addition, it is forbidden to single out Fridays for observing Sawm because it was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited this except if one fasts a day before or after it.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.