Q: It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to some young men: And anyone who cannot afford it (i.e. Marriage) should observe Sawm (Fast). Does “Sawm” in the Hadith mean observing Sawm, like that of Ramadan, throughout the year or just abstaining from prohibited acts and not from food and drink? Are there any authentic reports from the Prophet (peace be upon him) about observing Sawm in Rajab, Sha`ban, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and the first of Muharram? May Allah benefit you.

A: First: "Sawm" in the above Hadith refers to (Part No. 9; Page No. 298) the prescribed Sawm, which is abstention from all that breaks Sawm from the break of dawn until sunset. Second: It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to observe Sawm in Sha`ban. `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) never observed Sawm in any month more than in Sha`ban. He used to fast the entire month. Another wording of the Hadith reads: He never observed Sawm in any month more than he observed Sawm in Sha`ban. He used to fast the entire month except for a few days; rather, he used to fast all of Sha`ban. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Third: There is no Hadith Sahih (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish), as far as we know, proving that the Prophet (peace be upon him) observed Sawm on the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. However, it is desirable to observe Sawm on these days since they are included in the general meaning of the Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these ten days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah). (Related by Al-Bukhari and Ahl-ul-Sunan [authors of Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes]) The merit of observing Sawm on the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) was established by the following Hadith narrated on the authority of Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Observing Sawm on the Day of `Arafah is an expiation for two years, a past year and a next one. And observing Sawm on the Day of (Part No. 9; Page No. 299) `Ashura' (10th of Muharram) is an expiation for a past year. (Related by the Six Hadith Compilers except Al-Bukhari and Al-Tirmidhy [i.e. Muslim, Abu Dawud, Al-Nasa'y, and Ibn Majah]) Fourth: As for observing Sawm in Muharram, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked: Which Sawm is best after Ramadan? He said: Allah’s month of Muharram. (Related by the Six Hadith Compilers except Al-Bukhari) Since `Ashura' is one of the days of Muharram, its virtue was mentioned above in the Hadith narrated on the authority of Abu Qatadah. Fifth: There is no Hadith Sahih that recommends observing Sawm in Rajab. Accordingly, it is not permissible to single out this month for Sawm.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.