Observing Sawm on Saturdays or Fridays without observing Sawm on a day before or after

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Q 1: I am a young man and I used to observe Sawm (Fast) similar to the Sawm of Dawud (David, peace be upon him). However, someone told me that if the day to observe Sawm falls on a Saturday or Friday, it should not be observed without a day before or after. He said that this is the opinion of Shaykh Al-Albany (may Allah be merciful to him). I have continued observing Sawm although I am still confused. Please advise me on the ruling of observing Sawm on Saturday or Friday without observing the Sawm of a day before or after or if it happens to coincide with the Day of `Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) or the Day of `Ashura’ (10th of Muharram)?

A: It is permissible for the one who observes the Sawm of Dawud (peace be upon him) to observe Sawm on Friday or Saturday alone without a day before or after. This ruling also applies to the Day of `Arafah and `Ashura’. It should be known that the Hadith which states that Sawm on Saturday is forbidden except in case of obligatory Sawm is not Sahih (authentic). (Part No. 9; Page No. 314) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.