Q: Assalamu alaikum-

I enjoy fasting so I would really like to know which of the two types of fasting holds more reward with Allah, the Merciful:  Fasting every Monday and Thursdays as our Prophet, Salalahu alaihi wasalam, fasted or fasting every other day as Prophet Dawood, may peace and blessing be upon, fasted?  Jazakallahu Khair.

Time: Sunday January 3, 2010 at 2:59 pm
A: ?????? ?????? ????? ???? ???????

Intent in this case would take you a long way

Both these fasts are rewarding. The one linked to Rasulullah (SAW) would gain profoundly more reward if one kept it with the intent that they are attempting to resemble the actions of Rasulullah (SAW) based on sunnah.

The reward gained as a result of fasting the ‘fast of Dawood (AS)’ with the intent that Rasulullah (SAW) praised such a fast would also be meritorious. For one aspect of sunnah deals with Rasulullah (SAW’s) praise of a given action.

Thus, the reward break down would be as follows (but not limited to the following): reward for emulating a former prophet (peace be upon them all) and showing respect for their accepted actions; the other reward would be due to it being a sunnah as result of Rasulullah (SAW’s) acceptance and praise of what is termed as the ‘fast of Dawood.’

Note: The fast of Dawood (AS) should be kept by people that have the strength of doing it, as well as by people that are trying to eliminate forbidden desires. Nafl fast should best be done by those that are not neglecting the fard.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.