Rafed English
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The Apostle of God was also greatly disposed to fasting and seclusion, to supplication and asking forgiveness from God, to praising God and making pilgrimage and giving alms. He used to say: 'One who fasts is in a state of worship even if he is upon his bed, as long as he does not slander another Muslim.' 85 He also said: 'The sleep of one who fasts is worship and his breathing is a glorification of God.' 86

It is related that Im"m Ja!far Sadiq said: 'The Apostle of God used to fast until it was said of him: 'He never breaks his fast.' Then he would eat during the day until it was said of him: 'He never fasts.' Then he fasted on alternate days. Then he fasted on Mondays and Thursdays. Then he began to fast for three days of every month: the first Thursday of the month, the Wednesday in the middle of the month, and the last Thursday of the month.' 87

Imam Ja!far Sadiq also said: 'During the last ten days of the holy month of Rama+"n, the Apostle of God would tighten his belt and seclude himself from his wives. He would keep vigil at night and devote himself to worship.' 88 It is related that Anbasah the Worshipper said: 'Up until his death, the Prophet fasted the months of Sha!b"n and Rama+"n and three days of every month: the first Thursday, the middle Wednesday, and the last Thursday.' 89 It is related that Imam Ali said: 'The Apostle of God fasted continuously for as long as God wished. Then he stopped this and fasted the fast of the Prophet David, peace be upon him: a day for God and a day for himself 90 for as long as God wished. Then he stopped this and fasted Mondays and Thursdays for as long as God wished. Then he stopped this and fasted 'the white days': three days every month ...' 91

He also said: 'Almighty God has said: 'Fasting is for Me and I reward it.' 92

Notes:

85. Means of the Sh:!a; vol.4, chap.1, p.291, 9ad:th 12. Beirut edition.

86. ibid; p.293, 9ad:th 23

87. ibid; p.305, 9ad:th 5

88. al-K"f:; vol. 4, p.155, 9ad:th 3

89. Means of the Sh:!a; vol. 4, chap. 1, p 309, 9ad:th 17

90. i.e. alternate days.

91. Means of the Sh:!a; vol. 4, chap. 1, p.321

92. Means of the Sh:!a; vol. 4, chap. 1, p.292, 9ad:th 15

Adopted from the book : "The Prophet Muhammad; a Mercy to the World" by : "Ayatullah Muhammad Sadiq al-Shirazi"