Is It Permissible to Fast Continuously, Especially in Winter, and With Mixed Intentions?
Question
Salam Imam,
Is it permissible to fast continuously, especially in the winter months, where fasting is simply a matter of having a late lunch?
I have heard mixed opinions on this, with some saying one should not exceed the fast of Dawud (alternating days of fasting).
Could you clarify these opinions?
What if someone wishes to fast for health benefits (one meal a day trend) and also wants to gain barakah from this by intending to fast for the sake of Allah? Is this mixed intention permissible? Does it reduce the reward of fasting?
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
Your question touches on three important matters: the limits of voluntary fasting, the prophetic guidance regarding consistency and balance, and the issue of mixed intentions in acts of worship. Each must be addressed carefully.
1. The Shar‘i Context of Voluntary Fasting
Voluntary fasting is among the greatest acts of worship and is highly encouraged in Islam. Allah says:
“And whatever good you do, Allah knows it.”
Surat al-Baqarah 2:197
The Prophet encouraged frequent fasting and praised it as a shield. At the same time, Islam does not promote excess or harm, even in acts of worship.
2. The Fast of Dawud and Continuous Fasting
The Prophet said:
“The most beloved fasting to Allah is the fasting of Dawud. He would fast one day and break his fast the next.”
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
This hadith establishes the most virtuous pattern of voluntary fasting, not an absolute legal limit that cannot be exceeded.
The scholars explained that:
- The fast of Dawud is the best and most balanced form of regular fasting
- It prevents physical weakness and burnout
- It allows consistency over a lifetime
There is no prohibition on fasting more frequently than alternate days as long as no harm occurs, except for specific days that are forbidden to fast, such as the two Eids and the days of Tashriq.
When some companions vowed to fast every day without break, the Prophet corrected them and said:
“I fast and I break my fast.”
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
This shows that balance is part of the Sunnah.
3. Winter Fasting and Ease
Winter fasting is known among the scholars as “the cold spoils,” meaning an easy opportunity for reward due to shorter days.
Umar ibn al-Khattab said:
“Winter is the spoils of the worshippers.”
Taking advantage of shorter days is permissible and encouraged, as long as fasting does not become harmful or lead to neglect of other duties.
4. Mixed Intentions: Health and Worship
It is permissible to have multiple intentions in a single act.
If a person fasts intending:
- Obedience to Allah and seeking His reward
- Alongside health benefits or discipline
then the act remains valid and rewarded.
The Prophet said:
“Actions are only by intentions, and each person will have only what he intended.”
Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
If the intention for Allah is present, reward is granted. The health benefit does not diminish it.
If fasting is done purely for health, with no intention of worship, then it is not considered an act of ibadah, even if it coincides with fasting times.
5. Relevant Usul Principle
الميسور لا يسقط بالمعسور
The attainable part is not waived by the unattainable part.
This means that when a person is able to perform an act of worship without hardship, he should do so, even if performing it in the most complete or optimal manner is difficult. In voluntary fasting, ease does not remove the virtue of the act, nor does hardship justify abandoning balance or wisdom.
Final Ruling
Continuous voluntary fasting is permissible as long as it does not cause harm, weakness, or neglect of obligations, and does not include days that are forbidden to fast.
The fast of Dawud represents the most virtuous and balanced pattern, but it is not a strict upper limit that cannot be exceeded.
Fasting during winter due to its ease is permissible and commendable.
Combining the intention of fasting for the sake of Allah with health benefits is permissible and does not reduce the reward, as long as seeking Allah’s pleasure remains a genuine intention.
And Allah knows best.