What is the status of fasting during the ten days of Zul-Hijjah?

A. It is forbidden to fast on Eid-ul-Adha (the tenth of Zul-Hijjah) and the three days of Tashreeq (three days after Eid-ul-Adha-11-12-13 of Zul-Hijjah). (Al Ikhtiyaar Li Ta’leelil Mukhtaar 1/125). On the contrary, it is recommended (Mustahab) to fast on the first nine days of Zul-Hijjah (Hindiyyah 1/201) and more particularly, the ninth of Zul-Hijjah-the day of Arafah for pilgrims and non-pilgrims of Hajj. However, if fasting on the ninth of Zul-Hijjah weakens a pilgrim of Hajj in discharging the rituals of Hajj, it would be Makrooh (disliked) for a pilgrim of Hajj to fast on the ninth of Zul-Hijjah-the day of Arafah. (Shaami 2/375)

Note: The fasting on the ninth of Zul-Hijjah-the day of Arafah does not refer to the ninth of Zul-Hijjah of Saudi Arabia. It refers to the ninth of Zul-Hijjah in accordance to the moon sightings of one’s own country.

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa