Is the following Hadith authentic?
Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Fasting the first day of Rajab compensates for the sins of three years, fasting the second day expiates two years of sins and fasting the third day expiates one year of sins, thereafter one month’s sins are expiated for each day of fasting”
Answer
Abu Muhammad Al Khallal (rahimahullah) has recorded this narration with an extremely weak chain. The Hadith should not be quoted.
(Refer: Jami’us Saghir, Hadith: 5051, Faydul Qadir and At Taysir Bi Sharhil Jami ‘is Saghir. Also see Al Mughir of Ahmad Siddiq Al Ghumari)
Nevertheless, Mulla ‘Ali Qari (rahimahullah) has explained that in general, we are encouraged to observe additional Nafl (voluntary) fasts in Rajab.
( Al Adab Fi Rajab, pg. 30)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar