Sahih Muslim Hadith 2729 – Prohibition Of

English

[27291 181 – (1159) It was narrated that 'Abdullâh bin 'Amr bin A]-'A said: "The Messenger of Allah was told that he ('Abdullâh) had said: 'I shall most certainly spend my nights in standing (in prayer) and my days fasting for as long as I live.' The Messenger of Allah said: 'Are you the one who said that?' I said to him: 'I did say it, 0 Messenger of Allah.' The Messenger of Allah jii, said: 'You are not able to do that. Fast and break your fast, sleep and get up (to pray). Fast three days every month, for each deed brings a tenfold reward, and that will be like fasting for a lifetime.' I said: 'I am able to do better than that.' He said: 'Fast one day and break your fast for two days.' I said: 'I am able to do better than that, 0 Messenger of Allah.' He said: 'Fast one day and break your fast one day (i.e., fast alternate days). That is the fast of Dâwüd, peace be upon him, and it is the best of fasting.' I said: 'I am able to do better than that.' The Messenger of Allah j said: 'There is nothing better than that." 'Abdullâh bin 'Amr [may Allah be pleased with them] said: "If I had accepted the three days that the Messenger of Allah spoke of, that would have been dearer to me than my family and my wealth."