Fasting in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

[سالكة سبيل السلف]

Fasting in the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah
Question:A person fasts the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah. Then intends to make Hajj. Should he fast during these days or not? And is it a condition that you have to fast all of the days or can you fast some of the days (for the one fasting on a voluntary basis)?

Answer:Fasting during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah is not obligatory. One can fast if he wants to and if he wants, he does not have to fast. This applies to him whether he is traveling to make Hajj or remains in his country. This is because every fast that is optional, then the person has been given a choice. So based upon this, if he is to remain in his country and wishes to fast, then he can do so. However if he travels and finds it difficult to fast, then he does not keep the fast. As it is not correct for the one who finds it difficult to fast on a journey, to then fast. This applies to both obligatory and voluntary fasts. However (if he does fast whilst on Hajj) then he does not fast on the day of 'Arafah. As the Messenger of Allaah-Sallaahu 'Alaihee wasallam-did not fast on the day of 'Arafah. And it is narrated from him that he-Sallaahu 'Alaihee Wasallam-prohibited fasting the fast of
'Arafah in 'Arafah.

Reference: Fataawa Ash-Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen. v:2 / p: 671-691