The White Days (Ayyam al-Bid): A Guide to Monthly Spiritual Renewal

In the hustle of modern life, it's easy for our spiritual practices to become routine. The Islamic calendar offers us regular checkpoints to pause, reset, and reconnect with Allah. One of the most beautiful and accessible of these traditions is fasting the "White Days" or Ayyam al-Bid.

What Are the White Days?

The "White Days" refer to the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of every lunar month in the Islamic calendar. They are called "white" because the moon is full (or near full) on these nights, illuminating the desert sky with its brightness from sunset to sunrise.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly encouraged fasting on these specific days each month.

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "O Abu Dharr! If you fast three days of every month, then fast the 13th, 14th and 15th." (Tirmidhi)

The Spiritual Reward: A Lifetime of Fasting

The reward for this simple act is immense. In Islam, a good deed is rewarded tenfold (or more). Therefore, fasting three days is equivalent to fasting for thirty days.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained this multiplication of rewards:

"Fasting three days of each month is fasting for a lifetime." (An-Nasa'i)

By consistently fasting just these three days every month, you earn the reward as if you had spent your entire life in a state of fasting—a profound opportunity for earning Allah's pleasure with a manageable commitment.

Scientific and Health Perspectives

While we fast primarily to worship Allah, modern science has begun to uncover the physical benefits of intermittent fasting, which aligns closely with Islamic fasting traditions.

1. Detoxification: Regular fasting gives the digestive system a rest, allowing the body to focus on removing toxins and repairing cells (autophagy).
2. Mental Clarity: Many people report increased focus and mental clarity after the initial adjustment to fasting.
3. Discipline: It builds self-control and discipline, helping to curb cravings and regulate eating habits throughout the rest of the month.

How to Determine the Dates

Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, the 13th, 14th, and 15th dates shift each month in relation to the Gregorian calendar (January, February, etc.).

To know when the White Days are for the current month:

1. Check the moon phases (full moon usually corresponds to the middle of the lunar month).
2. Consult a reliable Islamic calendar tool.
3. Look for announcements from your local mosque or moon-sighting committee.

You can check the specific dates for this month on our Interactive Islamic Lunar Calendar.

Tips for Observing the White Days in the UK

1. Plan Ahead

Mark the dates on your phone or wall calendar at the start of each Islamic month. Because they change, it's easy to miss them if you're purely following the Gregorian dates.

2. Suhoor is Essential

Especially during the long UK summer days, a wholesome pre-dawn meal (Suhoor) is vital. Focus on slow-release energy foods like oats, dates, and hydration.

3. Combine Intentions appropriately

If you have missed fasts from Ramadan (Qada) that you need to make up, scholars generally advise making those up first or separately. However, for general voluntary fasts, you can formulate the intention to follow the Sunnah of the White Days.

4. Community Spirit

Encourage family or friends to fast with you. Breaking fast (Iftar) together, even simply, creates a sense of shared spiritual purpose.

Summary

The White Days are a hidden gem in the Prophetic tradition—a "spiritual maintenance" schedule that keeps our hearts polished and our connection to Allah strong throughout the year.

Whether you are looking to restart a fasting habit after Ramadan or simply want to add more structure to your worship, Ayyam al-Bid offers the perfect balance of consistency and manageability.

Ready to start? Check our Mosque Directory to find local prayer times and community events near you.