Should We Fast During Hajj or Focus on Other Acts of Worship?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalamu Alaykum Shaykh,

Should people on the Hajj pilgrimage fast the nine days of Dhul-Hijjah? Should they increase their fasting or should they rather focus their efforts on actions such as more frequent tawaf etc.?
How much should we fast considering the physical drain of the experience and rites?

Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that this finds you in the best of health and spirits, insha’Allah.

It is a recommended sunna to fast the first nine days of Dhu’l Hijja. [al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya]

As for fasting during Hajj, it would remain recommended to fast these days as long as it will not weaken you from fulfilling your duties on the Hajj. This applies especially to Day 8 and the Day of `Arafa, Day 9.

See also: The Ten Days of Dhu’l Hijja: Merits & Striving in Spiritual Works and:Fasting During the First Nine Days of Dhu’l Hijja

And Allah alone gives success.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani