Why the Prophet ﷺ Fasted on Mondays and Thursdays — And Why It Matters for You

Have you ever reached a Monday feeling heavy — spiritually scattered, behind on everything, not sure where last week even went? Most of us drag ourselves into the week without realising that Monday is not just a new day. In Islam, it carries a weight most people have never been told about.

There is a beautiful hadith from the Prophet ﷺ that changes the way you see every Monday and Thursday for the rest of your life. Once you understand it, you will never let these two days pass carelessly again.

What Does "Deeds Being Presented" Actually Mean?

This is one of those hadith that you might read quickly and move past — but sit with it for a moment.

Twice every week — every Monday and every Thursday — your deeds from the past days are presented before Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Not just recorded by angels (which happens constantly), but specifically shown and acknowledged.

And in this same hadith, the Prophet ﷺ tells us his personal response to this reality: he wanted to be fasting when that happened. He wanted to be found in a state of worship when his deeds were placed before Allah.

The Gates of Jannah Open on These Days Too

There is more. In a related narration from Sahih Muslim, we learn something even more profound about Mondays and Thursdays:

The doors of Jannah open. Allah forgives. But there is one group that is held back — those carrying grudges. Those who have not reconciled with their brothers and sisters in faith.

This changes everything. These two days are not just about fasting — they are about arriving before Allah in the best possible state: worshipping, humble, and at peace with those around you.

Why Monday and Thursday Specifically?

Monday holds an additional special significance in the Sunnah — it is the day the Prophet ﷺ was born, and he specifically mentioned this as a reason he fasted on Mondays (Muslim). But why Thursday?

Why Did the Prophet ﷺ Choose to Fast on These Days?

Think about this with your heart, not just your mind.

The Prophet ﷺ knew his deeds were going to be presented to Allah. He did not respond to that knowledge by trying to cram in extra good deeds at the last moment. He chose fasting — a quiet, invisible act of worship that only Allah sees.

No one knows you are fasting unless you tell them. There is no performance in it. It is pure ibadah between you and Allah. And that is exactly the kind of deed you want presented.

How to Start the Sunnah of Monday and Thursday Fasting

You do not have to be perfect. You do not have to fast every single week without missing. You just have to begin. Here is how:

• 1
  Make your niyyah (intention) the night before. Before sleeping on Sunday or Wednesday night, quietly intend in your heart: "I am fasting tomorrow for the sake of Allah." That is it.
• 2
  Have suhoor if you can. Even a few dates and water. The Prophet ﷺ said there is barakah in suhoor (Bukhari). But if you miss it, your fast is still valid — scholars agree you can make niyyah for a voluntary fast before Dhuhr, as long as you have not eaten.
• 3
  Use the day differently. Monday and Thursday are your two weekly "reset" days. Do more dhikr. Seek more istighfar. Let your tongue be cleaner, your heart softer.
• 4
  Mend what needs mending. Remember the hadith about grudges. Use these days as a reason to check: is there anyone in your life you are carrying resentment toward? These days, try to let it go — for your own sake, and because Allah is watching.
• 5
  Make dua at iftar. The dua of a fasting person at the moment of breaking their fast is accepted (Ibn Majah). End your Monday and Thursday with your heart wide open — ask Allah for everything.

A Dua to Say on These Blessed Days

On the days your deeds are being presented — ask for pardon. Ask Allah to cover your shortcomings with His mercy. This dua is beautifully fitting for Mondays and Thursdays.

A Gentle Note for the Sisters Reading This

If you are on your menses and cannot fast on these days — you are not missing out. Your worship during that time takes a different form, and Allah does not reduce your reward for what He Himself has excused you from.

You can still honour Mondays and Thursdays by:

• Increasing your dhikr and istighfar on these days
• Making extra dua — especially in the morning
• Being intentional about forgiveness and letting go of grudges
• Listening to Quran or Islamic reminders on these days

Allah sees all of it. None of it is lost.

Your Deeds Are Being Presented Right Now

If you are reading this on a Monday or Thursday — this is not a coincidence.

Somewhere, in a way we cannot fully comprehend, your record is being acknowledged before your Creator today. What has this week looked like? What has it sounded like? What has it felt like in your heart?

It is okay if the honest answer is: not great. That is why we have istighfar. That is why we have tawbah. That is why these two days repeat — every single week — without exception — because Allah knows we need regular chances to return to Him.

So this Monday, this Thursday — try fasting. Or if that feels like too much right now, just be aware. Know that today is different. Speak more kindly. Seek forgiveness more sincerely. Let your heart soften a little.

And trust that Allah — al-Ghafoor, ar-Raheem — is not looking at your record to find fault. He is looking at it hoping to find reasons to show you mercy.

May our deeds be presented on the best days, in the best state, before the Most Merciful. Ameen.

How to Observe Monday and Thursday Fasting — A Quick Guide

Here is a simple step-by-step to help you build this Sunnah consistently:

1. Make niyyah the night before — a sincere intention in your heart is all you need
2. Have suhoor before Fajr (even water counts)
3. Increase dhikr and istighfar throughout the day
4. Resolve any conflicts — arrive before Allah with a clean heart
5. Make dua at iftar — your supplication is answered

Frequently Asked Questions