Muslims are paying attention today, Monday, September 7, 2026, to the virtue of Monday fasting, amid discussion of the day as the last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal 1448 AH before the beginning of Rabi al-Thani, subject to the sighting of the new moon.

Fasting Monday is an established voluntary act of worship in the Prophetic tradition. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, explained why he fasted on this day, referring to its connection with his birth and the beginning of his Prophethood and revelation.

However, there is no established evidence that the last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal has a special virtue simply because it is the final Monday of the month. The established virtue is the virtue of fasting Monday in general.

The Last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal 1448 AH

Monday began at dawn on September 7, 2026, corresponding to 25 Rabi al-Awwal 1448 AH according to the circulating Hijri date, while the beginning of Rabi al-Thani depends on the official sighting of the new moon.

The result of the moon sighting determines when Rabi al-Awwal ends and Rabi al-Thani begins.

For this reason, the significance of the last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal relates to its being Monday, a day recommended for voluntary fasting, rather than to the day being a separate religious occasion with a prescribed act of worship.

Ruling on Fasting the Last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal

Fasting Monday is a recommended voluntary act of worship. Muslims may fast Monday during Rabi al-Awwal and throughout the rest of the year, except on days when fasting is prohibited, such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and the Days of Tashreeq.

There is no established evidence that gives the final Monday of Rabi al-Awwal an additional reward simply because it is the last Monday of the month.

Therefore, a Muslim may fast this day with the intention of observing the recommended Monday fast and following the Prophetic Sunnah.

The Virtue of Monday Fasting in the Sunnah

The Day on Which the Prophet Was Born

In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about fasting Monday. He said:

“That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was sent as a prophet, or revelation was sent to me.”

This hadith explains one of the reasons the Prophet fasted Monday and highlights the connection between the day and important events in his life.

The Prophet Observed Monday and Thursday Fasting

It was reported from Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, regularly sought to fast Monday and Thursday.

This demonstrates his practice of taking advantage of these days through worship and voluntary fasting.

Deeds Are Presented on Mondays and Thursdays

Prophetic teachings state that deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays, and the Prophet preferred that his deeds be presented while he was fasting.

This encourages Muslims to use these days for worship, remembrance, and other righteous deeds.

The Virtue of Voluntary Fasting in Islam

Fasting as an Act of Worship

Fasting is one of the acts through which Muslims seek closeness to Allah, whether through obligatory fasting or voluntary fasting.

The Quran praises those who fast and promises them forgiveness and a great reward.

The Reward of Fasting

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Whoever fasts a day in the cause of Allah, Allah will distance his face from the Fire by seventy autumns.”

The hadith demonstrates the great reward associated with fasting, while a specific virtue for a particular day requires its own evidence.

Fasting and Self-Discipline

Fasting is not simply abstaining from food and drink. It also trains Muslims to develop patience, control desires, and improve their conduct.

Voluntary fasting can therefore become a regular form of worship that strengthens discipline and encourages continued good deeds.

Does the Last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal Have a Special Virtue?

There is no established authentic evidence that the last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal has a special virtue merely because it is the final Monday of the month.

The established virtue concerns Monday fasting in general. Muslims who fast this day may seek the reward of the recommended Monday fast without believing that the ending of Rabi al-Awwal gives the day a separate religious status.

The connection between Rabi al-Awwal and the Prophet’s biography also does not establish a specific fast for a particular day of the month without evidence.

Other Recommended Voluntary Fasting Days

Voluntary fasting is not limited to Monday and Thursday. The Sunnah includes several forms of recommended fasting, including:

• Mondays and Thursdays.
• The three white days of each Hijri month.
• The Day of Arafah for those who are not performing Hajj.
• Six days of Shawwal.
• Increasing voluntary fasting during Sha'ban.
• Fasting every other day, as practiced by Prophet David, for those able to do so.

Muslims can choose forms of voluntary fasting that they can maintain without hardship or neglecting obligatory duties.

Fasting and the Forgiveness of Sins

Authentic Prophetic teachings state that the five daily prayers, one Friday prayer to the next, and one Ramadan to the next serve as expiation for what occurs between them when major sins are avoided.

Fasting also has a great status in Islam, and the Prophet described two moments of joy for the fasting person: at breaking the fast and when meeting Allah.

Another well-known virtue is that those who fast have a special gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan.

Fasting and Protection From Sin

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, advised young people who were unable to marry to fast, saying that fasting would serve as a protection for them.

This hadith highlights the role of fasting in disciplining the self and helping believers control their desires, making fasting both an act of worship and a means of spiritual development.

Conclusion

Fasting the last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal 2026 is permissible and recommended as a Monday fast, since Monday fasting is an established voluntary practice in the Prophetic Sunnah.

However, it is not correct to claim that this day has a special virtue simply because it is the final Monday of Rabi al-Awwal. The established virtue is the virtue of Monday fasting itself.

A Muslim can therefore use the day for fasting, remembrance, supplication, and other righteous deeds.

What is the ruling on fasting the last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal?
It is permissible and recommended as a voluntary Monday fast.

Does the last Monday of Rabi al-Awwal have a special virtue?
No special virtue is established merely because it is the final Monday of the month.

Why did the Prophet fast on Monday?
He explained that it was the day on which he was born and the day on which he was sent as a prophet or received revelation.

What is the virtue of fasting Monday and Thursday?
They are among the days the Prophet regularly sought to fast, and deeds are reported to be presented on these two days.

Can Muslims fast Mondays throughout the year?
Yes. Muslims may fast Mondays throughout the year except on days when fasting is prohibited.