What Are the White Days?

Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta explained that the White Days are the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of every Hijri month. They are called the White Days because the moon is full, making their nights especially bright.

The name originally refers to the brightness of the nights, although it has become commonly associated with the days themselves.

The Virtue of Fasting the White Days

Fasting the White Days is a recommended Sunnah. According to authentic hadiths, fasting three days every month is rewarded as though a person fasted throughout the year.

When Do the White Days Occur?

The White Days fall on:

• The 13th day of each Hijri month.
• The 14th day.
• The 15th day.

What Are the Six Days of Shawwal?

The six days of Shawwal are six recommended fasting days observed after Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated that whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal receives the reward of fasting an entire year.

These six days may be observed consecutively or separately throughout the month.

Are the Six Days of Shawwal the White Days?

Dar Al-Ifta clarified that the six days of Shawwal are not the White Days in Islamic jurisprudence. The White Days occur every lunar month, while the six days of Shawwal are a separate Sunnah specific to the month of Shawwal.

Why Are They Sometimes Confused?

Some people use the term "White Days" for the early days of Shawwal from a linguistic perspective, but this is not the established Islamic legal terminology.

Which Is Better?

Both are highly recommended acts of worship. The White Days are observed monthly throughout the year, while the six days of Shawwal are specific to the month following Ramadan. Observing both brings great spiritual reward.

What are the White Days?
They are the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of every Hijri month.

Why are they called the White Days?
Because the moon is full, making the nights exceptionally bright.

Are the six days of Shawwal the same as the White Days?
No. They are two different voluntary fasts with different timings and rulings.

Can the intention for the White Days and the six days of Shawwal be combined?
Scholars differ on this issue. Many allow combining the intentions if the dates coincide, while others recommend observing each Sunnah with a separate intention.