What
is the ruling on fasting on the first eight days of Dhu’l-Hijjah for
the pilgrims? I know that it is makrooh for them to fast on the Day of
‘Arafah.
Praise be to Allaah.
Fasting on the first eight days of Dhu’l-Hijjah is mustahabb for pilgrims and others,
because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
“There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these
ten days.” They said: O Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad for the sake of
Allaah? The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out
with his self and his wealth and comes back with neither.” Narrated by
al-Bukhaari (969) and al-Tirmidhi (757), from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas
(may Allaah be pleased with