Part 4 Three-Year Experience of Practicing Prophet David’s Fast

Prophet David’s Fast is an extraordinary practice that strengthens one’s connection with Allah. In this article, I will share my three-year journey of practicing Prophet David’s Fast with my family.

This post is the second to last in the "Prophet David’s Fast: A Shield Against Dajjal’s Temptation" series.

The year 2025 marks the fourth year that my wife, son, and two daughters have been practicing Prophet David’s Fast together.

This post is not intended for boasting but simply to share our experience.

How We Practice It

To clarify, we intensively observe voluntary fasting by practicing Prophet David’s Fast for six months each year, starting from Rejab to Zulhijjah.

Our Implementation Method:

• If Prophet David’s Fast coincides with Ayyamul Bidh fasting (13th, 14th, and 15th of the Islamic month), we prioritize Ayyamul Bidh first.
• After Ayyamul Bidh, we rest for one day, then resume Prophet David’s Fast.
• If another recommended fast falls on the same day, we prioritize the recommended fast.
• If it is Ramadan, we observe the full Ramadan fast.
• Outside of these six months, fasting is observed based on availability.

What I am sharing is not a new rule but an existing teaching in Islam.

Since it is difficult to implement without strong cooperation, we established several family guidelines:

Our Unofficial Family Guidelines:

1. We do not fast if invited to a feast, as attending a feast takes precedence over voluntary fasting.
2. If guests stay overnight at our house, we do not fast the next day.
3. If guests arrive before noon, we break our fast.
4. If guests arrive after noon, we continue fasting.
5. If any family members, especially the children, have physical activities such as sports training or extracurricular activities (usually on Wednesdays), we skip fasting on that day.
6. Activities like jogging and futsal are minimized while fasting.
7. As much as possible, we try to break and begin fasting together.
8. If the children wish to hang out with friends for a meal, they arrange a replacement fasting day.

These unofficial guidelines help us carry out our mission smoothly.

Alhamdulillah, so far, there has been no hardship in practicing Prophet David’s Fast.

Family Routine Background

Reflecting on our past, my wife has always been consistent with voluntary fasting.

If I was not at home, she would fast almost every day. This has been her practice since our early marriage.

Sometimes, we would not even realize that she was fasting.

It can be said that our family’s morning routine is largely driven by my wife’s habit of waking up before the alarm rings.

For nearly 20 years of marriage, I admire her dedication.

"My wife wakes up every day before 3:30 AM."

Whether she prays Tahajjud or not, her daily routine remains the same.

In this period, I can say that she has rarely overslept, except when traveling or unwell.

Early Breakfast Routine

Our family always has breakfast before dawn, whether fasting or not.

"If not for suhoor, then for breakfast. The only difference is the intention, but eating is a must."

Our youngest child began practicing Prophet David’s Fast at the age of 10.

From 2022 to 2024, our family successfully practiced Prophet David’s Fast intensively for six months each year.

"This journey has enriched our souls, built physical resilience, and strengthened family bonds."

The Beginning: Cultivating Intention and Determination

We started this practice with the desire to draw closer to Allah and prepare ourselves for life’s increasing challenges.

However, in reality, this is a command from Allah.

The inspiration from the family of Imran played a major role in our decision.

Allah is Most Merciful—whatever He commands always brings great benefits.

Through fasting, we witness countless blessings, strengthening our faith in Allah.

We began gradually:

1. Starting with Monday and Thursday fasting.
2. Progressing to other significant voluntary fasting days.
3. Eventually transitioning to Prophet David’s Fast.

Every time we break our fast, we gather as a family, enjoy a simple meal, and discuss Allah’s blessings.

"We break our fast with water and light snacks first."

Usually, we break our fast either at the dining table or directly on the prayer mat.

After breaking fast, we continue our ibadah routine until completing the Quran recitation, only then do we have our main meal.

Initial Challenges in Practicing Prophet David’s Fast

Honestly, once we became consistent with Prophet David’s Fast, it no longer felt difficult.

Observing this fast for six months (Rejab to Zulhijjah) was not an issue.

The real challenge was actually getting used to Monday and Thursday fasting as the initial preparation.

"Monday and Thursday fasting was more difficult because it falls on fixed days."

Especially on Mondays, as the body adjusts after a weekend of heavy meals, making it harder to fast.

However, once we successfully maintained Monday and Thursday fasting, Prophet David’s Fast became effortless.

We always reminded our children that this practice is a sign of servitude to Allah and a training ground for patience.

The Ramadan Experience After Practicing Prophet David’s Fast

Ramadan felt incredibly different.

• No fatigue at all, everything felt normal.
• No desire to visit Ramadan bazaars, as appetite cravings were minimal.
• Sunna acts of worship became more consistent, as stamina remained high.
• Huge savings in expenses, as there was less temptation to overspend on food.

Conclusion

Prophet David’s Fast is not just an act of worship but a spiritual journey that nurtures patience, discipline, and resilience.

With sincere intention, we can witness the miracles of this practice.

I will add one more section to analyze how this success was achieved.