the month three days, for every good deed is rewarded tenfold, and that is equivalent to fasting for a lifetime.”

I said, “I have the strength for something better than that.” He replied, “Then fast one day and break the fast for two.” I said, “I can manage something better than that.” He said, “Then fast one day and break the fast the next; that is the fast of David, peace be upon him, and it is the most balanced form of fasting.”

In another wording he said, “It is the best kind of fasting.” I said, “I have the strength for something better than that.” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “There is nothing better than that.” By Allah, had I accepted the three days the Messenger of Allah ﷺ advised, it would have been dearer to me than my family and my wealth.

Another narration reads: “Was I not informed that you fast by day and stand in prayer at night?” I replied, “Indeed, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Do not do that: fast and break your fast; sleep and stand in prayer; for your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, your wife has a right over you, and your guest has a right over you. It suffices you to fast three days each month; every good deed is rewarded tenfold, and that equals fasting for a lifetime.”

I persisted, so he made the matter stringent for me. I said, “O Messenger of Allah, I have the strength.” He said, “Then observe the fast of Allah’s prophet David and do not exceed it.” I asked, “What was the fast of David?” He said, “Half the days.” After he grew old, ʿAbd Allah used to say, “How I wish I had accepted the concession of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.”

Still another wording states: “Was I not informed that you fast continually and recite the Quran every night?” I replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah, and I meant only good by that.” He said, “Then observe the fast of Allah’s prophet David, for he was the most devout of people; and recite the Quran once a month.” I said, “O Prophet of Allah, I have the strength for something better than that.” He said, “Then recite it every twenty days.” I said, “O Prophet of Allah, I can do better than that.” He said, “Then recite it every ten days.” I said, “O Prophet of Allah, I can do better than that.” He said, “Then recite it every seven days, and do not go beyond that.”

I pressed the matter, so he pressed harder upon me and said, “You do not know; perhaps a long life will be granted to you.” So I abided by what the Prophet ﷺ had instructed, and when I grew old I wished that I had accepted the concession