It is also probable that these traditions only intend to...
It is also probable that these traditions only intend to declare the legality of fasting on such days and deny that fasting on Fridays is forbidden because they are feast days.[^4] This could also mean to declare that such discommendation, if found, is cancelled out when fasting on Fridays becomes a continuation of a two or three day fast (beginning with Wednesday or Thursday).
Other traditions recommend fasting during misfortunes, tribulations, catastrophes, hardships, adversities, and natural disasters like earthquakes. On such occasions, it is highly advised to fast on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. On the last day, it is likewise advisable to pray to Almighty Allah for rescue from such catastrophes.
In addition, it is clear that when almsgiving is attached to fasting, the result will be removal of tribulations.[^5] Fasting during confinement in mosques ( i’tikaf ) is highly recommended. I’tikaf is a devotional practice that is attached to fasting under a vow of spending three days and two nights (that come in-between these days) at least in a mosque.
During this period of confinement, abstaining from some legal pleasures is practiced, such as sexual pleasures and using perfumes, as well as other matters the details of which are mentioned in the books on practical laws of Islam. The best time for practicing i’tikaf is the month of Ramadhan and specifically the last ten days of the month.
It is also preferable to practice it in famous mosques, such as the Sacred Mosque of Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, the Great Mosque of Kufah, the Great Mosque of Basrah, or the great mosques of one’s hometown. Further details can be found in books on jurisprudence. Finally, let us conclude this part by mentioning a number of points with regard to recommended fasting: First : It is better to conceal fasting and avoid showing it.
About one who conceals his fasting, Almighty Allah will order His angels, saying, “My servant has sought My protection against My chastisement; therefore, grant him protection.” He, the Almighty and Majestic, will also commission His angels to pray to Him for the one fasting.