Are the White Days obligatory?

The difference between Sunnah and obligation

The White Days are Sunnah, not fard (obligatory). They are strongly encouraged but not binding.

What do the hadith say?

Hadith show encouragement and advice, not command. They emphasize the reward but stop short of obligation.

Scholars’ explanations

• Hanafi: if you start a voluntary fast, you must complete it. Breaking it requires making it up later.
• Maliki: discourages binding oneself to specific voluntary days, but fasting the White Days is permitted.

Conclusion

The White Days are not obligatory, but the reward is immense. They are among the easiest ways to earn the reward of a lifetime of fasting. Read the full scholarly discussion here.