Is perpetual fasting [Dawm al-Dahr] Islamically recommended for a young man who is unable to marry and fears falling into sin, and who finds in fasting a means to overcome his desires without weakening in his worship? And what is the ruling on combining the fast of David with fasting on Mondays and Thursdays for one who desires the greatest reward, given the permissibility of fasting on the day of breaking the fast for David’s fast if it coincides with a Monday or Thursday?

Scholars have differed on which is superior: perpetual fasting except for the forbidden days, or fasting every other day (the fast of David). The gist of the matter is that perpetual fasting is permissible, and the fast of David is superior because it is the most beloved fast to Allah.

If fasting every other day achieves the breaking of desire, then it is superior. However, if desire is not broken except by perpetual fasting, then that is superior. Some jurists have held that perpetual fasting is absolutely superior, provided it does not weaken one from acts of righteousness.

As for combining the fast of David with fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, the statements of the scholars regarding this have been previously explained.