fasting on the last 9 days of zul-hijjah

[Unregistered]

Asslamualaikum
If one has the intention of fasting during the last 9 days of this month, is it compulsory to fast for all the 9 days or can one fast any number of days during this period and is it sunnah?

[Mufti Yusuf Moosagie]

Walaikum Salaam Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu

It is Mustahabb to fast the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah. It would be meritorious if one could fast all 9 days. If one is not able to do that, then one is free to fast as many days as one would like. It is not necessary to fast all 9 days( even thou you may have made the intention to do so).

There is special virtue for the fast of the 9th of Dhul Hijja is Sunnah. Abu Qataadah (radhiyallahu anhu) reported that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: "I have hope in Allah Ta'ala that the fast of Arafaat will be an atonement for the sins of the past and the forthcoming year." (Tirmidhi)
Hashatut Tantawi 526

AND ALLAH TA'ALA KNOWS BEST