THE CHAPTER ON FASTING · 54 – THE SECTION ON FASTING DURING FORBIDDEN MONTHS
According to the report from his father or uncle of Mujib al-Bahili, he came to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then returned to his homeland. After a year, he came again to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. His condition and appearance had changed. He said, “O Messenger of Allah, did you not recognize me?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Who are you?" He said, "I am Bahili who came to you last year." The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, asked, "Your form was beautiful; what changed it?" He said, “Since the day I departed from among you, I have not eaten except at night.”
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, then said, “Why did you torment your soul?” Then he said, “Fast the month of Ramadhan and a day from every month.” I said, "Increase for me; I have strength to fast more." He said, “Fast three days from every month.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Fast as much as you wish during the sacred months and leave off.”
Bahili said: Whenever the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded me to fast, he would curl his three fingers, and whenever he commanded me to leave off, he would release those three fingers.