Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 346
Prohibition of Extending Fast beyond one Day

1764. Abu Hurairah and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Prophet (PBUH) prohibited observing continuous voluntary fasts beyond one day.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1765. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited observing continuous fasts beyond one day. The Companions submitted: "But you do it.'' He replied, "I am not like you. I am given to eat and to drink (from Allah).''
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:
1. Through this Hadith we learn that in certain matters the Prophet (PBUH) had some specific injunctions which were obligatory for him but not for his Ummah. Such things were permissible for him but not for his followers. All these things are called his special distinctions. It is not permissible for Muslims to follow such practices. One of these things is Saum Al-Wisal, which means to observe fast for several days at a stretch without taking any food. Since Allah had granted him special power and patience, he could observe fast continuously for days. As his followers are not endowed with that energy and patience, they are not permitted to do so.

2. "I am not like you'' does not mean that "I am not a man like you,'' because such an interpretation goes against a categorical statement of the Qur'an to the effect that "I am a man like you''. What the statement "I am not like you'' really means is "you do not possess that special power which has been granted to me.''

3. "I am given to eat and to drink'' signifies that Allah (SWT) provides him with the strength and energy which he can derive from food and drink without necessarily having them.