A Complete Guide to 6 Days Fasting of Shawwal

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When Ramadan ends, many feel lost, wondering how to keep the spiritual momentum going.

We miss the special acts of worship during Ramadan, like fasting, Taraweeh, Laylatul Qadr, Itikaf, and the unique charm of Suhoor and Iftar. Worrying about losing the progress made during this sacred month is natural.

However, the beauty of Islam is that Allah (SWT) provides a way to continue building on this spiritual growth.

The 6 days fasting of Shawwal allows Muslims to extend the rewards of Ramadan. These fast deepen gratitude and maintain the discipline of fasting while continuing to earn Allah’s blessings.

Let’s explore how to observe these voluntary fasts and the rewards they bring.

Significance of 6 Days Fasting of Shawwal

Obligatory fasting in Ramadan and voluntary fasting in Shawwal month have immense rewards for the believers. It is not mandatory for Muslims to fast in Shawwal but it is the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). To maintain the habit and spirit of Ramadan Shawwal fasting plays a key role.

Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stated:
“Whoever has Ramadan fasts and follows it with six days of Shawwal will have the reward of a lifetime of fasting.”
(Narrated by Muslim 1164, Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasai, and Ibn Majah)

You may wonder: why exactly six days?

The answer lies in the multiplier effect during Ramadan and Shawwal. In these blessed months, each good deed is magnified tenfold.

Fasting throughout Ramadan is equivalent to ten months (or 300 days), and adding six days of fasting in Shawwal, representing two months (or 60 days), results in a complete year of fasting by the Hijri calendar.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) further clarified this by saying:
“Whoever fasts for six days after ‘Eid al-Fitr has completed the year, for every good deed (hasanah) is rewarded tenfold.”
According to another narration:
“Allah grants ten rewards for each good deed, making a month’s fast equal to ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.”
(al-Nasai and Ibn Majah; see also Sahih al-Targhib wa’l-Tarhib, 1/421)

Ibn Khuzaymah also narrated:
“Fasting during the month of Ramadan brings the reward of ten fasts. In contrast, fasting for six days earns the reward of two months, equating to fasting for an entire year.”

The Hanbali and Shafi'i scholars explain that fasting six days after Ramadan counts as a full year of obligatory fasts. This is because the reward is multiplied even for nafl (voluntary) fasts, with each good deed yielding a reward of ten.

Is Fasting in Shawwal Mandatory?

Fasting for six days in Shawwal following the important fast of Ramadan is classified as-Sunnah Mustahabbah. It is not mandatory (wajib).

While it is highly recommended for Muslims to observe these six days of fasting, it is not obligatory. Engaging in this practice holds great virtue and offers significant rewards.

How to Observe 6 Days Fasting of Shawwal Month?

There are various opinions among scholars regarding when Muslims should observe the six days of fasting in Shawwal. Not all agree that these six days must be consecutive. Muslims can have these voluntary fasts except on Eid's first day.

Abu ‘Ubaid said:
"I attended Eid with ‘Umar, who began with the prayer before delivering the khutbah. He said, ‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited fasting on these two days: the day of al-Fitr, which is for breaking your fast, and the day of al-Adha when you should eat from the meat of your sacrifices.’”
Musnad Ahmad: 163

1. Consecutive Fasting

Some scholars, such as al-Shafi’i and Ibn al-Mubarak, recommend fasting the six days consecutively. Muslims can start fasting from the second day of Shawwal. This approach emphasizes maintaining a continuous commitment to fasting and reaping the full benefits of these six days.

2. Intermittent Fasting

Other scholars, including Ahmad, Hanbal, and Waki, suggest that it is preferable to observe intermittent fasting. They recommend spreading the fasts out over the entire month of Shawwal. This provides flexibility and ease in fasting, allowing Muslims to still reap the rewards of their devotion.

3. Postponed Fasting

Another option for fasting in Shawwal is to observe it over three white days in the middle of the month, known as Ayyam Al Bid. It is Sunnah for Muslims to fast on the Ayyam Al Bid which are the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of each Islamic month. This practice is believed to be encouraged by Allah (SWT) for His followers.

In Shawwal, to complete the six days of fasting, the additional three days can be taken either immediately before or after fasting on Ayyam Al Bid. There is a great deal of flexibility in these approaches, and you are free to choose whichever method suits you best.

Making Up Missed Ramadan Fasts During Shawwal

The six days of fasting in Shawwal are not meant to compensate for missed Ramadan fasts. For missed fasts, Fidya or Kaffarah would be required, depending on the situation. Instead, they serve as a way to make up for any shortcomings in our behavior or actions during Ramadan.

Women can make up for missed Ramadan fasts during the month of Shawwal and still earn the reward for fasting the six days of Shawwal. However, the intention should be to make up for the missed fasts rather than to specifically fast for the six days of Shawwal.

According to Shafi’i scholars, if a person combines making up for the missed Ramadan fasts with the six days of Shawwal, they will fulfill their religious obligation and receive the reward for fasting the six days of Shawwal.

Note: Missed Ramadan fasts can be observed in any Islamic month. However, to observe the Shawwal fasts, it is mandatory to complete the missed Ramadan fasts first.

The Virtues of Shawwal Fasting

Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali highlights five key virtues that come with observing the sunnah fasting during the month of Shawwal:

1. Completing the Shortage in Ramadan Fasting

Just as we are encouraged to perform the sunnah rawatib prayers (qabliyah and ba’diyah) to complete our obligatory prayers, fasting the sunnah of Shawwal can complement the fasts of Ramadan.

A significant benefit of fasting for six days in Shawwal is that it compensates for any deficiencies in an individual's obligatory Ramadan fasts. Everyone has shortcomings or sins that may impact their fasting.

On the Day of Resurrection, some of a person's nafl deeds will be used to make up for any shortcomings in their compulsory deeds.

Tamim Dari reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“The first thing for which people will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection will be their salah (prayer).
Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels—though He knows best—‘Examine My servant’s salah.’
If it is complete, it will be recorded as such. However, if it is lacking, He will instruct, ‘Look to see if My servant performed any voluntary (nafl) prayers.
If he did, Allah would say, ‘Complete My servant’s essential actions with his voluntary deeds.’ This approach will apply to all his actions.”
Sunan Ibn Majah: 1426

2. Permanent Reward of Fasting Throughout the Year

As promised in the hadith from Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (PBUH) stated:
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it with six days of fasting in Shawwal, it will be as though they have fasted for the entire year.”
Riyad as-Salihin: 1254

3. Getting Used to Fasting After Ramadan as a Sign of Acceptance

When Allah (SWT) accepts a person's good deeds, He rewards them with the opportunity to continue doing more good deeds.

The reward of a good deed is another good deed. So, whoever performs a good deed and then follows it with another good deed, is a sign that the first one was accepted. Conversely, if a good deed is followed by a sin, it is a sign that the deed has been rejected.

After Ramadan, when a Muslim continues to fast, it serves as a hopeful sign. It suggests that their acts of worship may have been accepted by Allah. This includes fasting, offering prayers, and giving Zakat al-Mal, Zakat al-Fitr, and Sadaqah or Sadaqah Jariyah.

4. A Sign of Gratitude for Allah’s Blessings

A spiritual benefit of fasting in Shawwal is that it deepens gratitude in the believer’s heart. It serves as a way to give thanks for Allah’s blessings during Ramadan, including fasting, night prayers, and other acts of worship.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
[Bukhari and Muslim]

5. Staying Connected with Ramadan’s Worship Practices

Ramadan is a time to reset. As the Prophet (PBUH) has promised, if we worship sincerely throughout the month, we leave it with our sins forgiven. With this clean slate and renewed energy, we have the perfect chance to turn some of our Ramadan practices into lasting habits.

For instance, Muslims can spread their six days of fasting throughout Shawwal. Consider fasting on Mondays and Thursdays or during the three middle days of the month—both practices of the Prophet (PBUH).

This approach helps nurture a long-term habit of fasting on those days. Remember, the Prophet (PBUH) emphasized that Allah loves consistent actions, even if they’re small. Slow and steady truly makes a difference.

In conclusion, 6 days fasting of Shawwal, except the 1st Shawwal (Day of Eid al-Fitr), offers immense rewards and helps sustain the habit of fasting. It serves as a continuation of the virtues cultivated during Ramadan. Muslims can observe these fasts consecutively or on random days throughout the month.

Fasting in Shawwal brings unique benefits, emphasizing the significance of these six days and offering an opportunity to express gratitude to Allah. These fasts are not obligatory but are a voluntary way to seek additional blessings. Women are encouraged to first complete any missed Ramadan fasts and then observe the Shawwal fasts if they wish.

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WRITTEN BY

Ali Raza (Islamic Theology)

Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.