Introduction: Continuing the Spiritual Journey After Eid
After the blessed month of Ramadan, believers are given an opportunity to continue earning rewards through the six fasts of Shawwal. These voluntary fasts, when combined with the obligatory fasts of Ramadan, bring immense rewards and spiritual purification.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the entire year.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1164)
This Hadith highlights the incredible significance of fasting six additional days in Shawwal and shows how Allah’s mercy extends beyond Ramadan, allowing Muslims to continue earning rewards with minimal effort.
1. The Rewards of Fasting Six Days in Shawwal
A. Equivalent to a Year of Fasting
The Prophet (ﷺ) explained:
“Whoever fasts for six days after Eid al-Fitr, it will be as if he had fasted for an entire year, because every good deed is multiplied by ten.”
(Sahih Muslim, 1164)
Since one month of fasting (Ramadan) is equivalent to ten months of reward, and six days of Shawwal complete the remaining two months, it adds up to a full year of fasting.
B. Completing Any Shortcomings in Ramadan
Even though Ramadan fasting is obligatory, our worship is not always perfect. The six fasts of Shawwal act as a compensation, much like Sunnah and Nafl prayers complete deficiencies in Fard Salah.
Imam Ibn Rajab (RA) explained:
“Fasting after Ramadan is like praying Sunnah after the Fard Salah. It completes what was deficient in the obligatory fasts.”
C. Maintaining the Habit of Fasting
Shaytan is most active after Ramadan, trying to distract believers from their newfound discipline. The six fasts help retain the discipline of fasting and build consistency in good deeds.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you.”
(Surah Al-Hijr 15:99)“
2. Rulings on Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
A. Are the Six Fasts Obligatory?
No, the six fasts are Sunnah and highly recommended, but not obligatory. However, neglecting them without reason is a lost opportunity for great reward.
B. Should the Fasts Be Kept Consecutively or Separately?
Either method is permissible:
- One can fast six days consecutively after Eid (6th-11th Shawwal).
- One can fast them separately, spread throughout the month.
The reward remains the same, as long as all six are completed within Shawwal.
Imam Nawawi (RA) said:
“It is Sunnah to fast six days of Shawwal. It is permissible to fast them separately or continuously, but continuously is better.”
C. Can One Combine the Intention with Missed (Qadha) Fasts?
According to the Hanafi school, separate intentions should be made for Qadha (missed fasts) and the Sunnah fasts of Shawwal. However, some scholars allow combining the intention, but the full reward of the six fasts as mentioned in the Hadith may not be achieved.
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (RA) said:
“If a person has missed fasts of Ramadan, he must first make up those obligatory fasts before performing the six of Shawwal.”
3. Best Practices for Maximizing the Rewards of Shawwal Fasting
To gain the maximum spiritual and physical benefits, one should:
- Make the Intention Early: Plan your six fasts in advance.
- Start Soon After Eid: To maintain the habit of fasting.
- Combine with Mondays and Thursdays: As these are also Sunnah fasts.
- Recite Qur’an and Make Du’a: Engage in extra worship while fasting.
- Maintain Good Habits from Ramadan: Such as avoiding sins, praying Tahajjud, and making Dhikr.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6464)
4. Common Misconceptions About Shawwal Fasting
- “I have to fast all six days consecutively.”
False. They can be spread throughout Shawwal. - “I missed one day, so I won’t get the full reward.”
False. Completing all six within the month will earn full rewards. - “Women with missed Ramadan fasts must complete them first.”
Correct. Fulfilling Qadha fasts should take priority. - “Fasting Shawwal is obligatory.”
False. It is Sunnah but highly recommended.
5. 5. Spiritual and Health Benefits of Fasting in Shawwal
A. Spiritual Benefits
- Increases Taqwa (God-consciousness).
- Keeps the Ramadan spirit alive.
- Brings consistency in worship.
- Acts as a shield from sins and distractions.
B. Health Benefits
- Aids digestion after the Eid feast.
- Regulates metabolism and helps maintain weight loss from Ramadan.
- Improves self-control over eating habits.
- Boosts mental clarity and focus.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Fast, and you shall gain health.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, 3448 – Weak Hadith but accepted in practice)
6. Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity to Earn Year-Round Reward
The six fasts of Shawwal are an extension of Ramadan’s blessings, allowing believers to attain the reward of a full year of fasting with minimal effort.
Allah says:
“Whoever comes with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof.”
(Surah Al-An’am 6:160)
Final Action Plan:
- Commit to fasting six days of Shawwal.
- Plan your schedule to make it easier.
- Maintain the spiritual discipline of Ramadan.
- Encourage family and friends to partake in this Sunnah.
May Allah grant us the ability to fast the six days of Shawwal, accept our deeds, and grant us Jannah. Ameen.
