All you need to know about the 6 days of Shawwal

The 6-day fasting in Shawwal is Sunnah, not Fardh (obligatory). However, the strengths and benefits of these six fasts are very special.

As narrated by Abu Ayyub, the Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six of the Shawwal, that (the reward is equivalent) to fasting daily.” Tirmidhi 759

This Hadith explains the importance of these 6-day fasting in the month of Shawwal. But we mostly become confused about the directions for the fasting this month. We have many questions like - Do I need to fast the missed Fardh in Ramadan before fasting the 6 days of Shawwal? Should I fast for 6 consecutive days or spread them out?

This article has covered some of the frequently asked questions about the 6-day fasting in Shawwal.

Question: Is it mandatory to fast for 6 days in Shawwal?

No, it’s not obligatory. However, it is advisable to fast for 6 days in Shawwal, as this voluntary act has great virtues and great rewards.

Question: What is the reward for Shawwal’s 6-day fast?

Abu Ayyub narrated that the great Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six of the Shawwal, that (the reward is equivalent) to fasting daily.” Tirmidhi 759

Question: When should we start a 6-day fast in Shawwal?

Fasting on the day of Eid (1st Shawwal) is prohibited. However, you can fast at any time during the month.

Question: Do I need to fast continuously (without breaks) for these 6 days?

Shawwal fasting may be observed consecutively or separately during the month, however, it is easier for individuals. Notably, it should be remembered that it is forbidden to pick single out Friday for fasting unless you fast the day before or the next day.

Question: Should we start 6-day fasting in Shawwal only once we’ve completed our missed Fardh fasts of Ramadan?

We will be able to observe the number of Fardh fasts missed during Ramadan: before beginning the six voluntary fasting of Shawwal, or after keeping the six voluntary fasting of Shawwal, or after the month of Shawwal. The rewards will be the same for the missed Fardh fasting, no matter when we observe them.

Question: Can we combine our missed Fardh fasts of Ramadan with the 6 days of fasting in Shawwal?

No, we can’t combine both intentions. Ramadan fasting is Fardh for Muslims, but Shawwal fasting is voluntary. The hadith also does not mention a combination of these intentions.

Question: Can we fast on Fridays in Shawwal?

It is forbidden to single out Fridays for fasting until one fast the day before or after the day as well.

Abu Huraira narrated that Prophet Muhammad states: “No one of you should fast on Friday unless he fasts the day before or the day after.” Sahih Muslim: 1144 (a)

Question: What if one takes the complete month of Shawwal to make up for his or her missed Fardh fasts (because of childbirth or every other cause whatsoever)? Can they still have a look at Shawwal fasts in the month afterward?

No, the six voluntary Shawwal fasts can best be determined throughout the month of Shawwal. A person (who desires to fast the more six days of Shawwal) ought to best have a look at their missed Fardh fasts first if they are convinced that they can still keep Shawwal fast in a given Islamic month. In any case, it’s best to perform the voluntary fasts straight away after the day of Eid.

Question: Is it possible to combine the fasting of the white days, which are the 13th, 14th and 15th of the Islamic month, with the 6-day of Shawwal fasting?

Yes, it’s okay to combine the intention of fasting on a white day with Shawwal’s 6-day voluntary fast.

Question: When anyone fasts for 6 days in Shawwal, can he or she fast on Monday and Thursday?

Yes, there is no problem with that. The person fasting will get the reward for observing fasts on Mondays and Thursdays. It’s Sunnah, and he’s also rewarded for voluntarily fasting Shawwal for six days.

ARR