Fasting six days in the month of shawwal

Shawwal is the first of the three months of Ashhur Al-Hajj (months of the Hajj). Despite the main rites of the Hajj being performed in the first ten days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the entire period from the first day of the month of Shawwal to the tenth of Dhul-Hijjah is considered as the period of the Hajj.

This month also contains a unique opportunity for Muslims to draw closer to God. The opportunity lies in performing one of the best worships before the Almighty: observing the fast of six days of this month.

The importance of observing such a fast was emphasized by the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) himself. He said, “For whomsoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, it will be as if he had fasted the year through.” (Narrated by Ahmad)

Imam al Nawawi, in explanation of this hadith, said, “Scholars have explained that it is like observing a year of fasting because the reward of one’s good deeds is multiplied 10- fold. Therefore fasting the month of Ramadan is like fasting for ten months and fasting six days in the month of Shawwal is like fasting for two months.”

The wisdom of fasting for six days in Shawwal is the same as the wisdom of all the other additional desirable deeds that Allah has prescribed, so as to complete our obligatory deeds. Desirable fasting of six days in Shawwal is like ratibat (Sunna) prayer, which compensates for the shortcomings in obligatory prayers. The same way it compensates for the shortcomings we made in the month of Ramadan.

It is advisable to begin observing the six-day fast of the month of Shawwal immediately after Eid al-Fitr. However, one may fast not on six consecutive days, but separately, throughout the whole month. Fasting in the month of Shawwal is Sunna.

Therefore, those who have not missed fasts of Ramadan, can observe Sunna fasts on these days. And those who have debts for obligatory fasting are obliged first of all to make up for them. Thus, when one plans to observe the fast in the month of Shawwal, he is to declare his intention to make up for the missed days of obligatory fasting.

This will help those who have debts in fasts to absolve them. Observing the fast on these blessed days, they will receive a reward like a Sunna desirable fast. May Almighty God help us to do as many good deeds as possible with sincerity, for the sake of His pleasure. Amin.

ADIL IBRAGIMOV Theologian