THE SIX FASTS OF SHAWWAAL

The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever fasts during Ramadhan and then follows it with six days in the month of Shawwaal is like someone who fasted throughout the year." (Muslim)

In another Hadith, it is reported that by observing these six (Nafl) fasts of the month of Shawwaal, all mistakes and sins are forgiven. The reward of every good deed (approved by the Shari'ah) is counted ten times or even more. The reward of the 30 fasts of Ramadhan (i.e. one month) is equal to that of ten months of a year and that of these six Nafl Rozas of Shawwaal is equal to two months that remain to complete a year. Therefore, by observing the fasts of Ramadhan and the six fasts of Shawwaal, one will have a year of fasting as a reward.

It is important to note that it is not necessary to observe the six days of fasting consecutively to get this reward. They can be observed continuously after 'Eid or separately during the month of Shawwaal. However, it is forbidden to fast on the day of 'Eid.

May Allah give us the courage, health and Taufeeq‎‎ so that we can observe the fasts of Shawwaal! Ameen.

[English version of "Les six jeûnes de Shawwaal" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 7]