THE SIX FASTS OF SHAWWAAL

The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever follows Ramadhan with six days of Shawwal is like someone who fasted throughout the year."

In another Hadith, it is reported that by observing these six Nafl fasts of Shawwal, all shortcomings and sins are forgiven. The reward for every good deed (approved by the Shari'ah) is multiplied by ten, 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 the reward for the six Nafl fasts of Shawwal is equivalent to two months, which complete the year. Thus, by observing the fasts of Ramadhan and the six fasts of Shawwal, one will receive the reward equal to a year of fasting.

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

May Allah grant us the strength, health, and Taufiq to observe the fasts of Shawwal! Ameen.

[English version of "Les six jeûnes de Shawwaal" – Al Haadi – Vol. 2 No. 7]