The Virtue of Fasting in Shawwal Month and Its Spiritual Benefits After Ramadan

Fasting in shawwal month is a highly recommended Sunnah of great rewards. It is the doorway to completing the reward of fasting the entire year; it is a sign of gratitude and steadfastness and further brings closeness to Allah.

Every Muslim is encouraged to benefit from this opportunity for greater purification and closeness to Allah.

Why Fasting in Shawwal Month is Highly Recommended

Fasting in shawwal month, the very next month of Ramadan, is highly recommended in Islam due to the immense spiritual rewards and blessings it has to offer.

1. Fulfillment of Reward for a Complete Year of Fasting

The primary benefit of Fasting in shawwal month and the six days in Shawwal is due to the immense reward associated with it. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then completes it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole year” (Sahih Muslim, 1164)

This hadith shows that fasting six days of Shawwal following the performance of the obligatory fasts of Ramadan is rewarded to the level of fasting for the whole year. The reason is that, according to Islamic calculations, the amount of good work increases tenfold. So:

• 30 days of Ramadan × 10 = 300 days
• 6 days of Shawwal × 10 = 60 days
• Total = 360 days, which is almost a full lunar year.

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2. Showing Gratitude and Regularity

Fasting in shawwal month after Ramadan also indicates that a Muslim is committed to continuous worship and submission. The practice is a way of showing thanks to Allah for allowing one to complete the blessed month of Ramadan. Allah states in the Qur’an:

“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7)

By continuing to perform acts of worship after Ramadan, a believer gives thanks for being able to fast and for the divine blessings attained.

3. Fasting in shawwal month is an Indication of Acceptance of Ramadan Fasting

Scholars state that among the signs that Ramadan has been accepted is the continuation of performing good deeds afterwards.

Just like how a person who can achieve something will continue to pursue it with the same action, Fasting in shawwal month means that a person’s Ramadan has been accepted and they desire to continue keeping Allah content.  

Hadiths on the Reward of Fasting Six Days of Shawwal

One of the most famous hadiths on fasting in shawwal month is: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then adds to it six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole year.” (Sahih Muslim, 1164)

This hadith particularly emphasizes the immense reward for fasting six days in Shawwal. Scholars explain that since righteous deeds are multiplied ten times in Islam, fasting thirty days in Ramadan is as good as 300 days, and fasting six additional days in Shawwal is as good as 60 days, making it 360—equivalent to one complete year.

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Common Questions About Shawwal Fasting (Start Date, Gaps, and More)

Here are some of the most common questions about fasting in shawwal month:

1. When Can I Start Fasting in Shawwal?

You may begin fasting the six days of Shawwal immediately after Eid al-Fitr, which falls on the 1st of Shawwal. However, since fasting is forbidden on the day of Eid, the earliest you can begin is on the 2nd of Shawwal.

2. Do the Six Days of Fasting Need to Be Consecutive?

No, the six days of fasting during Shawwal month need not be consecutive. Scholars agree that fasts may be performed:

• Consecutively, one following the other, or Separately, spread over the whole month.
• Both ways are acceptable and valid. The important thing is to complete six days of Fasting in shawwal month.

3. Can I Combine Shawwal Fasting With Missed Ramadan Fasts?

This is a frequently asked question. There are two scholarly views:

• Opinion 1 (Majority view): First, one needs to make up for lost Ramadan fasts before keeping the six days of Shawwal, because the hadith states, “Whoever fasts Ramadan.”—assuming complete completion of Ramadan initially.
• Opinion 2 (Minority view): One can combine intentions—making up for a lost Ramadan fast while intending also to acquire the reward of fasting in Shawwal.
• To stay safe and acquire maximum reward, it is best first to recover from any lost fasts, then to adhere to the six days of fasting throughout Shawwal month.

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4. What If I Cannot Fast All Six Days in Shawwal?

In case one is not able to fast all six days due to illness, menstruation, journeying, or other valid grounds, there is no sin, but the full reward cited in the hadith may not be attained.

Although, you will still receive the reward for your intention and any Fasting in shawwal month which you are capable of, as Allah says:

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:286)

5. Can I Fast on Fridays or Saturdays in Shawwal?

Yes, fasting on Fridays and Saturdays during Shawwal is fine as long as it is not isolated without another preceding or succeeding day, unless it coincides with a normal or desired fast.

Since fasting in shawwal month is a commendable act, it is okay to have Fridays or Saturdays included among the six days, provided that it is not done as an isolated day without an appropriate reason.

How to Make the Most of Shawwal After Ramadan

The month of Shawwal starts a new spiritual chapter after the holy month of Ramadan. While Ramadan forms part of fervent worship and reflection, Shawwal gives Muslims the golden opportunity to continue their devotion and maintain the spiritual steam.

Fasting in shawwal month is one of the acts recommended for this month, and it has great reward and value in Islam.

1. Fasting in Shawwal Month: A Highly Rewarded Sunnah

One of the best ways to get the most out of Shawwal is by fasting six days throughout the month. This is based on a sound hadith of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year.” (Sahih Muslim, 1164)

2. Extend Acts of Worship After Ramadan

Ramadan normally encourages Muslims to do more acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qur’an, charity, and remembrance of Allah (dhikr). Shawwal is a month when such a practice has to be maintained and even strengthened. Allah reminds in the Qur’an:

“So stand firm as you have been ordered.” (Surah Hud, 11:112)

Consistent good behavior is close to Allah, according to the hadith:

“Best are those acts to Allah, even if limited, which continue unremittingly.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6465; Sahih Muslim, 783)

Committing to some level of worship after Ramadan ensures one’s devotion to Allah doesn’t slack.

3. Ponder and Create Spiritual Objectives

Shawwal is also a good time to look at spiritual progress through Ramadan and make goals for the rest of the year. This may include:

• Memorizing portions of the Qur’an
• Improving prayer frequency
• Increasing charity
• Adding Fasting in shawwal month as well as other voluntary fasts like Mondays and Thursdays
• Self-reflection and goal-setting align with the prophetic guidance to constantly try to improve oneself and increase pieties.

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Conclusion

Fasting in Shawwal month is an extremely recommended practice with strong support from genuine hadiths. It is rewarded with a whole year of fasting and shows the sincerity, thankfulness, and continued devotion of a believer.

Muslims are urged to take advantage of this blessed chance by fasting six days of Shawwal in a row or spaced out during the month and thus earn the gigantic rewards promised by the Prophet ﷺ.

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FAQs

Can we fast in the month of Shawwal?

Yes, fasting in the month of Shawwal is highly recommended, especially for six days after Eid al-Fitr.

Do you have to fast 6 days of Shawwal consecutively?

No, you do not have to fast the 6 days of Shawwal consecutively—they can be spread throughout the month.