Index

Fasting six days in the month of shawwal

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

2026-06-01 (Dhul-Hijjah 1447) №6.


Heal your nerves... with flowers

Gardening is not just a fun hobby, it is also an effective way to improve your mental health, especially for women.   Research shows that gardening and horticulture can significantly reduce anxiety, depression and stress. Scientists have found that gardening can be even more effective than...


What to Give a Man: Holiday Ideas

Choosing a gift for a man is not an easy task. While a woman might be delighted with flowers or a box of chocolates, not every woman can immediately think of what to give a man.   We wish the gift to be not only pleasant but also meaningful. If you are tired of racking your brains over what...


Conqueror of the World: The Story of Dhul-Qarnayn

The millennia-long history of the human race holds many enigmas shrouded in mystery. They are also called the mysteries of history, which remain to be solved or are already impossible to solve.   Could humans hypothetically accomplish this or is their cognitive arsenal incapable? For...


Fatigue: The Main Enemy of Family Happiness

We all know that a harmonious relationship between husband and wife is not just a happy accident. Behind those intimate conversations, sweet smiles and warm family evenings lies the hard work of both husband and wife. It is their ability to forgive, empathise and inspire each other.   Yes,...


A Coin of a Caliph Dawud

Once, the owner of an ancient Muslim coin, knowing that I am an expert on Kufic dirhams, contacted me online, asking me to tell him what kind of coin it was, where and who minted it.     According to that person, the coin was found with a metal detector on the banks of the Oka River...