The many virtues of fasting the six days of Shawwal
The month of Shawwal is here and you really don’t want to miss out on fasting six days this month.
Here’s why.
You will be rewarded for an entire year of fasting.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Fasting Ramadan and following it with six days from Shawwal is like continual fasting”.
(Sahih Muslim)
The wisdom behind this reward is due to the basis of good deeds being rewarded ten-fold by Allah. So if someone were to fast the 30 days of Ramadan along with the 6 days of Shawwal, he would be rewarded for 360 days of fasting (i.e. approximately one year).
It is a sign of an accepted Ramadan
Many scholars have stated that being able to continue a good deed is a sign of its acceptance from Allah. Therefore, continuing to fast after Ramadan is a sign that your fasting was accepted.
Consistent deeds are beloved deeds
These six fasts are also an example of consistent deeds. The most beloved deeds to Allah and His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ are those that are consistent, even if they are small.[1]
Allah loves those who rush in good
In the Quran, Allah speaks highly of those who rush to perform good actions.
“And hasten towards good deeds”.(Quran 2:148)
Prophet Musa also states in Surah Taha:
“And I hastened to you my Lord, so that you may be pleased”.(Quran 20:84)
Although scholars have differed over whether or not the six days of fasting should be carried out in succession directly after Eid, all have cautioned Muslims to avoid delaying the fasts to the extent that they may miss out on completing the six days.
If you cannot fast the days and you are excused, we pray Allah gives you the full reward as per your intention.
As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us:
“Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have what he/she intended”.
(Bukhari and Muslim).
