Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar which comes right after the month of Ramadan. The month of Shawwal is the perfect time to continue the good habits which we adopted in the month of Ramadan, especially the deed of fasting.

The fasting in the month of Shawwal has so much importance and is taught by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as well. The Muslims are forbidden to fast on the first of Shawwaal as it’s the day of Eid Ul-Fitr which is a gift from ALLAH (SWT) for fasting the whole month of Ramadan.

FASTING THE SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAL

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) taught us to fast the six days of Shawwal, either consecutively or separately. The Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on fasting six days of Shawwal is as follows

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six [days] from Shawwal, it’s as if they have fasted a year” [Sahih Muslim].

Above mentioned Hadith explains the significance of fasting the six days of Shawwal that a person who fasts in the month of Ramadan and then fasts the six days of Shawwal, then he will be rewarded as if he has fasted for the whole year.

Imagine, how much rewarding can these six days of fasting be for any Muslim, for normal human beings it is nearly impossible to fast for the whole year, but with the fasting in Shawwal anyone can get the rewards of fasting a whole year – Subhan Allah!

BENEFITS OF SIX DAYS OF FASTING IN SHAWWAL

Even though the fasts of Shawwal are non-obligatory but still whoever fasts in six days of Shawwal can enjoy many benefits and rewards from ALLAH (SWT).

• CONTINUING THE SPIRIT OF RAMADAN

 By fasting in the month of Shawwal, we get the chance to continue the good deeds which we used to do in the month of Ramadan. Fasting is something that is done wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm in the month of Ramadan, which can be continued in the month of Shawwal as well by fasting for six days.

• CHANCE OF REDEEMING

Fasts of Shawwal let us atone for any mistakes we made during the month of Ramadan. If we believe that we made a mistake or did not pray properly while keeping the fast in Ramadan, we can make up for it by keeping fast in the month of Shawwal. This voluntary fasting will raise our standing on the Day of Judgment and will also make up for our failings during the mandatory fasting.

• REFRESHES OUR SOUL

Fasting purifies the soul of the person. Those who fast in the month of Shawwal get the chance of refreshing and cleanse themselves spiritually again after the month of Ramadan. Six days of Shawwal is the golden period for those who want to heal themselves spiritually and want to reconnect with the Almighty ALLAH (SWT).

HADITHS ON FASTING IN SHAWWAL

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has taught us different ways to attain Divine pleasure and to get rewards and blessings from ALLAH (SWT) in this world and hereafter. Below are two hadiths that explain to us the significance of fasting in Shawwal

Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said

“There is no deed more beloved to Allah in the month of Shawwal than to fast six days. Whoever does that Allah will write for him a reward equal to fasting the entire year.” (Tirmidhi)

DUA FOR FASTING IN SHAWWAL

There is no specific dua or supplication for fasting in Shawwal, still, you can say these words when you intend to fast in the month of Shawwal.

“O Allah, bless us in the month of Shawwal, make it easy for us to fast these six days, and accept our fasting and good deeds. Ameen”.

In conclusion, fasting in the six days of Shawwal has unlimited advantages for Muslims and every Muslim must try to not skip the fasts of Shawwal. ALLAH (SWT) blesses the person who does good deeds with consistency as it is also mentioned in the Holy Quran:

“And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” (Quran 16:97)

About The Author