What We Need to Know about the 6 Fasts of Shawwal
Assalamu alaikum brothers & sisters in Islam,
In these early days of the month of Shawwal, we all are encouraged to extend the momentum from Ramadan, by observing the six fasts of Shawwal.
The famous Hadith in Sahih Muslim states:
Commentary:The Commentators have explained that since every deed is multiplied ten times, by fasting in Ramadan we are actually rewarded for 300 days and not just the 30 in Ramadan. Therefore if we follow that up with 6 more, we will be rewarded for 60 days thereby attaining the reward of fasting for360 days.
**Benefit:**Fasting the 6days of Shawwal, makes up for any shortfall in a person's obligatory Ramadan fasts because no one is free of shortcomings or sins. According to a Hadith in Sunan Abi Dawood,on the Day of Judgment,Nafl (voluntary) fasts willbe taken to makeup for the shortcomings in one's obligatory fast.
When can I start fasting the 6 days of Shawwal?
You can start these fasts from the 2nd day of Shawwal.
Do the 6 days of Shawwal have to be fasted consecutively?
You can fast consecutively or separately during the month of Shawwal, according to whatever is easier for you. Although the best of good deeds are those which are done as soon as possible.
Can I start fasting the 6 days of Shawwal when I still have days (Qadha) to make up from Ramadan?
If you have missed some of the days of Ramadan, you should fast them first, then fast the 6 days of Shawwal.
Can I make a dual intentionwhen fasting (i.e. formakingup my Ramadan fasts and, at the same time,the 6 days of Shawwal)?
Although this is something permissible for Nafl (voluntary) acts,it is not correct to do it in thisQadha/Shawwal case, because you have, (a) a specific obligation to make up and, (b) a specific voluntary fast to perform,which requires separate intentions.
And Allah Ta'alaknows best.
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