As the sacred month of Ramadan ends and the celebration of Eid fills the air with joy, mantle of intense worship, fasting, and reflection, is carried forward by the month of Shawwal. And we know that one of the most rewarding acts in this month is fasting for six days, known as Sawm al-Sitt min Shawaal.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised this practice in a hadith: “Whoever fasts in Ramadan and then follows it with days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime”. (Sahih Muslim)
At first glance, this might seem symbolic—but there’s a profound spiritual and mathematical wisdom behind it. In Islam, each good deed is multiplied tenfold. Fasting the 30 days of Ramadan is equal to 300 days. Add six more days in Shawwal, and you gain 60 more—making it equivalent to a full year.
But this practice goes beyond reward. It teaches consistency. Ramadan reshapes our habits and refines our hearts—but Shawwal is where that transformation is tested. Fasting after Eid shows that our devotion wasn’t seasonal. It reflects a sincere desire to continue growing spiritually and to maintain our connection with Allah.
These six fasts are also a beautiful expression of shukr—gratitude. After experiencing the immense blessings of Ramadan, returning to fasting shows that our love for worship is still alive. It humbles the soul and reminds us that our journey toward Allah is ongoing, not confined to one month.
Another beauty of these fasts is their flexibility. They don’t need to be consecutive—you can spread them throughout Shawwal based on your routine. This accessibility makes the act manageable for students, professionals, parents, and anyone with a busy schedule. Islam encourages ease, and these fasts reflect that divine mercy.
If someone missed obligatory fasts in Ramadan due to illness, travel, or menstruation, scholars generally recommend making those up first before fasting the six of Shawwal. However, there are differing views. Some scholars, based on leniency and the time-bound nature of Shawwal, allow fasting the six days first, with the intention to make up missed fasts later. As with many acts in Islam, what matters most is sincere intention, conscious effort, and seeking Allah’s pleasure.
While this practice is widely accepted and the hadith is narrated in Sahih Muslim, a minority of scholars have raised concerns about its emphasis or authenticity. Though these opinions don’t negate the practice, they reflect Islam’s rich scholarly tradition and the importance of respecting differing views within the Ummah.
Fasting in Shawwal extends the spiritual growth of Ramadan. It reflects sincere faith, consistency in devotion, and a heart that seeks closeness to Allah every day—not just in Ramadan, but all year long.
| Blogpost contributor: |
| Azrin Arefeen |
| While small in stature and age, this Aussie muslimah teenager makes waves with her excellent written work that draws excellence from her head being buried in books and her mind seething with reflection. |