The Blessing of Six Days of Shawwāl
After completing the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to fast six additional days in the month of Shawwāl.
The Great Reward
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwāl, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime' (Muslim 1164, Abu Dawud 2433).
How Does This Equal a Lifetime?
Scholars explain: Ramadan (30 days) equals 300 days of reward (×10), and six days of Shawwāl equal 60 days (×10), totaling 360 days—equivalent to a full year. Doing this every year equals perpetual fasting.
Important Rulings:
- When to Fast: Start from the 2nd of Shawwāl (not the 1st, as Eid fasting is prohibited)
- Flexibility: Can be fasted consecutively or separately throughout Shawwāl
- Completion of Ramadan: Must complete all obligatory Ramadan fasts first, including any makeup days
- Intention: Make the specific intention to fast the six days of Shawwāl
The Wisdom Behind This Practice:
• Gratitude: Shows thankfulness to Allah for enabling you to complete Ramadan
• Consistency: Prevents spiritual decline after Ramadan
• Sign of Acceptance: Scholars say that being guided to good deeds after Ramadan is a sign that your fasts were accepted
• Voluntary Worship: Supplements any deficiencies in obligatory worship
Recommendation:
Many scholars recommend fasting these six days immediately after Eid (starting from the 2nd) to seize the momentum of Ramadan, though it remains valid throughout Shawwāl.
Reference: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/7859