Salam o Alaikum!
Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, is singled out for the observance of six voluntary fasts. These fasts are followed immediately after the Fard fasting observed during the Holy month of Ramadan.
That said, it should be noted that it is prohibited to fast on the day of Eid. Therefore, one must wait until after the day of Eid al-Fitr to fast the six days of Shawwal.
The concept of fasting in Shawwal is defined in several Hadiths. While observing this duty is not obligatory for Muslims, it is still considered more virtuous to dedicate six more days to fasting the same way we do during Ramadan.
Also, observing fasts in Shawwal and cultivating our time in Allah (SWT) ’s remembrance equals observing a fast every day, earning us as many rewards.
Its proof and significance are underlined at several points in different Hadiths, such as:
“He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. it would be as if he fasted perpetually.” – Sahih Muslim: 1164(a)
Similarly, it is declared in another Hadith:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six from Shawwal, then that is (equal in reward) to fasting every day.” – Tirmidhi: 759
Considering the virtue and blessings of observing the six voluntary fasts of Shawwal, it indeed is a means of paving our way to Jannah. May Allah (SWT) accept our good deeds and allow us to become better Muslims every day. Ameen.
