The reward of a year of fasting
While fasting the entire month of Ramadan is an obligation on Muslims, fasting six days during the month of Shawwal is a sunnah that brings an abundance of reward. Since good deeds are rewarded in Islam 10 times their worth, fasting one month of Ramadan (equal to 10 months) and 6 days of Shawwal (equal to 60 days/ 2 months) brings the reward of fasting an entire year.
The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six [days] from Shawwal, it’s as if they have fasted a year” [Sahih Muslim].
Maintaining the spirit of Ramadan
It’s rarely sustainable to maintain the enthusiasm and commitment we show to worship in Ramadan. But Ramadan was never meant to be for the entire year – instead it is a catalyst for us to reset and recentre our lives on our true purpose – worshiping Allah.
Ramadan gives us a chance to see what we’re capable of, allowing us to increase our day-to-day worship all year long. Add that extra five minutes of Quran, that small but consistent donation, that weekly fast. After pushing ourselves in Ramadan, these acts seem much more possible.
An easy, slow push
Shawwal is the ideal springboard to kick us into action after Eid, pushing us to remember the joy and struggle of fasting, without the higher expectation of Ramadan.
You don’t need to fast the six days of Shawwal consecutively, so they are low pressure, and an easy, attainable reward that will seal the benefits of Ramadan. It’s easy to get lost in the post-Eid slump and procrastination – push yourself to fast Shawwal to reconnect with the rewarding feelings and connection of Ramadan.
A support for any shortcomings in Ramadan
When our prayers are judged on the Day of Resurrection, our sunnah prayers will be used to compensate for any missed or invalid prayers. So too can our sunnah fasts be used to compensate for any invalid fasts. Ensuring we build up a habit of fasting – even just once a month – throughout the year helps us to protect our Ramadan fasts, helping them to be accepted.
Can I make up missed fasts simultaneously with Shawwal
No – Shawwal fasts are a separate intention, but you can fast the six days of Shawwal first and then later make up for any missed fasts in Ramadan.
I fasted 6 days of Shawwal – what next?
Maintain this energy – continue fasting Mondays and Thursdays wherever you can to build up small, consistent good deeds.
The Prophet ﷺ was asked, "What deeds are loved most by Allah?" He said, "The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few." (Hadith Bukhari)
