The six days of Shawwal: Completing the reward of a year

The Six Days of Shawwal: Completing the Reward of a Year with Quran and Hadith References

In Islam, fasting holds a special place as one of the most significant acts of worship, particularly during the blessed month of Ramadan. However, fasting doesn’t conclude with the end of Ramadan; instead, there are additional voluntary fasts that bring immense rewards and further enhance the believer’s spiritual connection with Allah (سبحانه وتعالى).

Among these voluntary fasts, the six days of Shawwal hold exceptional value. Fasting these six days, which are observed in the month of Shawwal, following Eid al-Fitr, offers the opportunity to complete the reward of a full year of fasting. This blog post will delve into the significance of fasting the six days of Shawwal, their rewards, and the supporting Quranic verses and Hadiths that emphasize their importance.

The Concept of Voluntary Fasts in Islam

While fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory for every able Muslim, voluntary fasts are also highly recommended and carry immense rewards. These fasts, performed outside of Ramadan, help believers attain spiritual benefits and further strengthen their bond with Allah (سبحانه وتعالى). Voluntary fasts are a way to earn extra rewards, seek forgiveness, and purify the soul.

One of the most well-known and widely practiced voluntary fasts is that of the six days of Shawwal. These fasts are observed after Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) highly recommended fasting these six days, as it is said that fasting them brings the reward of fasting for an entire year.

The Significance of the Six Days of Shawwal

The six days of Shawwal are observed after Eid al-Fitr and are based on the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). The act of fasting on these days is considered highly meritorious, and it is said to complete the reward of fasting for a full year.

The Hadiths explaining the virtues of fasting these six days are recorded in the most authentic collections, such as Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari. These fasts carry special blessings, and the reward is not just for those who fast these days in the traditional sense, but for all those who observe them with sincere faith and intention.

The Virtue of Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal

The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said about fasting the six days of Shawwal:

“من صام رمضان ثم أتبعه ستاً من شوال كان كصيام الدهر.”
Sahih Muslim
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for an entire year.”

This Hadith clearly states the immense reward of fasting the six days of Shawwal. It is equivalent to fasting an entire year, as the reward of one good deed in Islam is multiplied by ten. Since fasting during Ramadan is considered an obligatory act of worship, completing it with six additional voluntary fasts makes the reward even more significant. Thus, those who fast these six days can earn the reward of fasting for a whole year.

Why Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal?

Completion of the Reward of Fasting

As mentioned in the Hadith above, fasting the six days of Shawwal is considered equivalent to fasting for an entire year. This is because of the multiplication of rewards in Islam. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) promises to reward believers generously for their good deeds, and fasting during Ramadan is already an act that brings tremendous blessings. By adding the six days of Shawwal to the fast of Ramadan, one effectively completes the reward of fasting for the entire year.

Expressing Gratitude After Eid

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of intense worship, prayer, fasting, and reflection. After the completion of Ramadan, Muslims often celebrate with family and friends, and it is a time of joy and festivity.

However, Islam encourages that after the Eid celebrations, believers should continue their acts of worship, and fasting the six days of Shawwal is a way to express gratitude to Allah for the strength and patience shown during Ramadan. These six days serve as an extension of Ramadan and help maintain the momentum of spiritual growth.

Earning Continuous Reward

Fasting the six days of Shawwal helps to ensure that the rewards of Ramadan continue to accumulate even after the month has ended. This is important because fasting is an ongoing means of earning reward, and observing these additional fasts ensures that a believer’s worship is uninterrupted and consistent.

How to Fast the Six Days of Shawwal

Fasting the six days of Shawwal follows the same rules and regulations as fasting during Ramadan. The fast must begin before dawn (Fajr) and end at sunset (Maghrib). Muslims are encouraged to make the intention (niyyah) for fasting before dawn each day, and the fast should be observed with sincerity and devotion.

The six days of Shawwal are not consecutive, meaning that they do not have to be fasted on six consecutive days. A person can choose to fast them on any six days within the month of Shawwal, as long as they are completed within this month.

It is also important to note that the six days of Shawwal are voluntary fasts and not obligatory. Therefore, if someone is unable to fast due to illness, travel, or any valid reason, they are not required to make up for these fasts. However, it is highly recommended to observe them whenever possible to gain the immense rewards promised by the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).

The Quranic Reference to Voluntary Fasts

While the Quran does not specifically mention fasting the six days of Shawwal, it does emphasize the importance of fasting in general and the rewards it brings. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says in the Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

This verse establishes the importance of fasting as a means to achieve taqwa (God-consciousness), and fasting the six days of Shawwal serves to further strengthen this connection with Allah. It is a way to increase one’s spiritual devotion and to demonstrate gratitude for the blessings received during Ramadan.

Additional Quranic Verses on Fasting

The Quran also highlights the spiritual benefits of fasting:

وَأَنْتُمْ صَائِمُونَ فِي قُدَمِي رَبِّكُمْ فَأَفْلَحُوا
Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:35
“And those who fast, when they reach the end of their period, they succeed.”

These verses and others remind Muslims of the immense value of fasting and the reward it carries in this life and the hereafter.

The Role of the Hadiths in Encouraging Voluntary Fasting

The Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) play a vital role in encouraging Muslims to observe voluntary fasts, such as the six days of Shawwal. In addition to the Hadith mentioned earlier in this article, the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:

“من صام رمضان ثم أتبعه بستة أيام من شوال فذلك صيام الدهر.”
Sahih Muslim
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, that is equivalent to fasting for an entire year.”

This Hadith is a clear indication of the importance of fasting the six days of Shawwal and the reward that comes with it. It reminds Muslims that the reward for these fasts is multiplied by ten, thus providing the equivalent of fasting an entire year.

The Rewards of Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal

The rewards of fasting the six days of Shawwal are multifaceted. They include:

• Forgiveness of Sins: Fasting these six days serves as an expiation for the sins committed during the previous year, providing an opportunity for the believer to purify themselves.

• Spiritual Renewal: The six days of Shawwal offer an opportunity for spiritual renewal, helping Muslims maintain their connection with Allah after Ramadan.

• Reward of Fasting for a Year: As mentioned earlier, fasting these six days is equivalent to fasting an entire year, a reward that multiplies the benefits of fasting during Ramadan.

• Completion of Ramadan: Fasting these days is a means of completing the acts of worship from Ramadan, ensuring that the worship remains consistent and continuous.

• Increased Taqwa: Fasting in Shawwal helps increase a person’s taqwa (God-consciousness) by providing an ongoing opportunity for devotion and worship.

Conclusion

Fasting the six days of Shawwal is a Sunnah that brings immense rewards and spiritual benefits. By fasting these six days, Muslims complete the reward of fasting for an entire year and continue to earn the blessings of Ramadan.

It is a chance to express gratitude to Allah for the strength to observe Ramadan, to seek forgiveness for past sins, and to purify the soul. Through the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, we are reminded of the value of these voluntary fasts, which allow us to stay connected to Allah and earn continuous rewards. May Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) grant us the ability to observe the six days of Shawwal and accept our fasts, prayers, and supplications.