Fasting Six days of the month of Shawwal

Fasting Six days of the month of Shawwal

Abu Ayyoub reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadhan and then follows it by fasting six days during the month of Shawwal will be rewarded as if he had fasted the entire year. [Muslim, at-Tirmithi, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood and Ahmad by way of Jabir].

These days can be anytime during the month of Shawwal except the first day because it is unlawful to fast the day of Eid. These days do not have to be at beginning of the month nor do they have to be consecutive. Hence, Muslims should seize this opportunity and fast these six days to get Allah’s reward.

Why the fasting of six days of Shawal after Ramadhan equates that of the whole year? Some `Ulamaa’ say that the good deed is rewarded ten times. Thus fasting six days is like fasting 60 days, added to 30 days of Ramadhan times 10 (i.e. 300) it makes it a year.

Fasting voluntary fasts whilst having days (outstanding) from Ramadhaan

Question: What is the ruling regarding the one who has days of fasting remaining from the month of Ramadhaan yet wishes to fast voluntary fasts or fast the day of ‘Aashooraa. (tenth day of Muharram)? For example, he wants to fast both the tenth and eleventh days with the intention of making up (the missed fasts of Ramadhaan) and not the fast of the day of ‘Aashooraa. Also, is it permissible for one to fast the day of ‘Aashooraa., even if he has fasts to make up from the month of Ramadhaan? And is it permissible for one who has days to make up from Ramadhaan to fast the Day of ‘Aashooraa. and the day before it or the day after it, with the intention of making up (what he has missed)?
Response: He should not do the voluntary fast whilst he has a day or days to make up from Ramadhaan. Rather, he should begin by making up that which he has (outstanding) from Ramadhaan, then do the voluntary fast. Secondly, if he fasted the tenth and eleventh days of the month of Muharram with the intention of making up that which he has (outstanding) from the days he did not fast in the month of Ramadhaan, then that is permissible and sufficient in making up two days from that which he has outstanding; For that which the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:
«The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended,…».
And with Allaah lies all the success, and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-’Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Volume 10, Page 401, Fatwa No.6774

Should fasting the six days of Shawwaal be done immediately after the day of ‘eed?

Question: Is the fasting of the six days (of Shawwaal) a must after the month of Ramadhaan immediately after the day of ‘eed, or is it permissible (to do so) after ‘eed by (a number of) days in the month of Shawwaal or not?
Response: It is not a must for him to fast immediately after ‘eed al-fitr, rather it is permissible to begin fasting after ‘eed by a day or (a number of) days. And (also) to fast them continuously or intermittently in the month of Shawwaal according to that which is easy for him. And the issue is quite open in this matter, and it is not obligatory, rather it is a sunnah.
And with Allaah lies all the success, and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Verdicts, comprising -
Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 2, Page 693, Fatwa No.698;
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-’Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Fatwa No. 3475

Unable to complete fasting the six days of Shawwaal, is there any sin for this?

Question: I began fasting the six (days) of Shawwaal, however I was unable to complete them because of extenuating circumstances and work. Now I have two days remaining, so what do I do O Eminence (Shaykh), do I make these days up or is there any sin upon me?
Response: Fasting the six (days) of Shawwaal is a recommended act of worship and not an obligation. So for you is the reward of that which you fasted of them, and it is hoped for you the complete reward if that which prevented you from fasting them all was an Islaamically acceptable reason. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:
«If the servant becomes ill or is travelling then Allaah writes for him that which he used to do when he was in good health and back at home (i.e. not travelling»), narrated by al-Bukhaaree
And there is nothing for you to make up for that which you left of them.
And with Allaah lies all success.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 2, Page 694, Fatwa No. 699;
  al-Fataawa libni Baaz – Kitaab ad-Da’wah, Volume 2, Page 172