Fasting in Shawwal | Get Blessing and Reward for Entire Year
Fasting in Shawwal is six days of fasting after the whole month of Ramadan Fasting. According to Hadith fasting in the month of Shawwal make you eligible for the whole year fasting rewards and blessings.
Shawwal is the Islamic month that follows the month of Holy Ramadan. According to Sunnah and Hadith our beloved prophet (peace be upon him) practiced fasting for 6 days in the month of Shawwal.
The Shawwal Fasting can be done consecutively or separately throughout the month, but it is recommended to fast within the first ten days of Shawwal. This practice is not mandatory, but it is considered a highly rewarding act of worship in Islam.
In many hadith it has been mentioned if someone fast for 6 days (in the month of Shawwal) after whole month fasting in the month of Ramadan, it is equivalent to whole year fasting rewards.
Imagine you just have to do the fasting for 6 more days after the month of Ramadan and you’ll get the rewards and blessing of the whole year fasting.
It definitely, is a great reward from our Allah and great mercy on us. He knows that we cannot do the fasting for entire year.
Allah has blessed us and gave us an opportunity that if we observe fasting on top of Ramadan mandatory fasting, it will considered as if we have done fasting for the whole year.
How to Do Shawwal 6 Days Fasting
Unlike the month of Ramadan, in which you have to do the fasting for entire month for each day, Shawwal fasting is not mandatory.
It is your own choice, and you can choose the days of fasting as well as per your convenience. The fasting procedure i.e. Sahoor and Iftar timing remains same, however, selection of days could be of your choice.
If you find it hard to fast on working days, you can do the fasting on weekends. Or you can also choose to fast on alternative days or the days of your choice.
You just have to make sure to complete 6 days of fasting in the entire month of Shawwal.
Fasting 6 Days of Shawwal Hadith
Fasting in the month of Shawwal is a voluntary act of fasting observed by some Muslims after the month of Ramadan. It involves fasting for six days in the month of Shawwal, which is the month following Ramadan in the Islamic calendar.
The hadith regarding fasting in the month of Shawwal is narrated by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The hadith goes like this :
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal, it is as if they fasted the entire year.” (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith indicates the importance and reward of fasting in the month of Shawwal, as it is considered equal to fasting for an entire year.
It is important to note that this fasting is voluntary and not mandatory, but it is highly recommended for Muslims to observe it as an act of worship and devotion to Allah.
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts six days after Eid al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Sahih Muslim)
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The reward for fasting six days of Shawwal is like the reward for fasting the entire year.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
These Hadiths emphasize the importance and reward of fasting for six days in the month of Shawwal. Fasting these six days is not obligatory, but it is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam that can bring numerous spiritual benefits and rewards.
Shawwal Fasting Benefits
According to many Hadith if someone fast for 6 days in the month of Shawwal on top of fasting entire month of Holy Ramadan, it equivalents to as if you have fasted for the entire year.
Following are few major benefits of Shawwal Fasting:
Increased rewards
Shawwal Fasting is considered a voluntary act of worship, and therefore it carries a great reward in the eyes of Allah. According to multiple Hadiths, reward for fasting the six days of Shawwal is equal to the reward of fasting an entire year.
Strengthening of faith
Shawwal Fasting in can help Muslims strengthen their faith and improve their relationship with Allah. It is a way of showing devotion and dedication to Allah, and it can help deepen one’s understanding of Islam.
It is also a reminder that after the month of Ramadan, one should not forget the practices that he has followed in Ramadan. The habits and practices learned from the Ramadan, should be continued on entire year.
Improved health
Fasting has been shown to have several health benefits, including improved digestion, weight loss, and lower blood sugar levels. Fasting for six days in Shawwal can help Muslims continue the health benefits of Ramadan.
Purification of sins
Fasting is also considered a means of seeking forgiveness for one’s sins. This provides an opportunity and can help Muslims purify their souls and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings during Ramadan.
Increased self-discipline
Fasting requires a high level of self-discipline, as Muslims must refrain from food, drink, and other physical pleasures during the day.
This act of worship can help Muslims develop greater self-control and willpower, which can be beneficial in all areas of life.
It surely, is a reminder, that the lessons learned in the month of Ramadan, should be practiced and followed during the whole year.
Overall, fasting in the month of Shawwal can have numerous spiritual and physical benefits for Muslims, and it is a highly recommended act of worship in Islam.