Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
What is the Background of Siyam in the Month after Ramadan?
Lamyaa Hashim
After having fasted for the month of Ramadan, although not an obligation, it is recommended to fast for six additional days of the following lunar month (Shawwal).
Many people might ask, "Didn't we just finish fasting for a whole month? Why the extra days?". Although Ramadan is over, fasting can be done at any time for extra benefits, according to one's capabilities, needs, or levels of spirituality.
What's So Special about Fasting in Shawwal?
Shawwal is the month directly following Ramadan, making it the tenth month of the lunar year in Islam. The first day of that month would be Eid-al-Fitr (or the Feast of Breaking the Fast) - which is calculated by sighting the new crescent moon. On the day of either Eid, it is forbidden to fast. They are days of celebration and feasting. Despite some current practices, the Eid days for both Eids are only one day each (some countries declare 4 days of eid, etc.).
This is based on the Prophet's, peace be upon him, words: "The Eid days in Islam are two".
Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, said: "Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the whole year (the word "dahr" is used, which some say might also mean lifetime instead of just year)."
Al-Bukhari (as related by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari)
How does that calculate? If, according to Islamic sources, the reward of a good deed is multiplied by ten, and you consider fasting Ramadan successfully as a good deed, it equals ten months of fasting. Likewise, if you fast for six days in Shawwal (which is still one of the four sacred months) and multiply that times ten, it equals sixty days (or two lunar months). Ten months added to two months equals twelve months, or one year.
How is it Performed?
There are several ways that this fast may be done, as long as the first day of the month is not included. Some people may choose to fast all six days in a row immediately after the first day. This is actually helpful in that the body is already used to fasting. There is no harm in performing the fast later in the month, whether it is one day after the other or random days during the month.
Also, for those who have missed a few days, whether due to menstruation, traveling, or illness, may opt to make up their missed days first (as these days are "Fard" or obligatory). After completing those they may choose to go ahead with the sunnah of fasting the six days of Shawwal. This may be helpful for those who fear that they will not make up their days by the next Ramadan for whatever reason. As with anything else, when one is in a habit of doing something, it is easier to do it - but when the habit is broken, it becomes more difficult to get back into it.
Conclusion
As with any act of worship, it is dependent upon intention (niyyah). If the intention is not there, then the act is fruitless. As Prophet, pbuh, said, "Actions are based on intentions". With regards to fasting, it is for the sake of Allah. If one does it to show off, or to diet or just out of habit alone, there is no use in doing it at all, whether during Ramadan, Shawwal, or any time.
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