Just like that, the month of Ramadan has passed, leaving us with memorable moments spent fasting, preparing Iftar/Suhoor meals, going to the masjid for Taraweeh, and enjoying the blessings that came with the month.
Now, many people wonder what to do next. How can we maintain the spirit of Ramadan even though it is over? Well, our Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave us a simple solution to fast next month when Shawwal comes after Ramadan. He said:
“He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. It would be as if he fasted perpetually (the entire year).”
(Sahih Muslim 1164)
Shawwal fasting offers great rewards and blessings, as well as the opportunity to atone for any sins committed during Ramadan. However, keep in mind that Shawwal fasts are not intended to compensate for missed fasts during Ramadan (for that, you must pay either Fidya or Kaffarah, depending on your reasoning).
Fasting in Shawwal for six days has separate rewards and virtues that can be earned by observing them. So, what are these rewards? Let's discuss them in more detail so you can start preparing for these fasts when the time arrives.
What is Shawwal?
Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and begins its first day with Eid ul-Fitr just after Ramadan. The celebration marks the end of the month of worship in Ramadan.
Shawwal is derived from the Arabic verb shāla (شَالَ), meaning to carry or lift from one place to another. For this reason, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) recommended fasting for any six days during Shawwal to carry on the fasting started during Ramadan and gain extra rewards or make up for any shortcomings.
When is Shawwal 2025?
Eid ul-Fitr and the first day of Shawwal are expected to begin on the 31st of March 2025. However, this is not the confirmed date yet. It is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon.
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Virtues of Fasting Six Days in Shawwal
Let's discuss in more detail the virtues and benefits of fasting during Shawwal:
1. Completing Any Shortcomings in the Ramadan Fast
Just like we pray extra sunnah prayers to complete and perfect our obligatory prayers, fasting for any six days in Shawwal helps to make up for any shortcomings in our Ramadan fast. Sometimes, we may have fasted but didn’t do our best — perhaps we got angry, wasted time, or missed out on good deeds.
These six fasts help to complete what we might have missed. The Prophet (PBUH ) said that if our fard (obligatory) deeds are lacking on the Day of Judgment, Allah (SWT) will look at our extra good deeds to fill in the gaps. (Tirmidhi 413)
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory, and any shortcomings must be compensated by Fidya or Kaffarah.
2. Reward Like Fasting the Whole Year
The Prophet (PBUH) said that whoever fasts Ramadan and then adds six days in Shawwal, it’s as if they fasted for the entire year! (Sahih Muslim 1164). While fasting for the entire year without a break is considered non-rewarding, according to the Prophet (PBUH). He instructed his companions, who wished to fast for an entire year continuously, to fast on alternate days. He said:
"There is no fasting for the one who fasts perpetually (without a break)."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1978)
However, if we wish to gain the rewards of fasting for an entire year without actually doing it, we can fast for any six days during Shawwal.
3. Sign That the Ramadan Fast Was Accepted
When we do good deeds and continue doing more good afterwards, it’s a sign that Allah (SWT) has accepted our efforts. If we fast during Ramadan and then follow it with fasting in Shawwal, it shows that we are thankful and want to stay close to Allah (SWT). It’s a hopeful sign that our Ramadan fasts were accepted.
4. Staying Connected With Ramadan Spirit
Ramadan is a special time when we increase our worship, read more Quran, give more charity, and fast for the sake of Allah (SWT). Fasting in Shawwal helps us stay on that path and not lose the good habits we built during Ramadan. It’s a way to keep the momentum going and not let our worship fade away.
5. Show Gratitude to Allah (SWT)
One of the main benefits of fasting is that it fosters gratitude in the heart of the believer. The more we fast, the closer we get to Allah (SWT). Abstinence from food and drink for several long hours reminds us of the countless blessings of the Almighty one that we often take for granted.
Want to learn more ways to show gratitude to Allah (SWT)? Well, you can do plenty of other things, like dhikr, ibadah (worship), etc. Read our blog regarding five easy dhikr duas for showing gratitude to Allah (SWT) and getting maximum rewards.
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How to Fast During Shawwal?
Fasting the six days of Shawwal is not obligatory like Ramadan but is voluntarily carried out in the hope of its reward in accordance with the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Many different schools of thought have their own beliefs on how to observe these six days of fasting in Shawwal.
Islamic schools of thought have slightly different views on how to fast the six days of Shawwal. According to the Shafi'i school, it is preferred to fast these six consecutive days right after Eid, starting from the 2nd of Shawwal.
The Hanafi and Hanbali schools allow flexibility—you can fast any six days during Shawwal, whether consecutive or separate, based on your convenience.
The early Maliki school scholars discouraged it, fearing people might think it was obligatory. However, now, most encourage it but don’t consider it obligatory. They do say not to fast them consecutively or immediately after Ramadan.
You can check out more details about different schools of thought regarding fasting in Shawwal here.
Increase Your Blessings While Fasting in Ramadan and Shawwal
Check out our guide on 10 Powerful Duas for Ramadan! Want more tips, duas, and Islamic reminders straight to your inbox? Subscribe now and stay connected with more beneficial content throughout the year.
Conclusion
Fasting in Shawwal is a chance to earn huge rewards, show gratitude, complete your Ramadan, and stay spiritually strong. You don’t have to fast all six days in a row — you can spread them out across the month. The important thing is not to miss this opportunity to receive rewards, blessings and a chance to get closer to Allah (SWT).
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