Assalaamu alaikum. Let’s learn the hadith that mentions the reward of fasting six days in Shawwal and the benefits attached to it.
Hadith On The Reward Of Fasting Six Days In Shawwal (Arabic)
عن أبي أيوب الأنصاري رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال
“مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ.”
(رواه مسلم)
Hadith On The Reward Of Fasting Six Days In Shawwal (English)
Narrated by Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.”
[Sahih Muslim 1164]
Explanation of the Hadith
This hadith is telling us the virtue of fasting six days in Shawwal after completing the obligatory fast of Ramadan. The Prophet (ﷺ) equates this act to fasting an entire lifetime, indicating its massive reward. There’s no doubt that we won’t want to miss this at all.
Fasting Ramadan is an obligatory act of worship, while fasting six days of Shawwal is a voluntary one. The combination of obligatory and voluntary deeds is highly commended in Islam, as it demonstrates a servant’s love for Allah and desire to draw closer to Him.
Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (رحمه الله) said in Lata’if Al-Ma’arif:
“Fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan is like performing the Sunnah prayers before or after the obligatory ones. These voluntary fasts compensate for any shortcomings in the obligatory fast.”
Thus, the virtue of Shawwal fasting is a tremendous opportunity for any believer seeking increased rewards and closeness to Allah. It is a small effort with massive returns, demonstrating gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan and keeping the continuation of good deeds alive. We should all try to observe this, and we can read answers to common questions on how to observe it here. Virtues of Shawwal Fasting
Rewards And Benefits Of Fasting Six Days In Shawwal
The reward of a lifetime of fasting
As mentioned in the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), fasting six days in Shawwal after completing Ramadan is equivalent to fasting the entire year. This is a remarkable opportunity to earn big rewards with minimal effort. It reflects Allah’s mercy in granting His servants ways to earn rewards beyond their imagination.
Imam An-Nawawi (رحمه الله) explained in Sharh Sahih Muslim:
“The scholars say that this is because good deeds are multiplied tenfold, so fasting these six days after Ramadan completes the reward of fasting an entire year
Strengthening Taqwa (God-consciousness)
Fasting is an act of worship that strengthens taqwa (God-consciousness). The discipline required to abstain from food, drink, and desires for the sake of Allah builds self-restraint and piety. By extending fasting beyond Ramadan, a believer will be able to maintain a high level of spiritual consciousness and awareness of his Creator, Allah.
Completing and perfecting Ramadan’s Fast
No one can guarantee that their Ramadan fasts were flawless. There may have been shortcomings or mistakes that can reduce the rewards of the fast. Fasting in Shawwal serves as an expiation for any deficiencies in our Ramadan fasts, just like Sunnah prayers compensate for imperfections in obligatory prayers.
Maintaining the continuation of worship
One of the challenges that many Muslims face after Ramadan is spiritual decline. The intense devotion, night prayers, and Quran recitation may slow down as daily routines resume. Fasting for six days in Shawwal keeps the spiritual energy alive, preventing a sudden drop in faith and maintaining consistency in worship.
A sign of sincerity in worship
A believer’s true sincerity is reflected in consistent worship. The eagerness to continue fasting beyond Ramadan indicates a deep love for Allah and a commitment to fulfilling His commands beyond obligatory acts.
Attaining higher ranks in Jannah (Paradise)
The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned that fasting is one of the greatest acts of worship that will bring a person closer to Jannah. Those who make voluntary fasting a habit increase their chances of entering Ar-Rayyan, the special gate of Paradise reserved for those who fast regularly.
Enhancing physical and mental health
Modern science confirms the health benefits of periodic fasting, which aligns with Islamic teachings. Fasting aids in digestive system recovery, detoxifies the body, improves metabolism, and enhances mental clarity. Fasting in Shawwal allows the body to transition smoothly after Ramadan rather than abruptly returning to unrestricted eating habits.
The reward of fasting six days in Shawwal should not be missed, as it brings big rewards with relatively little effort. We implore everyone of us to observe it before the month runs out. We ask Allah to grant us more Ramadan in this world, accept our devotion, and grant us His mercy, guidance, and admit us in into Jannah. Aameen.
