The month of Shawwal begins from the first day of Eid al-Fitr. While Eid marks the celebration and gratitude of Ramadan, Shawwal marks the end of it, but it carries the spirit of this holy month, as this month also carries an enormous reward.
Shawwal is known for the 6 supererogatory fasts, which contain immense rewards. Fasting in this month awakens the spirit of Ramadan fasting and is also easy, as people are used to fasting in Ramadan.
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.”
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him)- Muslim
These fasts can be kept continuously or with breaks in between, but they should be kept till the last day of Shawwal. However, fasting on the first day of Shawwal, which is Eid al-Fitr, is prohibited. Some people prefer to fast on Mondays or Thursdays or white days (13th, 14th, and 15th) of the Islamic Month.
All the commands of Allah have wisdom in them. Sometimes wisdom can be seen, and at other times it cannot. There may be many wisdoms behind a command. The important wisdom behind the fast in Shawwal is that, by this means, Muslims can continue the habit of good deeds, spiritual discipline, closeness to Allah, and self-control. Scholars also explained that the good deeds of Shawwal cover the minor shortcomings of Ramadan. It is a sign of gratitude that Allah allows us to complete the obligations of Ramadan and seek His mercy.
If one has to make up missed fasts, it is preferred to do so first before the six supererogatory fasts of Shawwal as the fulfilment of obligations are more important than the voluntary acts of worship.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramadan˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
[Qur’an | Surah al-Baqarah | 2:185]
Some scholars allow combining the intention of making up missed fasts with the six blessed fasts of Shawwal if the missed fasts are extensive. Apart from fasting, this month also helps continue other good deeds such as extra prayers, recitation of the Quran, charity to the poor, and patience.
