بِسْمِ ٱللّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
What is the merit of observing six days of fasting in the month of Shawaal? Should they be kept in succession or can one break them up over the month?
There is immense reward for observing the Nafl (optional) fast of six days in Shawaal. To keep them in sequence, one after the other or to break the six days over the month of Shawaal are both valid and equal in reward.
(Raddul Muhtaar, Vol. 2, pg. 435, Published by H.M.Saeed Company, Karachi)
Rasoolullah (peace be upon him) has stated,
“One who keeps the fast of Ramadaan and then keeps fast of six days in Shawaal is like one who has fasted for the entire year.”
(Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, pg. 369, Hadeeeth number 1164, Published by Qadeemi Kutub Khana, Karachi)
To observe these fasts is indeed commendable but more important than these preferable fasts is to make Qadha of missed days of Fardh fasting due to sickness, menstruation etc.
This is obligatory, therefore, one who has Qadha fasts should first complete these obligatory fasts before observing the preferable six days of Shawaal fast.
Allah and His Rasool know best.
Darul Iftaa
Islamic Lifestyle Solutions
