Shawwal 1, 1447 (March 20, 2026)
Assalaamun Alaykum Warahmatullah Taallah Wabarakatuhu
Virtues and Lessons of Fasting Six Days in Shawwal
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. We praise Him, we seek His help, and we ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil within ourselves and from the consequences of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide; and whomever He leaves astray, none can guide. Peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, his companions, and all who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Dear brothers and sisters in faith,
We have just emerged from the blessed month of Ramadan, a period in which our souls were purified, our hearts softened, and our connection with Allah strengthened. It was a month of fasting, prayer, charity, and deep reflection.
However, the questions that now confront us are:
What comes after Ramadan?
How do we sustain the spiritual momentum we have gained?
One of the greatest opportunities Allah has given us to continue in righteousness after Ramadan is the fasting of six days in the month of Shawwal. This noble act is not merely a recommendation; it is a gateway to immense reward and a sign of sincere devotion.
The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the entire year.” (Reported in Sahih Muslim)
Reflect deeply on this hadith. By observing the obligatory fast of Ramadan and adding just six voluntary days in Shawwal, a believer is rewarded as though they have fasted for a whole year. This is from the vast mercy and generosity of Allah.
Scholars explain that each good deed is rewarded tenfold: Ramadan (30 days) equals 300 days, and six days equal 60 days—together completing the equivalent of a full year.
Dear believers,
Fasting these six days is a sign that our Ramadan was accepted. The righteous predecessors used to say that the reward of a good deed is another good deed that follows it. If Allah enables you to continue worship after Ramadan, it is a sign that your efforts during Ramadan were not in vain.
Moreover, the six days of Shawwal serve as a means of compensating for any shortcomings in our Ramadan fast. None of us can claim perfection in our fasting—there were moments of heedlessness, perhaps times when our tongues slipped or our focus wavered. These voluntary fasts help mend those deficiencies, just as the Sunnah prayers compensate for shortcomings in obligatory prayers.
Brothers and sisters,
Fasting in Shawwal is also a manifestation of gratitude to Allah. Ramadan is a tremendous blessing, and completing it is itself a favor from Allah.
One of the ways to show gratitude is by continuing in acts of worship. Allah says in the Qur’an: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.” (Q14:7)
Thus, by fasting in Shawwal, we are expressing our thankfulness and seeking even greater blessings.
It is important to note that these six days can be observed consecutively or separately throughout the month of Shawwal.
This flexibility is a mercy from Allah, allowing each believer to choose what is easiest and most convenient. Whether you fast them immediately after Eid or spread them across the month, the reward remains great, in shā’ Allāh.
However, dear servants of Allah,
We must also be mindful of priorities. If a person has missed obligatory fasts during Ramadan due to valid reasons such as illness, travel, or other exemptions, they should first make up those missed fasts before observing the voluntary six days of Shawwal.
Obligations always take precedence over voluntary acts.
Another important lesson from the fasting of Shawwal is consistency. Islam does not encourage temporary bursts of worship followed by negligence. Rather, it teaches steady and continuous devotion.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464)
Thus, fasting in Shawwal trains us to maintain discipline and consistency beyond Ramadan.
Dear brothers and sisters,
Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink; it is a comprehensive act of spiritual purification. It teaches patience, self-control, humility, and empathy for the less fortunate. When we continue fasting in Shawwal, we are reinforcing these values in our daily lives.
Let us also reflect on the social dimension. When members of a community observe voluntary fasts, it fosters an environment of righteousness and mutual encouragement.
Families could fast together, remind one another, and share in the spiritual rewards. This strengthens bonds and promotes a culture of worship.
Furthermore, fasting in Shawwal reminds us that our relationship with Allah is not seasonal. Allah is the Lord of Ramadan and Shawwal, of every month and every moment. The end of Ramadan does not mean the end of worship; rather, it marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of obedience and devotion.
Dear believers,
As we strive to fast these six days, let us renew our intentions.
Let us fast with sincerity, seeking only the pleasure of Allah.
Let us combine our fasting with other acts of worship—recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah (dhikr), charity, and kindness to others.
And let us not forget those who may find it difficult to fast—the sick, the elderly, or those with demanding responsibilities. Islam is a religion of ease, and Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. Each person should act according to their ability and seek Allah’s mercy.
In conclusion, the six days of Shawwal are a precious gift—a continuation of Ramadan’s blessings and a means to attain the reward of fasting an entire year. Let us seize this opportunity with enthusiasm and commitment. Let us prove, through our actions, that the lessons of Ramadan have truly transformed us.
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O Allah, accept our fasting, our prayers, and our good deeds. O Allah, grant us the ability to fast the six days of Shawwal and to remain steadfast in our Ibadah.
O Allah, make us among those whose deeds are accepted and whose sins are forgiven.
Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence, and generosity to relatives, and He forbids immorality, wrongdoing, and oppression. He admonishes us so that we may take heed.
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Endeavour to recite Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18: Verses 1-110).
Eid Mubarak wa Juma’ah Mabrouq
