ACJU/NGS/2021/072
15.05.2021
02.10.1442
Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmathullaahi Wa Barakaathuhu.
Allah has provided supplementary rituals along with the obligatory (Fardh) ones as part of the religion. Because the supplementary rituals may serve as compensation for the shortcomings endured during the obligatory rituals. Further, when a slave gets closer to Allah through supplementary rituals, Allah too adores them.
Accordingly, religion has declared the six fasts that follow on the month of Shawwal after the month of Ramadan as Sunnah. The Prophet (ﷺ) has encouraged us to do so and has spoken of its benefits too.
عن أبي أيُّوب الأنصاري رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: مَن صام رمضان ثم أتبَعَه ستًّا من شوَّال، كان كصيام الدهر(صحيح مسلم: 1164)
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal, it would be as if he fasted perpetually (for one year). (Saheeh Muslim: 1164)
Imam Navavi (Rahimahullah) who provides a commentary to this Hadith states that it is Mustahab (encouraged) to continuously fast during the early days of the month of Shawwal. However, it is even permissible for one to fast intermittently or to fast on any period later within the month of Shawwal.
It is better for one to observe the six fasts of the month of Shawwal at the beginning of the month itself. Hence, the ACJU urges to observe the fast as suggested or to fast within the month of Shawwal according to their respective abilities.
May Allah grant and bless all of us with good health to observe the six fasts.
Ash-Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas
Secretary – Fatwa Division
All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama
Ash-Shaikh M.Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
All Ceylon Jammiyyathul Ulama
