ACJU/NGS/2022/107
01.05.2022 |29.09.1443
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, Allah loves one who gets closer to Allah through supplementary rituals.
Accordingly, religion has declared that observance of the six fasts during the month of Shawwal which follows Ramadaan, 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.
Hence, everyone should attempt to observe the fasts as mentioned above or to fast within the month of Shawwal according to one’s respective capacity.
May Almighty Allah bless all of us with good health to observe the six fasts of Shawwal
Ash-Shaikh M.L.M. Ilyas
Secretary – Fatwa Division
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
Ash-Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama
