The Virtue of Fasting Six Days in Shawwal

Ramadan is a month of mercy, forgiveness, and spiritual transformation. But what comes next? For many, there’s a sense of spiritual drop-off after Eid. However, the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم provided us with a beautiful opportunity to stay connected to the spirit of Ramadan—by fasting six days in the month of Shawwal.

A Lifetime of Reward

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.”
— Sahih Muslim (1164)

Why a lifetime? According to scholars, Allah multiplies each good deed by ten. So fasting the 30 days of Ramadan equals 300 days (10 months), and 6 days of Shawwal equals 60 days (2 months). Together, this equals the reward of fasting for an entire year. And if done consistently every year, it’s as though one fasted for a lifetime.

Keep the Ramadan Spirit Alive

Ramadan teaches us discipline, unity, and devotion. Shawwal gives us the chance to carry that spirit forward. You can make it easier and more enjoyable by fasting with your loved ones. Invite friends or family to join you—fasting together revives the communal joy of worship and strengthens bonds.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم encouraged us to support each other in good:
“Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like the one who did it.”
— Sahih Muslim
Fasting together not only brings reward but also fosters a spiritually uplifting
environment.

The Ultimate Lesson: With Hardship Comes Ease

This journey serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual elevation often follows worldly trials. Allah says:
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
— Surah Ash-Sharh (94:6)
And from Hadith:
“I was shown Al-Buraq, a white animal, smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey… It would place its hoof at a distance equal to the range of vision.”
— (Sahih Muslim)

Voluntary Deeds Complete Obligatory Ones

On the Day of Judgment, our obligatory deeds may fall short. But voluntary acts like the six fasts of Shawwal can make up for what’s lacking.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
“The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. If it is incomplete, then Allah will say: ‘See if My slave has voluntary
prayers that can complete what is lacking in his obligatory prayers,’ and the rest of his deeds will be assessed in the same way.”
— Sunan Abi Dawood (864)
Likewise, voluntary fasts serve to perfect our obligatory fasts, bringing us closer to Allah and His mercy.

A Path to Lifelong Habits

Ramadan is not meant to be a temporary high. It is a training ground—a time to reset, purify, and return to Allah. Shawwal is the first test: Will you maintain your connection to Allah?
Fasting six days can lead to deeper habits. Try spreading the fasts across the month—fast on Mondays and Thursdays, or during the White Days (13th, 14th, 15th of each lunar month). These were regular practices of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He said:
“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari (6464)
Consistency over intensity—that’s the key.

Fasting Fosters Gratitude

When we fast, we feel the hunger of those less fortunate. It makes us grateful for the blessings we enjoy daily. Regular fasting sharpens our spiritual awareness and deepens our appreciation of Allah’s favors.

Allah says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]…”
— Surah Ibrahim (14:7)
This act of worship nurtures humility, patience, and a deeper connection with our Creator.

Don’t let the spiritual boost of Ramadan fade away. Embrace the six fasts of Shawwal and transform a temporary act into a lifelong habit—with immense reward awaiting in both this world and the next.
Let your Ramadan spirit carry you forward.