Benefits of fasting 6 days in Shawwal: A path to year-long reward
The Islamic lunar calendar consists of twelve months, with each month holding special significance. One of the months that holds particular importance is Shawwal, the tenth month, following the blessed month of Ramadan. Shawwal is marked by many practices and acts of worship, one of which is the tradition of fasting six days after the conclusion of Ramadan. These six days are considered a source of immense reward and spiritual elevation for the believers.
The Significance of Shawwal
Shawwal, like all months in the Islamic calendar, is a month of worship and reflection. It follows the month of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and self-discipline. Shawwal holds a special place because it provides an opportunity for believers to continue the practice of fasting even after the completion of Ramadan. The six days of fasting in Shawwal are believed to hold significant spiritual rewards, as they offer a chance to maintain the momentum of righteousness initiated during the holy month.
Fasting Six Days in Shawwal: A Noble Practice
The practice of fasting six days in the month of Shawwal is based on the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in which he says:
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.” (Sahih Muslim)
This powerful Hadith highlights the immense reward of fasting these six days. The idea of fasting six days after the completion of Ramadan is to maintain the spirit of Ramadan and to continue seeking closeness to Allah (SWT). These six days are not obligatory but are highly recommended, and they offer an opportunity to further purify one’s soul and strengthen the connection with Allah.
The reward of fasting these six days is unparalleled, as it is equivalent to fasting for an entire year. This is because every good deed is rewarded tenfold in Islam, and since Ramadan is a month of fasting, completing it and then fasting an additional six days in Shawwal brings the reward to an entire year’s worth of fasting.
The Virtue of Fasting in Shawwal
The six days of fasting after Ramadan carry great virtue, as evidenced by the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“Fasting on the Day of Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah) expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year. Fasting on the Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) expiates the sins of the past year, and fasting six days in the month of Shawwal expiates the sins of the past year.” (Sahih Muslim)
Thus, the fasting of Shawwal serves not only as a means of continuing one’s worship but also as a way of gaining forgiveness and atonement for any shortcomings.
READ ALSO: The Last 10 Days of Ramadan: A time for reflection, prayer, seeking ‘Laylatul Qadr’
The Spiritual and Practical Benefits of Fasting Six Days in Shawwal
Continuation of Good Deeds: The six days of fasting help a believer to maintain the discipline of fasting, continuing the pattern of worship established in Ramadan. Fasting strengthens one’s self-control, making it easier to avoid sin and focus on the worship of Allah.
Forgiveness and Atonement: Fasting six days in Shawwal, in addition to Ramadan, is a means of gaining Allah’s forgiveness for any shortcomings during the past year. As mentioned earlier, the reward for fasting during this time is the forgiveness of sins and spiritual purification.
Spiritual Reward: The reward for fasting six days in Shawwal is immense. As mentioned in the Hadith, it is as if one has fasted for an entire year. This encourages the believer to strive for excellence in worship and seek Allah’s mercy continuously.
Strengthening One’s Faith: Fasting is not only a physical act but also a spiritual practice that brings the believer closer to Allah. By fasting these six days, a Muslim cultivates patience, self-restraint, and humility, which are essential qualities for personal growth and spiritual elevation.
The Timing and Conditions of Shawwal Fasting
The fasting of six days in Shawwal can be performed anytime throughout the month, provided they are done consecutively or with a gap. There is no specific order or requirement to fast these days consecutively, but it is important to complete them within the month of Shawwal. Some scholars recommend fasting on Mondays and Thursdays or splitting the six days throughout the month to make it easier for those who may find fasting six days consecutively challenging.
It is important to note that fasting in Shawwal is voluntary, and while it holds great reward, it is not a compulsory act. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to perform this fast as a means of increasing their worship and drawing closer to Allah, but they are not punished for not fasting these days.
A Reflection on the Purpose of Fasting
Fasting, in any form, is a reminder of the transient nature of this world and the need to purify oneself for the sake of Allah. The act of fasting teaches empathy for the less fortunate, increases one’s sense of gratitude, and purifies the soul. Fasting in Shawwal after Ramadan serves as a way of maintaining the spiritual high one gains during Ramadan, while also striving for continuous improvement.
The Holy Qur’an mentions the purpose of fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183):
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Fasting, whether during Ramadan or on other days, is a tool for developing taqwa (God-consciousness) and striving toward righteousness.
Conclusion
The month of Shawwal, with its six days of fasting, offers an incredible opportunity for believers to continue seeking Allah’s forgiveness and enhancing their relationship with Him. The reward for fasting during this time is immense, as it is equivalent to fasting for a year, and it serves as a way to purify one’s soul, atone for past sins, and continue the good habits established during Ramadan. Fasting in Shawwal is not just an act of worship but a reminder of the continuous journey towards self-improvement and spiritual development.
Thus, Muslims are encouraged to fast these six days to reap the abundant rewards, maintain the discipline of Ramadan, and continue growing in faith and righteousness.
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