Sittul Shawwal and Its Benefits: The Reward of Six Days of Fasting After Ramadan

Introduction

Ramadan may be over, but the blessings of fasting continue! Fasting six days in Shawwal is a highly recommended Sunnah that brings immense rewards. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ promised a reward equivalent to fasting the entire year for those who observe it.

In this article, we will explore: ✅ The authentic hadith about Sittul Shawwal ✅ The rewards and benefits of fasting these six days ✅ Common questions and misunderstandings ✅ How to maximize your rewards

---

1. What Is Sittul Shawwal?

Sittul Shawwal refers to fasting six days in the month of Shawwal, which immediately follows Ramadan. It is a voluntary fast but holds great virtue in Islam.

📖 The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the whole year." (Muslim 1164)

This is because every good deed in Islam is multiplied by ten. Since fasting 30 days of Ramadan is equivalent to 300 days, adding six more days (6 × 10 = 60 days) completes the reward for 360 days, covering the lunar year.

---

2. The Rewards and Benefits of Sittul Shawwal

📌 1. Equivalent to a Full Year of Fasting ✅ As mentioned in the hadith, fasting these six days multiplies the reward to cover an entire year of fasting.

📌 2. It Complements Any Shortcomings in Ramadan ✅ No one’s Ramadan fast is perfect. These extra days compensate for any shortcomings, just like Sunnah prayers complete deficiencies in obligatory prayers.

📌 3. Sign of a Sincere and Accepted Ramadan ✅ A believer’s love for continued worship after Ramadan is a good sign that their fast was accepted. True devotion does not end with Ramadan!

📌 4. Brings You Closer to Allah ✅ Consistent fasting increases taqwa (consciousness of Allah) and strengthens your relationship with Him.

📌 5. Maintains Spiritual Discipline ✅ After a month of fasting, Shawwal fasts help maintain the spiritual momentum, preventing a return to laziness.

---

3. Common Questions About Sittul Shawwal

Q1: Must the six fasts be done consecutively?

✅ No. You can fast any six days in Shawwal—either consecutively or spread throughout the month.

Q2: Can I combine the intention of making up missed fasts with Sittul Shawwal?

🔹 Scholars differ on this issue:

• Hanafi & Hanbali scholars: Yes, you may combine them.
• Shafi’i & Maliki scholars: No, missed Ramadan fasts should be made up separately.

💡 Best Approach: Complete your missed Ramadan fasts first, then fast the six days separately.

Q3: What if I missed the entire month of Ramadan due to illness or menstruation?

✅ You must make up Ramadan fasts first, as they are obligatory. Then, if there is time left, you can fast the six days.

Q4: Can I fast Mondays and Thursdays and count them towards Sittul Shawwal?

✅ Yes! This is a great way to combine two Sunnahs and maximize rewards.

---

4. Tips for Maximizing the Rewards of Sittul Shawwal

✅ Plan your days – Don’t delay until the last moment. 

✅ Make dua – Ask Allah for strength and acceptance. 

✅ Encourage family & friends – Share the rewards together. 

✅ Pair with Mondays & Thursdays – Double the reward! 

✅ Make intention for the sake of Allah – Purify your heart.

---

Conclusion

Fasting six days of Shawwal is a simple but powerful act of worship that brings immense rewards. It is an opportunity to continue the blessings of Ramadan, gain the reward of a full year of fasting, and strengthen your faith.

📢 Will you be fasting Sittul Shawwal this year? Share your thoughts!