In addition to fasting in Ramadan, there are other fasts that are recommended to be done and Allah promises the virtues and advantages of fasting or rewards. Among the sunnat fasts (recommended) is fasting six days in the month of Shawwal.
So, what is often asked is whether fasting for Shawwal must be done consecutively for six days or can it be done separately from one day to another?
Hadith about Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
Sayyiduna Abu Ayyoub Al-Ansari, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, narrated a Hadeeth which was reported by Imam Muslim, that the Prophet, salla Allahu ‘alaihi wasallam, said:
مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّال، كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ
It means, “He who observes fasting in the month of Ramadan, and also observes another six days of fasting, in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed fasting for the whole year.”
Fasting six days in the month of Shawwal can be done continuously for six days or done separately as long as fasting is still in the month of Shawwal.
It is important for you to know that before starting the 6-day fast in the month of Shawwal, you must end the Ramadan fast first, namely by commemorating Eid al-Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal.
Likewise, if you are unable to complete your fast during the month of Ramadan due to reasons justified by the Shari’a, such as serious illness, traveling, etc., then you must replace the fast in Ramadan first, and then continue fasting for the six days of Shawwal.
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Can I fast on the day of Eid
Fasting on Eid al-Fitr is haraam (forbidden in Islam), the same as fasting on Eid al-Adha. Hari Raya is a day on which Allah makes His servants His guests. Allah honors His guests (those who have fasted during the month of Ramadan). So Allah forbade fasting on that day.
Eid al-Fitr is a happy day, a day of victory because Allah has rewarded His servants who have struggled against lust for a whole month in the month of Ramadan.