1. بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ Prepared by: Dr. Abdul Hakim

2. Allah (SWT) is the most merciful, “Ar-Rahman”. He (SWT) created different avenue for us to receive His “Rahmah” as well as lot of reward, one of them is fasting 6 days in Shawwal followed by fasting in Ramadan. Here I would like to share some information concerning fasting 6 days in Shawwal.

3. Ayyub (RA) relates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” [Hadith:Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah; Ahmad transmitted it from Jabir, Muntaqa] In another Hadith Thawban (RA) relates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan, and then six days after Eid, it is [like fasting] an entire year. Whoever does a good deed shall have ten times its reward.” [Hadith: Ibn Majah, Muntaqa]

4. It says in Nuzhat al-Mutaqin, the commentary on Imam Nawawi's that, "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it up with six from Shawwal, it is as though he has fasted all of time, because each day is equivalent to ten days, ‘Whoever performs a good deed, he will have ten like it’ [Ref: Riyad al-Salihin (2/132)]. So Ramadan would count as ten months (30 days Ramadan multiplied by 10 i.e. 300 days or 10 months) and six days (in Shawwal) multiplied by ten would equal two months.

5. 1. It is permitted to fast these six days separately throughout the month, or consecutively, after Eid al- Fitr. [Ref: ibid.] 2. The Shafiis and Hanbalis state that it is superior to make the six fasts consecutive [Ref: Minhaj, Ghayat al- Muntaha]. Khatib al-Shirbini explains the reasoning as being, “In order to hasten to do the good, and because of the problems inevitable in delaying,” such as becoming lazy and not actually fulfilling this “sunna” in the end, though he points out that the “sunna” is fulfilled by both consecutive and non-consecutive fasting of six days in Shawwal. [Ref: Mughni al-Muhtaj] 3. It is highly recommended to fast six days in Shawwal, but it is not obligatory (fard). For those who want to fast, it is better that they start fasting from the second day of Shawwal, but they can fast after the Eidul Fitr any six days during the whole month of Shawwal. It is not required to fast six days continuously without any interruption. One can fast according to convenience any time during the month and the fast is very much like the fasts of Ramadan. [Dr Muzammil H. Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America]. Ref: http//www.pakistanlink.com/Religion/2005/05032005.htm 4. So long as one has fasted six days either consecutively or separately, he has fulfilled the requirement and he will receive the same rewards. [Ahmad Kutty ]. (Ref: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503546310 )

6. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six from Shawwal, it is as though he fasted all of time.” [Hadith: Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah; Ahmad transmitted it from Jabir, Muntaqa]. Note: The reward is for the one who fasts all days in the month of Ramadan and then fasts six days of Shawwal. Therefore, make up the missed days of Ramadan first (those one missed) and then fast the six days of Shawwal. Allah (SWT) knows the best.

7. Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi stated that: Your fist duty is to make up your “obligation” and then do the “Nawafil”. Fasts of Ramadan are obligatory (Fard) while the fasts of Shawwal are recommended (Nafl). If you are confident that you will make up the missed fasts of Ramadan later, then fast the 6 days of Shawwal, otherwise you should do your missed Ramadan fasts first and then if possible do the “Nafl” fasting. Allah Almighty knows best. [Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, President of the Fiqh Council of North America]. Ref: http://www.islamonline.net/livefatwa/english/Browse.asp?hGuestID=rn49E7

8. Dr. Abdul Hakim, Research Scientist 8624 FESTIVAL DRIVE CALIFORNIA, USA PHONE: (916) 525-1594 Note: The objective of this article is just to satisfy Almighty Allah (SWT), not any worldly reward. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said that: “Allah, the angels, the inhabitants of heaven and earth, even the ant in its hole and even the fish in the sea, send blessings upon the one who teaches the people good.” [Hadith: Tirmidhi]. Please try to fast 6 days in this Month (Shawwal) to get tremendous rewards (like fasting whole year) from Allah (SWT). I pray to Allah (SWT) to give us strength and “Towfique” to perform these “Nafl” Ibadath. (Ameen).