THE VIRTUES OF FASTING THE SIX FASTS OF SHAWWAL
The Six fasts of Shawwal are observed during the month of Shawwal which is the month immediately after Ramadan. One can begin fasting these 6 fasts one day after Eid Ul Fitr as Eid ul Fitr is only for one day and fasting on Eid day is forbidden.
It is mustahabb (Preferrable) to keep these fasts wherein GREAT rewards can be earned!
By adding the six days of fasting during Shawwal to the 30 days of the fasting of Ramadan, will earn a reward of a FULL YEAR'S FASTING , Insha Allah.
It is not required to fast six days continuously without any interruption. One can fast according to convenience any time during the month.
These fasts may be kept consecutively or at intervals during the month of Shawwal, i.e. spread out over the month.
Aboo Ayyoob al-Ansaaree narrated: Allaah’s Messenger, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, said: "He who fasts Ramadhaan, and six of Shawwaal, it will be (in terms of rewards) as if the fasted a whole year." [Reported by Muslim, at-Tirmidhee, Aboo Daawood, Ahmad, Ibn Maajah]
The meaning is that the reward is like the reward of a person who is always in fast every day of his/her life.
So this is an established sunnah, which carries a great reward. How can we miss out on such immense reward?
We don't know how much time we have left so we should be trying to do as many good deeds as possible!!!
This is an authentic hadith, which indicates that fasting six days of Shawwal is a Prophetic sunnah. Imam Ash-Shafi`i, Ahmad, and a number of leading scholars and jurists followed this.
It is not correct to oppose this hadith with the reasons that some scholars cite for this fast being makruh, such as the fear that an ignorant person might think that this is part of Ramadan, or the fear that people may think this is obligatory, or that he did not hear that one of the earlier scholars used to fast these days, because this is all speculation, which cannot be used to oppose the authentic hadith mentioned above. If something is known, this is evidence against those who do not know.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained this when he said: “Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).” According to another report:
“Allaah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.” (al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah. See also Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1/421).
In commenting on the above mentioned hadeeth, As-San`aanee said in Subul us-Salaam: "If the thirty days of Ramadhaan fasting are assimilated with the six days of fasting in Shawwaal, it altogether makes 36 days. According to Sharee`ah, each virtue is rewarded ten times. Therefore, if we multiply 36 with 10, it makes 360, a number which equals the days of a year. Some scholars are of the opinion that these six days of fasting in Shawwaal must be completed in a continuous order right after the end of Ramadhaan. Some believe that is enough to merely complete six days of fasting in Shawwaal (in any order, either successive or with intervals), an opinion which is deemed to be correct."
Perhaps it is proper for us to pray these days on Mondays and Thursdays, as in that case we would be following another Sunnah: `Aa’isha, radhiallaahu `anhaa, narrated: "The Messenger of Allah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to fast Mondays and Thursdays". [an-Nasaa'ee, Saheeh]
If it is easier for one to fast on weekends, then in that case one would still be following another sunnah at the same time: Umm Salama, radhiallaahu `anhaa, narrated: Allaah’s Messenger used to fast mostly on Saturday and Sunday, and he used to say: "They are the festival days for the mushrikeen, and I like to act contrary to them." [an-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Khuzaymah, who graded it saheeh, and Ibn Hajar agreed]
Females must first keep their missed/qadhaa fast before they can keep any optional fasts.
But, again, this fast is not obligatory, rather only recommended. There is GREAT reward for whoever does it, and no blame upon anyone who leaves it.
BUT How can we miss out on such immense reward? Are we not in need of filling up our good deed accounts? Should our aim not be to please Allah as much as we can? Then lets keep these 6 fasts with FULL sincerety and inshallah we will be rewarded VERY GREATLY!!!
FASTING SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAL (Sittu Min Shawwal)
Shawwal is the tenth month in the lunar calendar, as mentioned earlier. The first of Shawwal is Eidul Fitr. After the festivity of Eid it is recommended to observe six days of fast. This fast may be observed continuously non-break, or it may be observed one day at a time. If you observe it continuously, you may start on the fourth day and end on the ninth of day Shawwal, or you may select days at random, provided you complete six days before the end of Shawwal. For instance, you may observe the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, 14th and 15th days.
Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (raa) related the Messenger of Allah, (saas), said:
"Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days of fast in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted Dahr (the whole year)." (Bukhari)
It has been mentioned earlier that Dahr means the whole year. Possibly it may also mean forever, or for life.
Analyzing this hadith, our jurists (`Ulama) explained how according to this hadith, a Muslim who fasts during Ramadan every year and follows it with six days fast of Shawwal, will be credited for fasting a whole lifetime. The Jurists correctly said: a good deed (hasanah) is rewarded a minimum of ten times its equivalent. It follows, then, that one Ramadan is equivalent to ten months of fasting, and the clincher, six days, is equal to two months, (6x10=60). That undoubtedly completes the year's twelve months. Thus, we see the wisdom and the reason why the Prophet (saas) mentioned six days after Ramadan in Shawwal, not five or seven.
SO LETS FAST WHILST THERES STILL TIME TO IN THIS BLESSED MONTH AND GET THE REWARD LIKE WE FASTED FOR A WHOLE YEAR!!!!
Asalaamu Alaikum wr wb, The Jurists correctly said: a good deed (hasanah) is rewarded a minimum of ten times its equivalent. It follows, then, that one Ramadan is equivalent to ten months of fasting, and the clincher, six days, is equal to two months, (6x10=60). That undoubtedly completes the year's twelve months.So its 12 months reward of fasting including Ramadan. So if we have fasted throughout Ramadan then we have equivalent of 10 months of reward right now and 6 days of fasting in this month will add another 2 months of reward making it 12. Subhanallah lets grab these great rewards!
Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
What is the Background of Siyam in the Month after Ramadan?
Lamyaa Hashim
After having fasted for the month of Ramadan, although not an obligation, it is recommended to fast for six additional days of the following lunar month (Shawwal).
Many people might ask, "Didn't we just finish fasting for a whole month? Why the extra days?". Although Ramadan is over, fasting can be done at any time for extra benefits, according to one's capabilities, needs, or levels of spirituality.
What's So Special about Fasting in Shawwal?
Shawwal is the month directly following Ramadan, making it the tenth month of the lunar year in Islam. The first day of that month would be Eid-al-Fitr (or the Feast of Breaking the Fast) - which is calculated by sighting the new crescent moon. On the day of either Eid, it is forbidden to fast. They are days of celebration and feasting. Despite some current practices, the Eid days for both Eids are only one day each (some countries declare 4 days of eid, etc.). This is based on the Prophet's, peace be upon him, words: "The Eid days in Islam are two".
Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, said: "Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the whole year (the word "dahr" is used, which some say might also mean lifetime instead of just year)." Al-Bukhari (as related by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari)
How does that calculate? If, according to Islamic sources, the reward of a good deed is multiplied by ten, and you consider fasting Ramadan successfully as a good deed, it equals ten months of fasting. Likewise, if you fast for six days in Shawwal (which is still one of the four sacred months) and multiply that times ten, it equals sixty days (or two lunar months). Ten months added to two months equals twelve months, or one year.
How is it Performed?
There are several ways that this fast may be done, as long as the first day of the month is not included. Some people may choose to fast all six days in a row immediately after the first day. This is actually helpful in that the body is already used to fasting. There is no harm in performing the fast later in the month, whether it is one day after the other or random days during the month.
Also, for those who have missed a few days, whether due to menstruation, traveling, or illness, may opt to make up their missed days first (as these days are "Fard" or obligatory). After completing those they may choose to go ahead with the sunnah of fasting the six days of Shawwal. This may be helpful for those who fear that they will not make up their days by the next Ramadan for whatever reason. As with anything else, when one is in a habit of doing something, it is easier to do it - but when the habit is broken, it becomes more difficult to get back into it.
Conclusion
As with any act of worship, it is dependent upon intention (niyyah). If the intention is not there, then the act is fruitless. As Prophet, pbuh, said, "Actions are based on intentions". With regards to fasting, it is for the sake of Allah. If one does it to show off, or to diet or just out of habit alone, there is no use in doing it at all, whether during Ramadan, Shawwal, or any time.
Read more: http://islamic-practices.suite101.co...#ixzz0S4oJmAJt
Asalaamu Alaikum wr wb, we only have 10 days left in this month of Shawwal so whoever has not kept these 6 fasts there is still time left to earn these GREAT rewards. Iftaar times are very early now so theres no excuses. Remember in the next world we will regret ALL the opportnuties we missed to do good deeds. So now is the time to do good deeds now that we have the opportunity to do them otherwise if we miss this opportunity then surely we will regret it FOREVER in the hereafter.
I am sure most people willing to keep the fasts will already have made up their minds by now... (or you can wait f more days when keeping 6 of them will become numerically impossible.)
The fasts are nafl. I think being able to keep the fardh fasts is enough of a challenge for me personally. Break it down and one in every 12 days is a day of fardh fasting...
Only (just over) ten months to go to ramadan people. Not much time at all.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
Subhanallah just 6 days of fasting in the month of Shawwal can gain us the reward of a WHOLE years of fasting. In the UK we have until the 29th of September to fast the 6 fasts of Shwwal.
I'd rather eat.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
What an arrogant statement to make. You would have thought since Ramadan just gone it would of brought us closer to our deen. Why make such a statement? If you dont want to keep this fast then thats upto you but at least have some respect for the sunnah!
@the_truth: How is that statement disrespectful?
Maybe you are on a high horse for no reason at all?
You can keep your high horse and arrogance.
and yes, I would rather eat. Hence not keeping the fasts. and since they are (say this after me) OPTIONAL, that is an entirely valid and legitimate response. Yours on the other hand isn't.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
So im on a high horse by sharing a Sunnah to encourage others to fast these fasts? Your the one making stupid statements mocking the sunnah. How is such a ridiculous statement relevant to this thread?
You did the same thing when I first posted this thread last year, read your first post in this thread. You should be ashamed of yourself mocking the sunnah. If you got something against fasting these fasts then dont discourage others with your arrogance.
no, you are on a high horse for DEMANDING HOW DARE PEOPLE DISRESPECT YOU BY SAYING THEY WONT BE DOING AN OPTIONAL ACTION.
How is saying what I said mocking sunnah? Is everyone who doesnt fast mocking the sunnah too?
If not fasting or saying they are not fasting is mocking the sunnah, then does that make these fasts fardh?
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
When I first posted this thread last year you were the first to jump up and say "I think if people wanted to fast these they would have made up their minds by now". What an idiotic statement to make. Why not respect this sunnah and keep your stupid comments to yourself?Just because you might think that way it doesnt mean others will. I didnt say nothing to that comment. Then when I bumped up the thread today, again you were the first to make a stupid idiotic statement saying "i would rather eat".
If you are not going to fast these fasts then that is upto you, I have no problem with that but I do have a problem with your stupid idiotic and arrogant comments regarding this sunnah. Dont fast if you dont want to but also DONT ridicule the sunnah. You should encourage others not make stupid arrogant statements!
It is a Muslims duty to enjoin good and forbid evil but you clearly dislike the enjoining of good. Your a shame on Muslim youth in particular.
you still havent shown how the comments ridicule sunnah.
You are just presuming that and not showing how and are just going on a self righteous binge to make yourself feel better.
Do it by all means but by merely stating something it does not make it a fact.
You have to actually show how sunnah is mocked, which you can't because it isnt.
and yes, it is important to different between the fardh and the optional as if the tasks starts to seem too great, people can be discouraged and may even leave acting on the fardh, but holier than thou people like you are too single minded and will never understand something like that.
Considering what us youth get up to, I think you are out of touch with reality if you think the fact that I said that I am not planning to keep OPTIONAL fasts makes me a shame to the community. If that is the biggest issue then we are angels.
Its a bit like the morons, when Ramadan has not even started yet, jump on the bandwaggon "Islam is not just for 30 days".. getting through the 30 days in itself is quite a feat that many do not manage to accomplish, but those people are already demanding more.
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.