Fasts Of The Month Of Shawwal

[ummtaalib]

A Gift from Allah Ta’ala to this Ummah

 

Fasting Six Days of Shawwal After Ramadhaan: “Like Fasting The Entire Year”

The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said,

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.” (Hadith-Muslim)

NB. It is permitted to fast these six days separately throughout the month, or consecutively, after Eid al-Fitr. It is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahrimi) and sinful to fast on Eid day itself.

 

EISLAM

[ummtaalib]

Can we observe the 6 fasts of Shawwal later in the year?

 

Question

I am aware that the Hadith says if one fasts in Ramadan and 6 more in Shawwal, one receives the reward of fasting the entire year as 36 fasts will be multiplied by Allah Ta’ala 10 fold which then equals 365.

 

My question is: that Allah Ta’ala has promised (in Surah: Al-An’am, Ayah: 160) to multiply the rewards of all deeds by at least ten.

This is general and so it applies throughout the year. Hence if someone observes six more fasts in any other month besides Shawwal, he should be attaining the reward of those additional sixty days too. So why does the Hadith specify the month of Shawwal for these additional fasts?

 

Answer

Indeed Allah Ta’ala will multiply the reward of fasting in any month by at least 10. However, with regards to the specific fast of Shawwal, Imam ‘Abdullah ibnul Mubarak (rahimahullah) has said that one who observes the Shawwal fast will receive the reward of observing the Fard fast for the whole year!

(Lataiful Ma’arif, pg.314-315)

 

So those who fast the additional six fasts in Shawwal specifically, will actually receive the reward of observing the Fard fast for the entire year!

Through this Allah Ta’ala has blessed the ummah by ordaining the fast of 30 day only, but they can achieve the reward of 365 days of obligatory fast!

 

The difference in reward for Fardh & Nafl deeds

‘Allamah Nawawi (rahimahullah) has cited the grand scholar of the Shafi’i madhab; Imamul Haramayn Al-Juwayni (rahimahullah) to have quoted from certain ‘Ulama that the reward of a fardh act is actually equal to 70 nafl (voluntary) deeds!!

(Sharh Sahih Muslim, vol.1 pg.324)

 

Consolation for those who miss the fast in Shawwal

If one missed the six fasts of Shawwal, the reward of fasting the entire year can still be achieved if one fasts the six additional fasts in any other month after Shawwal. Since every act is rewarded tenfold. However, in this case, the six extra fasts will yield the reward of sixty nafl (voluntary) fasts & not the reward of the mandatory fast.

 

This explanation has been cited by the commentator of Sahih Muslim, ‘Allamah Al-Qurtubi (rahimahullah). (Al-Mufhim, vol.3 pg.238)

Mulla ‘Ali Qari (rahimahullah) and others, also concur with this explanation.

(Mirqat, vol.4 pg.477, & Fathul Mulhim, vol.5 pg.328-Dar al-Qalam)

 

Summary

If one misses out the 6 fasts of Shawwal, one may offer these fasts during any other time of the year, although the reward will differ as explained above.

See more details on this here.

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

 

Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

hadithanswers

[ummtaalib]

What We Need to Know about the 6 Fasts of Shawwal

 

As Ramadhan departs, we all are encouraged to extend the momentum by observing the six fasts of Shawwal.

The famous hadith in Sahih Muslim states:

 

“Whoever observes the fast of Ramadhan and follows it up with six fasts in Shawwal will be rewarded as if he has fasted the entire year”

 

Commentary

The Commentators have explained that since every deed is multiplied ten times, by fasting in Ramadhan we are actually rewarded for 300 days and not just the 30 in Ramadhan. Therefore if we follow that up with six more we will be rewarded for sixty thereby attaining the reward of fasting for 360 days.

 

An Interesting query

The question arises: The promise of Allah Ta’ala (in Surah: Al-An’am, Ayah: 160) to multiply the rewards of all deeds by at least ten applies throughout the year. Hence if someone observes six more fasts in any other month besides Shawwal, he should be attaining the reward of those additional sixty days too. So why does the hadith specify the month of Shawwal for these additional fasts?

 

The general hadith commentators have said that the reason for this is (1) so that a muslim does not delay in accruing this grand reward. (2) Another reason is that it is indeed easier for people to fast these six days immediately after Ramadhan. (3) Some have said that these fasts are to make up for the deficiencies in our Ramadhan fasts.

(Al-Mufhim, vol.3 pg.238; Fathul Mulhim, vol.5 pg.328-Dar al-Qalam & Mirqat, vol.4 pg.477)

 

A Different Perspective

Some Scholars have actually given a different perspective to this.

(4) Hafidh Ibn Rajab Al-Hambali (rahimahullah) has answered the above objection with the following:

 

“…the answer to that is: that the reward of fasting in Shawwal will be linked to the reward of Ramadhan, and one who observes the Shawwal fast will receive the reward of observing the Fardh fast for the whole year. This is how Imam ‘Abdullah Ibnul Mubarak (rahimahullah) explained the issue.” (Lataiful Ma’arif, pg.314-315)

 

So those who fast the additional six fasts in Shawwal specifically, will actually receive the reward of observing the Fardh fast for the entire year! Through this Allah Ta’ala has blessed the ummah by ordaining the fast of 30 day only, but they can achieve the reward of 365 days of obligatory fast!

 

The difference in reward for Fardh & Nafl deeds

‘Allamah Nawawi (rahimahullah) has cited the grand scholar of the Shafi’i madhab; Imamul Haramain Al-Juwaini (rahimahullah) to have quoted from certain ‘Ulama that the reward of a fardh act is actually equal to 70 nafl (voluntary) deeds!!

(Sharh Sahih Muslim, vol.1 pg.324)

 

Consolation for those who miss the fast in Shawwal.

If one missed the six fasts of Shawwal, the reward of fasting the entire year can still be achieved if one fasts the six additional fasts in any other month after Shawwal. Since every act is rewarded tenfold. However, in this case, the six extra fasts will yield the reward of sixty nafl (voluntary) fasts & not the reward of the mandatory fast.

 

This explanation has been cited by the commentator of Sahih Muslim, ‘Allamah Al-Qurtubi (rahimahullah). (Al-Mufhim, vol.3 pg.238)

Mulla ‘Ali Qari (rahimahullah) and others, also concur with this explanation.

(Mirqat, vol.4 pg.477, & Fathul Mulhim, vol.5 pg.328-Dar al-Qalam)

And Allah Knows best.

[ummtaalib]

Six Fasts of Shawwaal

 

It is Mustahab and highly rewarding to observe the six fasts of Shawwaal. The observance of these fasts has been emphasised by Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam in several Ahadith. It is the infinite mercy of Allah Ta'ala, that in exchange for minimal effort, he accords maximum reward.

 

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam has stated,

 

“Whoever fasted the full month of Ramadaan and then follows it with six fasts of Shawwaal is like a person who has fasted the entire year.” (Targhib)

 

“One who fasted during the month of Ramadaan and further fasted six days in Shawwaal, is cleansed from sins like the day he was born.” (Targhib)

 

These fasts may be kept consecutively or at intervals during the month of Shawwaal.

 

Women with Qadha fasts MUST keep their Qadha fasts first before keeping the Shawwaal fasts.

 

Masjid Poster downloadable here.

 

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)

Council of Muslim Theologians

[ummtaalib]

Q.  Assalamualaikum Just a quick question, a lot of people say that we cannot keep the shawwal fasts from the 2^nd of Shawaal as Eid is for 3 days, please advise? Jazakallah

 

(Question published as received)

 

A. It is forbidden to fast on five days in the Islamic calendar i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr (the first of Shawwal), Eid-ul-Adha (the tenth of Zul-Hijjah) and the three days of Tashreeq (three days after Eid-ul-Adha-11-12-13 of Zul-Hijjah). (Al Ikhtiyaar Li Ta’leelil Mukhtaar 1/125)

 

The prohibition of fasting on the three days of Tashreeq (three days after Eid ul Adha-11-12-13 of Zul-Hijjah) refers to fasting three days after Eid ul Adha (the tenth of Zul-Hijjah). It does not refer to fasting three days after Eid ul Fitr (the first of Shawwal). Hence, it is permissible to fast immediately after Eid ul Fitr (the first of Shawwal) even if it is three days after Eid ul Fitr (the first of Shawwal).

 

 

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

 

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

 

Confirmation:

Mufti Ebrahim Desai

[ummtaalib]

Authenticity of the six fasts of Shawwal

 

Question

What is status of this hadith ?

 

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ أَيُّوبَ، وَقُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، وَعَلِيُّ بْنُ حُجْرٍ، جَمِيعًا عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، – قَالَ ابْنُ أَيُّوبَ حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، – أَخْبَرَنِي سَعْدُ بْنُ سَعِيدِ بْنِ قَيْسٍ، عَنْ عُمَرَ، بْنِ ثَابِتِ بْنِ الْحَارِثِ الْخَزْرَجِيِّ عَنْ أَبِي أَيُّوبَ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، – رضى الله عنه – أَنَّهُ حَدَّثَهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ

‏ “‏ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ ‏”‏

 

Sahih Muslim , باب اسْتِحْبَابِ صَوْمِ سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ شَوَّالٍ اتِّبَاعًا لِرَمَضَانَ ‏

 

and what is status of its narrator سَعْدُ بْنُ سَعِيدِ بْنِ قَيْسٍ ? Is he reliable ?

 

 

Answer

Translation of the text:

 

Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (radiyallahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) said:

‘Whoever observes the fast of Ramadan, and follows it with six [fasts] in Shawwal, will be [rewarded] like he fasted the entire year.’

(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1164 )

 

This Hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim and is therefore authentic.

 

The reliability of the narrator

The narrator you question; Sa’d ibn Sa’id ibn Qays (rahimahullah), has been declared reliable by several Hadith masters, namely: Ibn Ma’in -in one narration-, Ibn Sa’d, Daraqutni, Ibn Shahin, Ibn Hibban, Ibn ‘Adiy and others.

(Tahdhibut Tahdhib, vol.3 pg. 470 )

 

A few Scholars have regarded him lower than his illustrious brother, Imam Yahya ibn Sa’id Al-Ansari (rahimahumallah) which is perfectly understandable. This however, doesn’t necessitate Sa’d being weak per say. All it means is that he is not as his brother is.

 

Furthermore, there are six other reliable narrators who also report this from the same teacher as Sa’d’s. This further strengthens the chain and proves that Sa’d didn’t falter. Therefore Imam Muslim (rahimahullah) accepted this Hadith.

 

Other Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum)

Besides the narration above, this Hadith has been reported by fourteen other Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum). For this reason, some Hadith masters have labelled this Hadith as Mutawatir (which is the highest level of authenticity)

(Qutful Azharil Mutanathirah, Hadith: 50 & Nazmul Mutanathir, Hadith: 128)

 

This illustrates that the virtue of the six fasts of Shawwal is proven beyond doubt.

 

Therefore one should not be moved by the baseless objections that some contemporaries raise against this Hadith.

 

Shaykh Khalil Mulla Khatir (hafizahullah) -a contemporary Scholar- has written a detailed article on this issue. Most of the above is taken from his book, entitled: Mashru’iyyatu Siyami Sittim Min Shawwal

 

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

 

Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

hadithanswers

 

Authenticity of the Hadith on the six fasts of Shawwal

 

Question

Is it true the Hadith regarding 6 days of shawwal fasting has a weak narrator and some of the ulama said fasting 6 days of shawwal is makruh?

 

 

Answer

What you have heard is incorrect.

 

‘Allamah Qasim ibn Qutlubugha (rahimahullah) has rebutted those who claimed this fast to be makruh in his booklet entitled: ‘Tahrirul Aqwal fi Sawmis Sitti min Shawwal’.

 

The Hadith that encourages the 6 fasts of Shawwal is highly authentic and has been considered as mutawatir (which is the highest level of authenticity) by Muhaddithun like: ‘Allamah Suyuti and ‘Allamah Sayyid Muhammad ibn Ja’far Al-Kattani (rahimahumallah)

(Qatful Azhar, Hadith: 50 & Nazmul Mutanathir, Hadith: 128)

 

There are more than fifteen Sahabah (radiyallahu’anhum) who have reported this from Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam)

Among them are the following:

 

1) Sayyiduna Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (radiyallahu’anhu) in Sahih Muslim, Musannaf ibn Abi Shaybah, Hadith: 9816, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, Hadith: 2114 & Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 3634.

 

2) Sayyiduna Thawban (radiyallahu’anhu) in Sunan Ibn Majah, hadith: 1715, Musnad Ahmad, vol.5 pg.280 , Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, hadith: 2115 & Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 3635.

 

3) Sayyiduna Shaddad ibn Aws (radiyallahu’anhu) in kitabul ‘ilal of ibn Abi Hatim, Hadith: 745. Ibn Abi Hatim then quotes his esteemed father, Abu Hatim (rahimahumallah) to have declared this narration as authentic.

 

Hafiz ‘Ala-iy (rahimahullah) writes: ‘The Hadith of Abu Ayyub – in Sahih Muslim- is the most authentic (asahh) on this topic’

He also writes: ‘The Hadiths of Abu Ayyub, Thawban and Shaddad ibn Aws are authentic (sahih)’

(Raf’ul Ishkal ‘an Siyam sittati Ayyamin min Shawwal, pg.303 & 329 – Majmu’ Rasail)

 

4) Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu’anhu) in Musnad Ahmad, vol.3 pg.308 & Sunanul Kubra of Bayhaqi, vol.4 pg.292.

For further details see the booklet of Shaykh Khalil, Mulla Khatir (may Allah protect him) entitled: ‘Mashru’iyyatu Siyami sittim min Shawwal’.

 

In addition to the above, several Muhaddithun have compiled the numerous chains of this Hadith in dedicated booklets.

Among them are the following:

 

1. Hafiz Dimyati,

2. Hafiz ‘Ala-iy,

3. ‘Allamah Taqiud Din Subki,

4. ‘Allamah ‘Iraqi,

5. ‘Allamah Qasim ibn Qutlubugha and others (rahimahumullah)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

 

Answered by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

Source

[ummtaalib]

Keeping Six Fasts of Shawaal with the Intention of Qadha

 

Q: Can I keep the six fasts of shawaal with the niyyat of qadha as well? Is it true that, besides Ramadaan fasts niyyat has to be made before subah saadiq?

 

A: 1) Both have to be done separately. By keeping the qaza you will not get the thawaab of the six nafl rozas.

2) The niyyat for nafl rozas can be made after subuh saadiq as well, as long as one has not eaten after subuh saadiq.

 

فتاوى دار العلوم ديوبند (عزيز الفتاوى) 1/389, أحسن الفتاوى 4/440

( فيصح ) أداء ( صوم رمضان والنذر المعين والنفل بنية ) قال في الاختيار النية شرط في الصوم وهي أن يعلم بقلبه أنه يصوم ولا يخلو فلا تصح قبل الغروب ولا عنده ( إلى الضحوة الكبرى لا ) بعدها ولا ( عندها ) اعتبارا لأكثر اليوم

و قال في رد المحتار : تتمة قال في السراج وإذا نوى الصوم من النهار ينوي أنه صائم من أوله حتى لو نوى قبل الزوال أنه صائم من حين نوى لا من أوله لا يصير صائما (رد المحتار 2/377)

 

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

[ummtaalib]

[Bint e Aisha]

Q&A: Can I keep the six fasts for Shawwal even if I have missed fasts to make up?

 

By: Mufti Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf

 

https://youtu.be/GBCpra8mO5s

[Bint e Aisha]

Question

The  six  nafl fasts of the month of shawaal. If I intend to keep these fasts am I supposed to offer these fasts in a row (that is consequently) or can I take some gap in between, like one day I keep fast then after 2 or 3 days another fast like this.

What is the fazilat of keeping these fasts.

Answer

Bismillahi Ta’ala,

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah,

The six fasts of shawwal after Ramadhan are mustahab (preferable). Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wasallam has mentioned in one hadeeth that,

“Whoever completes the fasts of Ramadhan then adds to them the fasts of six days in the month of Shawwal, it will carry the thawab of fasting for the whole year.” Saheeh Muslim

Ulama have explained these rewards by saying that every good deed is rewarded with 10 hasanaat (rewards), hence fasting 30 days of month of Ramadhan will amount to 300 rewards (30 x 10). Thereafter if a person fasts an additional 6 fasts, then this will attain 60 rewards him (6 x 10). 300 rewards from Ramadhan plus the 60 rewards from shawal adds up to 360, which is the total number of days of a lunar year. Hence a person collects the reward of an entire year.

While the virtue of these fasts may not be mere numbers, nontheless their certainty is not hidden.

With regards to your question about keeping them consecutively or spaced out, then some Ulama have mentioned that it is better to offer them spaced out. This could be for different reasons. Some of them are:

a. Since a person is already in a habbit of fasting for Ramadhan, he may trivialize these fasts and keep them just as a second nature instead of revering them.

b. A person can arrange his fasts to match the mondays and thursdays and include the intention of sunnah fasts as well.This can become a motivation to keep sunnah fast all year round.

c. Some people keep them right after Ramadhan from the following day of Eid. This tends to jeopardise people who wish to come and visit late for eid due to one reason or the other, and have to face the awkwardness of their host fasting. Alternatively, the host may end up breaking the fast for his guests. Either way the optimum will have to be compromised.

However, if someone feels that they will not be able to keep the fasts if they separate them, or if they delay it after Eid they may end up not fasting at all, then there is nothing wrong in fasting these days consecutively right after Eid as well.

Wallahu A’lam,

Wassalamu `alaykum,

Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi
www.fatwa.ca

 حدثنا يحيى بن أيوب، وقتيبة بن سعيد، وعلي بن حجر، جميعا عن إسماعيل، قال ابن أيوب: حدثنا إسماعيل بن جعفر، أخبرني سعد بن سعيد بن قيس، عن عمر بن ثابت بن الحارث الخزرجي، عن أبي أيوب
الأنصاري رضي الله عنه، أنه حدثه، أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: «من صام رمضان ثم أتبعه ستا من شوال، كان كصيام الدهر»
صحيح مسلم (2/ 822))

[Bint e Aisha]

Being in the habit of fasting after the fasts of Ramadhaan is a sign of acceptance of the Ramadhaan fasts. This is because when Allah Ta’ala accepts a deed from a servant, he enables him to follow it with a good deed.

 

[Lataaiful Ma’araif, P. 452-3]

Read more: http://daruliftaamw.com/the-six-fasts-of-shawwaal-equal-to-one-year/