Rewards of Fasting on Shawwal

📖Sahih Muslim 1164 a
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal, it would be as if he fasted perpetually.”

Explanation of the Hadith

🔹 Completing Ramadan First
The hadith highlights the importance of fasting in the month of Ramadan, which is a fundamental pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and mentally capable is required to complete it.

🔹 The Voluntary Six Fasts of Shawwal
After completing Ramadan, the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged fasting an additional six days in the month of Shawwal. These fasts are not obligatory, but they are highly recommended for those who wish to increase their rewards.

🔹 The Reward is Like Fasting the Entire Year
The Prophet (ﷺ) explained that fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan is equivalent to fasting continuously. This is based on the principle that good deeds are multiplied in reward.

📖Surah Al-An’am 6:160
“Whoever comes with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [in reward].”

Since fasting in Ramadan is counted as a full month, and adding six more days (multiplied by ten) makes it as if the person fasted the entire year in reward.

🔹 The Extra Fasts Are Optional
It is important to note that these six fasts are not obligatory. They are voluntary and up to the individual. If someone cannot fast due to health reasons, workload, or personal difficulties, there is no sin on them.

📖Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.”

Fasting is not just about hunger—it is a means of developing Taqwa (God-consciousness) and drawing closer to Allah. Those who wish to increase their rewards can take advantage of these extra fasts, but there is no compulsion—it remains a personal choice.