6 Days of Shawwal: Why They Matter
After the spiritual high of Ramadan, many of us feel both uplifted and a little exhausted. We’ve fasted, prayed, and made sincere efforts to grow closer to Allah. But Islam, in its beauty and wisdom, doesn’t let that momentum fade away. Right after Eid-ul-Fitr, we’re presented with another golden opportunity: the 6 days of Shawwal.
So what exactly are the 6 days of Shawwal, and why do they matter so much? Let’s explore their significance, the rewards promised, and how you can make the most of them — even if your schedule is packed.
The Powerful Hadith Behind the 6 Days of Shawwal
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime.”
— [Sahih Muslim]
This hadith is profound. It shows us that fasting beyond Ramadan isn’t just extra credit — it’s a gateway to continuous reward. The act of fasting 6 days of Shawwal gives the same reward as if you had fasted the entire year!
This is based on the logic of multiplication in reward. Allah rewards each good deed tenfold. So:
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Fasting Ramadan = 30 days × 10 = 300 days
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Fasting 6 days of Shawwal = 6 × 10 = 60 days
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Total = 360 days = approximately a full year
Isn’t that incredible? Fasting for just six additional days earns you a reward as though you fasted every single day of the year.
Why Shawwal? Why These 6 Days?
You might wonder — why not fast any six days throughout the year? Why specifically the 6 days of Shawwal?
The month of Shawwal follows right after Ramadan. Spiritually, it’s the perfect time to carry over your good habits. You’ve just spent a month disciplining your body, soul, and mind. Fasting during Shawwal helps keep that momentum going.
It’s also a test of sincerity. Do you worship only during Ramadan, or do you strive for consistency? The 6 days of Shawwal are a gentle nudge to keep your faith alive after the Eid celebrations have ended.
When to Fast the 6 Days of Shawwal
The beauty of these six days is their flexibility. You can fast them:
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Consecutively (e.g., the six days immediately after Eid)
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Spread out over the month (e.g., Mondays and Thursdays)
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On days that suit your schedule
The only condition is that they are fasted within the month of Shawwal. Once the new lunar month (Dhul-Qi’dah) begins, the opportunity for these specific fasts is gone until next year.
So, if you’re someone who struggles with long commitments, you can still benefit from the 6 days of Shawwal without pressure.
Common Questions About Fasting 6 Days of Shawwal
1. Do I need to make up missed Ramadan fasts first?
This is a common concern, especially for women who missed days due to menstruation. Scholars differ slightly, but the best approach is:
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Make up missed Ramadan fasts first (as a priority)
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Then, fast the 6 days of Shawwal
Why? Because the hadith mentions “whoever fasts Ramadan”, implying a complete Ramadan followed by Shawwal fasts. However, if you genuinely cannot make up all your missed fasts in time, you can still fast the 6 days of Shawwal with the intention of nafl (voluntary) fasting — and Allah knows your intention.
2. Can I combine the intention with other fasts?
Some scholars allow combining the intention — for example, fasting a qada (missed) Ramadan day while also intending it as one of the 6 days of Shawwal. Others recommend keeping the intentions separate for maximum reward. It’s best to consult a local scholar or follow the opinion you’re comfortable with.
3. Is it better to fast them consecutively?
It’s not required. The Prophet ﷺ didn’t specify consecutive days. But fasting them early in the month helps you avoid procrastination — plus you get the benefit of riding the post-Ramadan spiritual wave.
Real-Life Tips to Keep It Manageable
If you’re working, studying, or parenting full-time, the idea of fasting six more days might feel overwhelming. Here are a few ways to make it easier:
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Pair with Mondays & Thursdays: These are already beloved Sunnah fast days. You get double the benefit.
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Plan with a buddy: Fasting is easier when you have encouragement. Invite a friend or spouse to fast with you.
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Reward yourself: Prepare a healthy iftar meal you enjoy. A small treat goes a long way.
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Mark your calendar: Visual tracking helps. Circle or check off each day you complete.
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Make intention clear: Remind yourself: “This is for Allah, and the reward is like fasting all year.”
The Spiritual Benefits of the 6 Days of Shawwal
Beyond the reward, fasting these six days nurtures several key aspects of your spiritual growth:
1. Consistency in Worship
Ramadan teaches us to be regular in our ibadah. The 6 days of Shawwal keep that spirit alive, helping you avoid spiritual burnout or post-Ramadan slump.
2. Gratitude for Ramadan
Fasting in Shawwal is like saying “thank you” for the opportunity of Ramadan. It’s a way of showing appreciation through action.
3. Increased Taqwa
Every fast we keep is a reminder of our commitment to Allah. The more we fast, the more we feel that closeness.
4. Detachment from the Dunya
Fasting helps you prioritize your spiritual needs over material ones. You say no to food and drink to say yes to a higher purpose.
How to Make the Most of Shawwal
While fasting is the highlight of Shawwal, it’s not the only act of worship you can engage in. Here are a few bonus spiritual boosters:
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Extra Salah: Add Sunnah or Tahajjud prayers to your day.
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Qur’an Reading: Continue the habit you built in Ramadan.
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Charity: Many people give zakat during Ramadan. Keep the generosity going with sadaqah in Shawwal.
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Du’a: Continue your heartfelt conversations with Allah.
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Dhikr: A few minutes of remembrance each day brings immense peace.
But if you can do only one thing this month — let it be fasting the 6 days of Shawwal.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Shawwal Slip Away
In the grand scheme of things, six days is a small investment for a huge spiritual return. Whether you fast them all in a row or scatter them across the month, the key is intention and effort.
The 6 days of Shawwal are not a burden — they’re a gift. A divine offer to continue reaping the benefits of Ramadan. They remind us that worship is not confined to a single month. Allah gives us opportunities all year long — and the wise believer grabs them.
So set your intention, make a plan, and take one day at a time. May Allah accept your fasting, increase your sincerity, and grant you the reward of a lifetime’s worth of worship.
Don’t miss the 6 days of Shawwal. They matter more than you think.
Have you fasted the 6 days of Shawwal before? Planning to do it this year? Let us know in the comments — and share this blog to inspire others!
For more blogs Qurbani Guidelines: Do’s and Don’ts Every Muslim Should Know -2025