When Ramadan ends, many Muslims feel a mixture of joy and sadness.
There is the happiness of Eid, but also the sense of loss as the month of fasting, night prayers and Quran recitation comes to a close.
Allah, in His mercy, has given believers a way to continue the spirit of Ramadan: fasting six days in the month of Shawwal.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if they have fasted the entire year.
This small effort brings a huge reward and helps carry the habits of Ramadan into the rest of the year.
This article explains everything you need to know about Shawwal fasting: its reward, the wisdom behind it, when and how to fast, the question of making up missed Ramadan fasts, practical tips and how to keep your Ramadan routines alive after Eid.
The Month of Shawwal
Its place in the calendar
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, immediately following Ramadan. It begins with Eid al-Fitr on the first day.
The first day: Eid al-Fitr
The first of Shawwal is the day of Eid al-Fitr, a day of celebration, gratitude and charity. Fasting on the day of Eid is prohibited.
Muslims begin the day with the Eid prayer, having paid Zakat al-Fitr before it.
One of the months of Hajj
Shawwal is also the first of the months of Hajj, the months during which pilgrims can begin their intention for Hajj.
The Reward of Fasting Six Days of Shawwal
The hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime.”
Scholars explain this to mean the reward of fasting a whole year, repeated each year.
How the calculation works
In Islam, every good deed is rewarded at least tenfold.
| Fasting | Days | Multiplied by 10 | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramadan | 30 | 300 days | 10 months |
| Shawwal | 6 | 60 days | 2 months |
| Total | 36 | 360 days | About one year |
This shows the generosity of Allah: thirty-six days of fasting bring the reward of a full year.
A lifetime of reward
If a person fasts Ramadan and six days of Shawwal every year, it is as if they fasted their whole life.
The Wisdom Behind Shawwal Fasting
Making up for shortcomings
Voluntary acts of worship help make up for shortcomings in obligatory acts. Our Ramadan fasts may have contained mistakes, such as careless speech or lack of focus. The six fasts help complete them.
A sign of acceptance
Scholars have noted that one of the signs that a good deed has been accepted is that it is followed by another good deed.
Fasting in Shawwal after Ramadan is a sign of continuing on the path of obedience.
Continuing the habit
After a month of fasting, the body and soul are accustomed to it. Fasting a few more days helps keep the habit of self-discipline alive.
Gratitude
Fasting after Ramadan is a way of thanking Allah for enabling us to complete Ramadan.
Protection from a sudden drop
Many people return abruptly to old habits after Ramadan. Shawwal fasting creates a gentle transition.
When and How to Fast the Six Days
When to begin
You can begin fasting from the second day of Shawwal. The first day, Eid al-Fitr, must not be fasted.
Consecutive or separate?
Scholars have discussed whether it is better to fast the six days consecutively or separately. The majority view is that both are acceptable.
Some prefer fasting them right after Eid to hasten in good deeds, while others prefer spreading them out.
| Option | Description | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Consecutive | Days 2–7 of Shawwal | Those who want to finish early |
| Spread out | Any six days during Shawwal | Those with busy schedules or family events |
| Combined with Sunnah days | Mondays and Thursdays in Shawwal | Those who already fast these days |
The intention
Make the intention for voluntary fasting before dawn, ideally.
For voluntary fasts, many scholars permit making the intention during the morning, provided you have not eaten or drunk since dawn.
Suhoor and iftar
Eat suhoor before dawn, as in Ramadan, and break your fast at Maghrib. The Sunnah of eating dates and drinking water at iftar applies to voluntary fasts too.
Making Up Missed Ramadan Fasts First
The question
Many people, especially women who missed days due to menstruation or postnatal bleeding, travellers and those who were ill, have Ramadan fasts to make up.
Should they make these up before the six days of Shawwal?
Scholarly views
- Many scholars recommend making up missed Ramadan fasts first, because the hadith speaks of fasting Ramadan “and then” following it with Shawwal. Completing Ramadan first fulfils this description.
- Other scholars permit fasting the six days of Shawwal first, especially when time is limited, since Ramadan fasts can be made up later in the year.
Practical advice
If you can make up your missed fasts and then fast six days within Shawwal, this is the safest option.
If you have many days to make up and it would be very difficult, consult a trusted scholar about your situation.
Combining intentions
Scholars differ on whether one can combine the intention of making up a Ramadan fast with a Shawwal fast. Many advise keeping them separate to be sure of both rewards. Ask your local scholar for guidance.
Practical Tips for Shawwal Fasting
Plan around Eid gatherings
Shawwal is often full of Eid visits and celebrations. Plan your fasting days around family events so you can enjoy both.
Fast with family or friends
Fasting together makes it easier and more enjoyable. Plan shared iftars.
Choose cooler or shorter days
If Shawwal falls in summer with long days, choose days when you can rest more.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water between iftar and suhoor.
Keep suhoor simple and nourishing
Foods such as oats, eggs, dates, yoghurt and fruit provide lasting energy.
Do not overburden yourself
If you cannot fast all six days, fast what you can. Every voluntary fast carries reward.
Keeping the Spirit of Ramadan Alive After Eid
Shawwal fasting is one way to continue Ramadan’s momentum. Here are others.
Continue daily Quran recitation
Many people read large amounts of Quran during Ramadan and then stop completely. Instead, set a realistic daily amount, such as one page or a quarter of a juz.
Keep praying at night
Even two rakat of night prayer before Witr keeps the habit of qiyam alive.
Keep giving charity
Set up a small regular donation to continue the generosity of Ramadan.
Keep good company
Stay connected with the friends and community you prayed with during Ramadan.
Maintain good habits
If you gave up a bad habit in Ramadan, such as excessive phone use, keep it up.
Revise what you memorised
If you memorised new surahs in Ramadan, revise them daily so they are not forgotten.
A Post-Ramadan Routine
| Time | Practice |
|---|---|
| Before Fajr | Two rakat of night prayer and dua |
| After Fajr | One page of Quran and morning adhkar |
| Daytime | Fast on Mondays and Thursdays after Shawwal |
| After Maghrib | Revise memorised surahs |
| Before sleep | Ayatul Kursi and the last three surahs |
Shawwal Fasting for Families
Encourage children
Older children who fasted in Ramadan can be encouraged to fast one or more days in Shawwal.
Make it special
Plan a special family iftar for each Shawwal fast.
Explain the reward
Explain the “36 days equals a year” calculation to children. It helps them understand Allah’s generosity.
Track together
Create a family chart with six boxes for each family member to tick off their fasts.
Common Questions and Misunderstandings
“I must fast the six days straight after Eid”
There is no requirement to fast immediately after Eid. Any six days in Shawwal are acceptable.
“If I miss Shawwal, I can fast later”
The specific reward mentioned in the hadith is for fasting six days in Shawwal. Fasting at other times is still rewarded but does not carry this particular virtue.
“Shawwal fasting is obligatory”
Shawwal fasting is voluntary and highly recommended, not obligatory.
Health Considerations
Voluntary fasting is meant to bring benefit, not harm. Keep these points in mind:
- Medical conditions: If you have diabetes, heart conditions, low blood pressure or other health issues, speak to your doctor before fasting.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consider their health and their baby’s needs, and seek medical and scholarly advice.
- Medication: If you take regular medication during the day, discuss timing with your doctor.
- Elderly people: Older people should fast only if it does not cause hardship.
Islam does not require voluntary fasting from anyone for whom it would cause harm. Intention and effort are rewarded by Allah.
What to Eat for Suhoor and Iftar
| Meal | Good choices | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Suhoor | Oats, eggs, wholegrain bread, yoghurt, bananas, dates, water | Very salty food, excess caffeine, sugary cereals |
| Iftar | Dates, water, soup, vegetables, lean protein, rice | Heavy fried food in large amounts, overeating |
Eating moderately at iftar helps you pray Maghrib and Isha comfortably and makes the next fast easier.
Other Voluntary Fasts Through the Year
Shawwal fasting can become a gateway to a year-round fasting habit. The Sunnah includes several other voluntary fasts:
- Mondays and Thursdays: The Prophet ﷺ fasted on these days, explaining that deeds are presented to Allah on them.
- The White Days: The 13th, 14th and 15th of each lunar month.
- The Day of Arafah: For those not performing Hajj, it expiates the sins of the previous and coming year.
- Ashura: The 10th of Muharram, with a day before or after, expiating the sins of the previous year.
- The month of Sha’ban: The Prophet ﷺ fasted much of Sha’ban.
| Fast | When | Reward mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| Six of Shawwal | Shawwal | Like fasting the whole year |
| Mondays and Thursdays | Weekly | Deeds presented to Allah |
| White Days | 13–15 of each month | Like fasting the whole month |
| Arafah | 9 Dhul Hijjah | Expiation for two years |
| Ashura | 10 Muharram | Expiation for one year |
A Personal Shawwal Plan
Before Shawwal begins, sit down with a calendar. Mark Eid, family events and work deadlines.
Then choose your six fasting days, and if you have missed Ramadan fasts, mark those first. Share the plan with your family so they can support you.
Writing it down makes you far more likely to complete it.
Good Deeds to Pair With Shawwal Fasts
A fasting day is a perfect opportunity to add other good deeds.
Read extra Quran during the hours before iftar, make sincere dua just before breaking your fast, because the dua of the fasting person is not rejected, and give a small charity or feed someone at iftar.
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever feeds a fasting person receives a reward like theirs without reducing the fasting person’s reward at all.
Guard your tongue and eyes as you did in Ramadan. Fasting is not only leaving food and drink but also leaving harmful speech and actions.
Each Shawwal fast becomes a small Ramadan day, keeping the lessons of the month alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reward for fasting six days of Shawwal?
Fasting Ramadan and six days of Shawwal is like fasting a whole year.
Can I start fasting on the day of Eid?
No. Fasting on the day of Eid is prohibited. Start from the second of Shawwal.
Do the six days have to be consecutive?
No. They can be consecutive or spread throughout the month.
Should I make up missed Ramadan fasts first?
Many scholars recommend this. If it is difficult, consult a trusted scholar.
Can women who missed Ramadan days fast Shawwal?
Yes. Many make up their missed days first and then fast the six days, while others follow scholars who allow the reverse order.
What if I can only fast three days?
Fast what you can. Every fast carries reward, though the full reward mentioned requires six days.
Final Thoughts
Shawwal fasting is a gift from Allah, a simple way to earn the reward of fasting a whole year and to carry the light of Ramadan into the months ahead.
Six days of fasting, chosen to suit your schedule, can make a lasting difference to your spiritual life.
Plan your days, make up missed fasts if you can, fast with family and friends and keep your Ramadan habits alive.
Above all, keep your connection with the Quran going after Eid, so that every month can carry a little of Ramadan’s blessing.
Keep your Ramadan Quran habit going after Eid.