Imagine if there was a small investment that could give big profits. Surely we wouldn’t miss it, right? Well, in worship there is also such an ‘investment’. Just by fasting six days in the month of Syawal , we can get a reward like fasting for a whole year! This is not just empty motivation, but a promise from the Prophet ﷺ based on a valid hadith.
The month of Syawal is not just about Eid and family gatherings. There is a golden opportunity for those of us who want to stay in the atmosphere of worship after Ramadan. And, Syawal fasting is one way. So, it would be a shame to miss it!
Why is Syawal fasting like a year-long fast?
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once said:
“مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ فَكَأَنَّمَا صَامَ الدَّهْرَ”
(Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six days in the month of Syawal, it is as if he has fasted the whole year.) (Narrated by Muslim, no. 1164)
How is that possible? Because in Islam, every good deed is multiplied tenfold. This is in accordance with the word of Allah ﷻ:
“منْ جَاءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ عَشْرُ أَمْثَالِهَا”
(Whoever does good, then for him ten times (the reward) of his deeds.) (QS. Al-An’am: 160)
If we calculate, the results are like this:
- Fasting Ramadan for 30 days is equivalent to 300 days (30 × 10).
- Fasting Syawal for 6 days is counted as 60 days (6 × 10).
- The total is 360 days, equivalent to fasting all year round!
Imam Nawawi in Syarh Sahih Muslim explains that every good deed will be multiplied tenfold. So, the 30-day Ramadan fast multiplied by 10 becomes 300 days. Plus the 6-day Syawal fast multiplied by 10 becomes 60 days. The result? 360 days, exactly the same as the number of days in a year!
But what if Ramadan is only 29 days? Don’t worry, the calculation is still extraordinary:
- 29 days Ramadan fast produces 290 days of reward.
- 6 days Syawal fast still gets 60 additional days.
- The total is 350 days, almost a full year.
Still 10 days short? Don’t worry, other sunnah worship can complete it. That is the vast mercy of Allah ﷻ!
Also read: Is Hidayah Awaited or Sought?
Syawwal Fasting, Proof of Gratitude and Sincerity
According to Ibn Rajab in Lathaif al-Ma’arif, Syawal fasting is a form of gratitude for being given the opportunity to complete Ramadhan. In addition, this fast shows that we still want to stay close to Allah ﷻ, not only during the fasting month.
Sheikh Ibn Utsaimin also added that Syawal fasting can be a complement to any shortcomings that may occur in our Ramadhan fasting. We are human, there must be gaps in our worship, and this fast can close them.
Also read: Ramadhan Kareem: Time to Increase Faith and Piety!
How to Fast Syawal Flexible?
Some people think, Syawal fasting must be done immediately after Eid al-Fitr or can it be done in installments? Don’t worry, there are two opinions in the Syafi’i school of thought:
- Immediately after Eid al-Fitr so that it is finished faster and gets momentum.
- In installments during the month of Syawal, the important thing is to keep it six days.
Which one do you want to choose? Just adjust it to your own conditions. The important thing is, this fast is done in the month of Syawal.
For those who are not used to fasting sunnah, this can be a golden opportunity to train yourself. In addition to great rewards, fasting is also good for health, helps detoxify the body, and keeps eating patterns under control after the ‘party’ on Eid.
What if you still have Ramadan fasting debts?
For those who still have Ramadan fasting debts, such as women who are menstruating or people who are sick, can you fast Syawal straight away?
There are two main opinions:
- The first opinion (Mazhab Syafi’i): Fasting debts must be paid first, then you can fast Syawal. Because in the hadith it is stated “Whoever fasts in Ramadan…” meaning that the Ramadan fast must be perfected first.
- The second opinion: It is permissible to fast Syawal first, because the time to make up for the Ramadan fast is still long until the next Ramadan.
Which is better? If possible, complete the fasting debts first so you are calmer. But if you are worried about not having time, some scholars allow the intention to make up for it while fasting Syawal.
For those who have a lot of debts, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, you can plan a strategy so that the qadha is completed first before Syawal ends.
Also read: How to Manage Your Sleep Time During Ramadan
Conclusion: 6 Days That Change Everything!
Syawwal fasting is a small act of worship with great rewards. With just six days of fasting, we can get the rewards of a whole year! In addition to the spiritual benefits, this fast is also a sign that we are still enthusiastic about worshiping after Ramadan.
Don’t let us return to our old habits after Ramadan. Syawwal fasting is a simple way to show that we want to stay close to Allah. It’s not just about rewards, but also about our consistency in worship.
So, what are you waiting for? Come on, make up your mind to fast Syawwal now! Only six days, but the benefits are extraordinary!
Also read: How to Manage Personal Finances of the Prophet Muhammad’s Companions
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References:
Al-Qur’an, QS. Al-An’am: 160. Accessed from https://tafsirweb.com/2284-surat-al-anam-ayat-160.html
Muslim, Sahih Muslim, https://www.hadits.id/hadits/muslim
An-Nawawi, Y. Syarh Sahih Muslim (Vol. 8, p. 56).
Ibn Rajab, A.. Lathaif al-Ma’arif. Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah
