The Virtues of Shawwal Fasting
In the Islamic tradition, the month of Shawwal holds a special significance for Muslims around the world. It is reported in authentic hadiths that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) conveyed a profound reward for those who fast six days during this month, following the completion of Ramadan. Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime." This narration is supported by multiple sources including Sahih Muslim, Abu Dawud, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasai, and Ibn Majah.
The Prophet further elucidated this concept by stating, "Whoever fasts for six days after ('Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it)." This is based on the understanding that Allah multiplies the reward for each good deed by ten, thus a month of fasting equates to ten months, and the additional six days complete the year. This is also reflected in the narration by Ibn Khuzaymah which says, "Fasting for the month of Ramadan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the fasting of the whole year."
The Hanbali and Shafi'i schools of Islamic jurisprudence interpret this to mean that fasting these six days of Shawwal, in addition to Ramadan, is akin to observing a year of obligatory fasts. This is due to the principle that each good deed is rewarded tenfold, and this extends to voluntary (nafl) fasts as well.
Another significant benefit of fasting six days in Shawwal is that it compensates for any shortcomings in one's obligatory Ramadan fasts. It is acknowledged that no individual is free from faults or sins that may impact the quality of their fasting. On the Day of Resurrection, it is said that nafl deeds may be used to rectify any deficiencies in obligatory deeds. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) explained that the first thing people will be accountable for on that Day will be their prayer (salah). If there are any deficiencies in their obligatory prayers, their voluntary prayers may be used to complete them. This principle applies to all actions, suggesting that voluntary fasts during Shawwal can also serve to perfect one's obligatory fasts from Ramadan.
In conclusion, fasting six days during the month of Shawwal is a practice highly recommended in Islam, with the potential to yield immense spiritual rewards. It is an opportunity for Muslims to extend the benefits of Ramadan throughout the year and to ensure that their obligatory fasts are complete and acceptable in the sight of Allah.