…Within A Month After RAMADAN
Imam MUHAMMAD ISKIL LAWAL Explains
Fasting during Ramadan is a transformative spiritual journey that strengthens faith, discipline, and devotion to Allah. But did you know that by observing just 6 extra days of fasting in Shawwal—the month immediately after Ramadan—you can receive the reward of an entire year of fasting?
Imam Muhammad Iskil Lawal, a legal practitioner and the Chief Imam of the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos, sheds light on the immense rewards of this noble practice and how Muslims can take full advantage of it.
The six-day fast, known as Sitta Shawwal, is a special Sunnah recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He emphasized its profound benefits in the following hadith:
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in Shawwal, it will be as if they have fasted for a whole year.” (Sahih Muslim)
Explaining this divine calculation, Imam Iskil Lawal said:
“In Islam, every good deed is multiplied by ten. Fasting for 30 days in Ramadan earns a reward of 300 days. The six days of Shawwal add 60 more days, making a total of 360 days—essentially a full lunar year in Allah’s sight!”
He further emphasized that this calculation is not based on the Gregorian calendar but on Allah’s divine wisdom, showing how small acts of devotion can yield immense rewards.
HOW TO OBSERVE THE SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAL
The beauty of this fast lies in its flexibility. You may fast six consecutive days starting from the 2nd of Shawwal, immediately after Eid-ul-Fitr. Alternatively, you can spread the 6 days throughout the month, choosing days that are most convenient. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays (as per the Sunnah of the Prophet) is also an excellent way to incorporate these fasts while reviving another prophetic tradition. However, it is important to note that fasting on Eid day (1st of Shawwal) is strictly forbidden in Islam.
BENEFITS OF FASTING THE SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAL
Imam Iskil Lawal outlined several powerful benefits of observing this fast:
- Multiplied Rewards – Completing these six days earns the reward of fasting for an entire year!
- A Spiritual Detox – Ramadan purifies the soul, and fasting in Shawwal helps sustain that spiritual high.
- A Sign of Gratitude – After experiencing the blessings of Ramadan, fasting in Shawwal is a way to express thankfulness to Allah.
- Strengthens Discipline – Continuing the habit of fasting nurtures self-discipline, mindfulness, and devotion to Allah.
As Ramadan ends, don’t let the momentum of your faith fade. The six-day fast of Shawwal is a golden opportunity to extend the blessings of Ramadan and earn an unimaginable reward. Whether you fast consecutively or space them out, these six days are a small effort with a lifetime of benefits.
So, why stop at Ramadan? Keep the blessings flowing and secure the reward of a full year of fasting.
May Allah accept our fasts and grant us the strength to remain steadfast in seeking His pleasure. Ameen.
– Jamiu Abubakar (08085185886)
