6 Roza after Eid

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"The one, who observes 6 fasts in Shawwaal after Ramadhan, it is as if he has fasted throughout the year." (Saheeh Muslim)

The month of Shawwaal is the month that comes after the month of Ramadhan, which begins with the day of Eid. According to the Hadith, there are five days in a year in which it is not permissible to fast:

1. The day of Eid,

2. The day of Baqr'eid,

3. And the three days after Baqr'eid called Ayyaam-ut-Tashreeq.

Therefore, these 6 fasts, which are recommended during the month of Shawwaal, must automatically be after the day of Eid. These fasts may be observed consecutively as it may also be observed at intervals provided that they are observed before the month of Shawwaal is over. It is to be noted that these fasts are not obligatory. This means that if a person does not observe them, he will not be sinful nor can he be criticised or blamed. However, if a person observes them, he will get great rewards. According to the Hadith, the reward of the month of Ramadhan and these 6 fasts together represents the reward of one year of fasting. This is because, according to the Shar’iah, 10 rewards are accrued for an action. The reward of the month of Ramadhan represents 10 months of fasting and 6 fasts represent 60 fasts which is equal to 2 months of fasting.

[English version of "6 roza après Eid" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.12]