How many days do I fast in Shawwal?

Six days in the month of Shawwal, which comes immediately after Ramadan. Combined with Ramadan, they earn the reward equivalent to fasting the whole year.

Do the six days of Shawwal have to be consecutive?

No. You may fast them on any six days within Shawwal, consecutively or spread out. Both approaches are valid.

Can I fast Shawwal if I have missed days from Ramadan?

The majority scholarly view is to complete missed Ramadan days (qada) first, as the obligation takes priority. However, some scholars permit fasting the six days while still owing qada.

What is the reward of fasting six days of Shawwal?

The Prophet ﷺ said it is as though you fasted the whole year (Muslim). This is because Ramadan counts as 300 days and the six Shawwal days as 60 days when each deed is multiplied by ten.

Can I fast the six days in the month after Shawwal?

No. The reward described in the hadith is specifically for fasting in Shawwal following Ramadan. Once Shawwal ends, this particular Sunnah opportunity is gone.

Can I combine the Shawwal fast with Monday or Thursday fasts?

Yes. Many scholars say that if a Monday or Thursday falls in Shawwal and you fast it with both intentions, you receive the reward for both. It is an efficient way to complete the six days.

Fasting Six Days of Shawwal: The Reward That Equals a Full Year

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, but the opportunity for extraordinary reward does not. The Prophet ﷺ taught that whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in Shawwal earns the reward as though they had fasted the entire year. This is one of the most generous offers of mercy in the entire Sunnah.

The Hadith

مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ

Man saama Ramadhana thumma atba'ahu sittan min Shawwalin kaana kasiyamid-dahr

'Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as though he fasted the whole year.' (Muslim)

Why Does Six Days Equal a Full Year?

Scholars explain the mathematics of this reward: in Islamic jurisprudence, every good deed is multiplied by ten. Ramadan (30 days × 10) counts as 300 days. Six days of Shawwal (6 × 10) counts as 60 days. Together: 360 days — approximately a full lunar year. This is why the Prophet ﷺ described it as fasting the whole year.

When and How to Fast the Six Days

Shawwal is the month immediately after Ramadan. You have the entire month of Shawwal — minus the 1st day (Eid al-Fitr, which is forbidden to fast) — to complete your six days. There is no requirement to fast them consecutively; you may spread them across the month as you wish.

Start any day after Eid al-Fitr (the 1st of Shawwal is forbidden to fast; begin from the 2nd).
Intend the night before, or in the morning before eating, to fast the day as a Shawwal voluntary fast.
Fast consecutively or spread them out — both are valid. Consecutive fasting shows greater eagerness.
Complete all six before the end of Shawwal. Once the month ends, the reward of this specific Sunnah is no longer available.

Common Questions

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What if I missed days in Ramadan?

If you have obligatory missed days (qada), the majority scholarly view is to make up those days first before fasting the six Shawwal days. Some scholars permit combining the intention, but the cautious view is to complete the obligation first.

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Can I fast them in Dhul-Qa'dah?

No. The reward described in the hadith is specifically for fasting six days within Shawwal following Ramadan. Once Shawwal ends, this specific reward is no longer available.

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Do they have to be consecutive?

No. You may fast any six days within Shawwal in any order. Spreading them to avoid fatigue, or combining them with Monday and Thursday fasts, are all acceptable.

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Is the intention required the night before?

For voluntary fasts, the intention may be made before midday as long as nothing that breaks the fast has been done. The night before is preferable but not required.

Combining Shawwal days with your regular Monday and Thursday fasts is a practical strategy many scholars mention — fasting on those days that happen to fall within Shawwal counts toward both.

The month of Shawwal is a window of continued devotion after Ramadan. Make the most of it while it lasts.

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