Virtues and Benefits of Fasting in The Month of Shawwal

Muslims observe fast in the month of Ramadan in which Quran was revealed upon Muhammad(PBUH). Muslims fast to attain the highest level of piety by abstaining from all worldly desires. Muslims around the world perform Islamic rituals in Ramadan and learn duas to seek Allah’s forgiveness. Fasting in Ramadan has decreed upon Muslims as was decreed on the previous people. Ramadan is followed by the month of Shawwal, the month started with Eid festivity. It is the month of celebration and sign of gratefulness for those who have accomplished the month of Ramadan while performing Ibadah.

For the Muslims fasting in Shawwal is highly recommended because it is Nafal and Fasting is a shield to fortify in order to revive Imaan to fulfill Allah’s commandments. Apart from fulfilling the Sunnah, fasting in Shawwal is a moral development to continue the practice of sacrifice even in this month. In Hadith it is narrated that

"Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six from Shawwal, then that is (equal in reward) to fasting every day."” [Tirmidhi]

The above Hadith is enough to explain the significance of saum in Shawwal that is equivalent to the reward of fasting every day.

Virtues of fasting in Shawaal

Following virtues are associated with the month of shawwal specially with the ritual of fasting.

1.   Extra blessings extra reward

Any deed that is prescribed in Islam for Muslims has extra bounties intertwined with it. Reading Holy Quran ayahs word by word with translation brings special rewards and bounties for the Muslims. These extra efforts make one more closer to Allah that eventually leads in seeking Allah’s pleasure. Allah says in Quran

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means [of nearness] to Him and strive in His cause that you may succeed.” [5:35]

2.   Imbues humbleness

After the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid ul Fitar that is a token of celebrations from Allah Almighty. Parents usually advise their Muslim kids to fast in the month of shawal to attain the blessings of this Holy Month. Shawwal instills the feelings of humbleness in Muslims to thank Him for the festivity of Eid after physical and moral striving in the entire month of Ramadan. In Quran Allah says

“… Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” [2:185]

Benefits of fasting in Shawwal

Muslims can either fast in the start of Shawwal or in the end continuously or the day best suited to them except on Eid. Benefits of keeping Saum in shawwal are:

1.   Compensation for Ramadan’s fasts

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for all those who are mentally well and mature however, few are exempted from fasting like travelers, weak and pregnant women. Shawwal is the best opportunity for all such people to compensate their obligation to observe fast in it.

2.   Earning Reward

Whoever wants to earn rewards he should observe fast in Shawwal that comes after the month of Ramadan. Muslims should continue the practice of reciting Quranic Surahs and Salah in Shawal as well. For maximum rewards, recite the reverend Surahs like Surah Yasin and Surah Kahf along offering Nawafil.

“Whoever fasts Ramadan, and then six days after Eid, it is [like fasting] an entire year. Whoever does a good deed shall have ten times its reward.” [Ibn Majah]

Those who are well enough to fast they should observe Shawwal for immense reward. This will refine their moral stature along attaining soul purification and best rank in sight of Allah Almighty. Indeed, He knows best and reward as per Intentions.