Hadhrat Abu Ayyub (radiallahu anh) reported: The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alayhi wasallam) said, "He who observes fast in the month of Ramadan, and also observes fast for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed fast for the whole year." [Muslim]

According to the formula that there is at least ten-fold reward for every virtue, the fast during Ramadan is equivalent to fasting for ten months. If one also observes fast during six days of Shawwal, it will be equal to fasting for two months. Thus, one becomes eligible for the reward of a whole year's worth of fasting. He who makes it a permanent feature is like one who observes fasting throughout his life. He will be considered by Allah as one who observes fasting permanently. Although voluntary in nature, they are highly important. One can observe these six days at a stretch or with intervals, but their observance one after the other at the beginning of the month is better. Similarly, if a person has missed some fasts of Ramadan due to illness, travelling, etc., he should first make up the shortfall and then observe the voluntary six days fast of Shawwal.

Note: Days When Fasting Is Prohibited: 'In total there are five days when fasting is Haraam (forbidden). They are the days of Eidul Fitr (1st of Shawwal), and the 10th (Eidul Adha), 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. These four days of Dhul Hijjah are called Ayaamut Tashreeq (the days of Tashreeq).

A Hadeeth is narrated in Bukhari (Vol.1, p267) from Hadhrat Abu Moosa (radiallahu 'anh), as well as Hadhrat Abu Huraira (radiallahu 'anh) that Rasulullaah (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) prohibited fasting on the days of Eidul Fitr (1st of Shawwal) and Eidul Adha (10th of Dhull Hijjah). (Tafseer Anwaar ul Bayaan)

» Posted by Seifeddine-M on 26th August 2011

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