Sitta Shawwal (Ramadan Digest Special)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Sitta Shawwal is the six voluntary fasts observed in the Islamic month of Shawwal, immediately following Ramadan. The significance of these fasts is rooted in the prophetic tradition, where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he has fasted for a lifetime.” (Muslim 1164)

The reasoning behind this immense reward is based on the multiplication of good deeds in Islamic teachings. Since every deed is rewarded tenfold, fasting for the 30 days of Ramadan is equivalent to fasting for 300 days, and adding six more days completes the reward for a full lunar year (360 days). This establishes the idea that through Sitta Shawwal, a believer symbolically achieves a state of perpetual fasting, without actually having to fast every single day of the year.

Beyond its numerical reward, Sitta Shawwal serves as an extension of Ramadan’s spiritual discipline. After a month of intense devotion, these fasts help maintain the momentum of worship, preventing an immediate return to heedlessness. It acts as a bridge between the heightened spirituality of Ramadan and the rest of the year, reinforcing the habits of patience, self-restraint, and mindfulness of Allah.

Scholars have also highlighted that observing these six fasts is a sign of an accepted Ramadan. Just as the performance of additional voluntary prayers after obligatory ones is an indication of sincerity, continuing to fast after Ramadan suggests a true devotion to pleasing Allah. Moreover, it allows believers to compensate for any shortcomingsin their Ramadan fasts, much like how Sunnah prayers perfect obligatory prayers.

In terms of observance, Sitta Shawwal can be fasted on any six days throughout the month, whether consecutively or separately. Many prefer fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, as these were the preferred fasting days of the Prophet (pbuh). Additionally, there is a scholarly discussion on whether one should make up missed Ramadan fasts first before beginning these voluntary fasts. Some scholars recommend completing obligatory fasts first, while others suggest that one can combine intentions, fasting both as a makeup and for Sitta Shawwal simultaneously.

Ultimately, Sitta Shawwal is not just an act of fasting but a spiritual mindset, reminding believers that the essence of Ramadan should not be abandoned after Eid. It teaches that the pursuit of righteousness continues beyond a single month and that true devotion extends throughout the year.

Global Eid Highlights

UNITED KINGDOM: King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oluremi Tinubu at a state banquet adapted for Ramadan at Windsor Castle. Charles acknowledged the “sacrifice” of fasting Muslims, as the visit, the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years, aims to deepen economic and financial ties between both countries.

NIGERIA: Residents in Katsina State have criticised Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) over poor electricity supply during Ramadan, saying outages are disrupting suhoor, iftar and nightly prayers despite a recently announced ₦500 million network upgrade.

AFRICA: Policymakers across the continent warn that rising oil prices linked to tensions involving Iran could disrupt economic recovery, hit key sectors such as mining, and force central banks to halt or reconsider monetary easing as inflation risks return.

SAUDI ARABIA: Authorities have called on Muslims to sight the Shawwal crescent moon to determine the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid al-Fitr. Officials say Eid could fall on March 19 if the moon is sighted, or March 20 if the fasting month completes 30 days.

Singapore: Minister Masagos Zulkifli revealed that nearly $1 million was raised for Gaza during Ramadan, highlighting the strong charitable efforts of the Singaporean Muslim community in supporting humanitarian relief efforts.

Health Tip

After a month of fasting, the body needs a balanced transition. Avoid overeating and stay hydrated, and continue practicing mindful eating habits.

Today’s Challenge

Plan for Sitta Shawwal, set a personal goal to observe the six fasts and encourage others to join. Also, Take a moment to thank Allah for witnessing another Ramadan and pray for many more.

Did You Know?

1.Fasting six days of Shawwal is like fasting for a lifetime due to the multiplication of rewards.

2.The Prophet (pbuh) regularly fasted on Mondays and Thursdays,making them ideal days to observe Sitta Shawwal.

3.Some scholars say Sitta Shawwal fasts can be combined with making up missed Ramadan fasts, earning double rewards.

4.The blessings of Ramadan do not end on Eid, fasting Sitta Shawwal helps maintain the spiritual high.

5.Eid is a day of celebration, but maintaining taqwa after Ramadan is the real success.

Qur’an Verse of the Day

“And worship your Lord until certainty (death) comes to you.”(Surah Al-Hijr 15:99)

Hadiths

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted a whole year.” (Muslim 1164)

“Deeds are presented on Mondays and Thursdays, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting.” (Tirmidhi 747)

“Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will remove his face from Hellfire a distance of seventy years.” (Bukhari 2840)

As this blessed month draws to a close, hearts are caught between gratitude and quiet sorrow, gratitude for the mercy, forgiveness, and countless blessings witnessed throughout its days and nights, and sorrow at the departure of a month so deeply beloved to the soul.

The believer does not let Ramadan end without turning to Allah with the supplication taught by the Prophet (pbuh): “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.”(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.)(Reported by Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi)

As Ramadan fades, the focus of a sincere believer shifts from action to acceptance. It is no longer about how much was done, but whether it has been accepted. Not the number of fasts observed, nor the length of prayers, nor the quantity of Qur’an recited, but whether Allah, in His mercy, has accepted even a portion of it.

The early generations understood this well. They would exert themselves in worship, yet remain more concerned about acceptance than performance. Their hearts trembled not from lack of action, but from uncertainty, whether their deeds had truly reached Allah.

For this reason, the closing of Ramadan is not marked by relaxation, but by humility. It is marked by abundant seeking of forgiveness, by quiet reflection, and by sincere du‘ā. The final moments should not be weaker than the first; rather, they should be filled with a deeper sense of urgency, as though one is bidding farewell to something that may never return.

A believer departs Ramadan the way a traveler departs a sacred place, hopeful, yet uncertain; grateful, yet pleading.

Closing Du‘a

O Allah, accept from us our fasting, our standing in prayer, and all our acts of worship. Do not let this be our last Ramadan except that You have forgiven us, shown us mercy, and written us among the righteous. Amin.

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