How to Fast in Syawal and Make Up for Ramadan: Complete Guide from Intention to Number of Days

Kapanlagi.com - The month of Syawal is a very meaningful time for Muslims who have completed the fasting of Ramadan. After the Eid al-Fitr celebration, Muslims are encouraged to continue their worship by observing the fast of Syawal. Additionally, for those who still have outstanding Ramadan fasts due to valid reasons, such as illness or menstruation, it is obligatory to make up the fasts first. This raises an important question: can the fast of Syawal and the make-up fast of Ramadan be performed simultaneously or must they be separated?

Performing the fast of Syawal and making up for the fast of Ramadan are indeed two highly recommended practices. However, many people are confused about how to combine these two intentions, as well as the correct methods and timing for carrying out these two types of fasting. Therefore, it is important to understand the rules and procedures for the fast of Syawal and the make-up fast of Ramadan in detail, so that the worship performed is valid and in accordance with Islamic law.

In this article, we will comprehensively discuss the intentions, procedures, and recommended number of days for the fast of Syawal and the make-up fast of Ramadan. By understanding this guide, it is hoped that Muslims can perform their worship correctly and attain maximum rewards.

1. 1. The Law and Basis of Syawal Fasting and Qadha of Ramadan

Syawal fasting is a highly recommended sunnah fast, as stated by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), "Whoever fasts during Ramadan and then continues with six days in the month of Syawal, it is as if he has fasted for the whole year." (HR. Muslim). On the other hand, making up for missed Ramadan fasts (qadha) is an obligation for anyone who has left it for reasons justified by Islamic law, such as illness, menstruation, or travel.

Although Syawal fasting has great virtues, qadha fasting takes precedence due to its obligatory nature. Therefore, Muslims are advised to complete the qadha of Ramadan fasting first before performing Syawal fasting. The majority of scholars agree that qadha fasting for Ramadan can be done at any time before the next Ramadan. However, for those who wish to combine the intention of Syawal fasting and qadha of Ramadan, scholars have differing opinions. In general, it is recommended to perform both separately to ensure validity and avoid disputes.

2. 2. Reading the Intentions for Syawal Fasting and Qadha Ramadan

The intention is an important element in every act of worship, including fasting. A valid intention must be pronounced and understood well for the worship to be accepted. For Syawal fasting, there are several phrases of intention that can be used depending on how it is carried out.

• The intention for fasting Syawal for six consecutive days is:

Nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an adai sittatin min syawwal lillahi ta'ala

Meaning: "I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the Sunnah fast of six days from the month of Syawal for the sake of Allah Ta'ala."

• The intention for Syawal fasting that is not done consecutively can read the following intention:

Nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an adaa'i sunnatis Syawwal lillaahi ta'ala

Meaning: "I intend to fast the Sunnah of Syawal tomorrow for the sake of Allah SWT."

• The correct intention for Qadha Ramadan fasting is:

Nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an qadhaai ramadhaana lillaahi ta'ala

Meaning: "I intend to replace the fast of Ramadan tomorrow for the sake of Allah SWT."

It is important to pronounce this intention before dawn, especially for Qadha fasting, so that the worship is valid in the eyes of Sharia.

3. 3. Time of Implementation and Strategy for Scheduling Fasting

Considering that the Syawal fast can only be performed in the month of Syawal, while the qadha fast can be done until the next Ramadan, Muslims need to plan their schedule wisely. One strategy is to prioritize the qadha fast of Ramadan first because it is obligatory. After that, Muslims can perform the Syawal fast during the remaining time available in the month of Syawal.

However, if time is limited and someone wants to combine both, there is an opinion that combining the intentions of qadha and Syawal on one day is acceptable, although it is better to intend for the qadha fast with the hope of receiving the reward of Syawal. If someone delays the qadha fast for too long, they risk losing the opportunity to gain the virtues of the Syawal fast.

4. 4. Procedures for Syawal and Qadha Ramadan Fasting

The method of fasting for Syawal and making up for Ramadan is actually the same as fasting in general. The only difference is the intention that is pronounced, as well as the timing of its implementation.

Like other obligatory fasts, Muslims who observe the fast of Syawal and make up for Ramadan must refrain from eating, drinking, and other actions that invalidate the fast. In addition, maintaining concentration and hastening to break the fast is also highly recommended.

5. 5. How Many Days is the Syawal Fast?

The Syawal fast is recommended to be observed for six days after the Eid al-Fitr celebration. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in a hadith reported by Muslim, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan and then continues with six days in the month of Syawal, it is as if he has fasted for the entire year." (HR. Muslim).

Ideally, the Syawal fast should be done for six consecutive days starting from the 2nd of Syawal to the 7th of Syawal. However, if it cannot be done consecutively, this fast is still valid if performed separately throughout the month of Syawal, as long as it is still within that month. Some scholars, such as Sheikh Ibn Hajar al-Haitami, state that the Syawal fast can be performed non-consecutively, for example by choosing certain days like Monday and Thursday, as long as it is still within the month of Syawal.

Therefore, the recommended number of days for the Syawal fast is six days, and if done separately, one still receives the same reward, as long as it does not extend beyond the month of Syawal.

6. Popular Questions about Syawal Fasting and Ramadan Qadha

Does Syawal fasting have to be done consecutively?

No, it does not have to be. Syawal fasting can be done separately, as long as it is still within the month of Syawal. However, it is highly recommended to perform the six days of fasting consecutively, starting from the 2nd of Syawal.

Can the intention for Syawal fasting and Ramadan Qadha be combined in one intention?

There are two opinions among scholars regarding this. Some scholars allow the intention for Qadha and Syawal to be combined, while others suggest that they should be separated. The best practice is to separate the intentions for Syawal fasting and Qadha to avoid debate.

What is the best time to start Syawal fasting?

Ideally, Syawal fasting should start on the 2nd of Syawal and can be done until the end of the month of Syawal, as long as it does not exceed the time limit.

(kpl/frr)