Islamic Rules: The Fast of Syawal or Replacing Ramadan Fasting, Which Should Come First?

Many Muslims feel confused about the deadline for making up fasts and the consequences if they are late. Some scholars argue that the missed fasts must be made up before the next Ramadan, while others allow flexibility until the end of the month of Sha'ban. The most important thing is to make up the fasts as soon as the excuse is gone, without unnecessary delay and without a clear reason.

2. Obligation to Replace Ramadan Fasting

Ramadan fasting is one of the pillars of Islam that must be performed by every capable Muslim. If someone misses fasting for permissible reasons, such as illness or travel, then they are obligated to replace the missed fast outside of the month of Ramadan according to the number of days missed.

In Islam, obligations take precedence over sunnah practices. Therefore, many scholars argue that one should prioritize replacing their fasts before performing the sunnah fast of Syawal. This aligns with the principle in Islamic teachings that prioritizes obligations before additional or sunnah acts of worship.

3. Opinion of Prof. Quraish Shihab: Qadha is More Important

According to Prof. Quraish Shihab, as published in NU Online, the qadha fast of Ramadan should be prioritized before the Syawal fast. This is because replacing the fast is an obligation that must be fulfilled, whereas the Syawal fast is merely sunnah.

Prof. Shihab states that the sunnah fast of Syawal can be performed at any time during the month of Syawal. It does not have to be done consecutively starting from the 2nd of Syawal, the day after Eid al-Fitr. Therefore, at the beginning of the month of Syawal, one should first focus on replacing the missed Ramadan fasts.

4. Flexibility of Time for Syawal Fasting

Many people believe that the Syawal fasting must be done consecutively after Eid al-Fitr. However, according to Prof. Quraish Shihab, Syawal fasting can be performed at any time during the month of Syawal, thus providing flexibility for those who still have missed fasts to make up.

For those who choose to prioritize making up the Ramadan fasts, they still have the opportunity to perform the Syawal fasting at the end of the month of Syawal. This allows them to gain the virtues of Syawal fasting without neglecting the obligation to make up the Ramadan fasts. With this flexibility, someone with time constraints can still fulfill both of these worship obligations.

5. Conclusion: Which Should Be Prioritized?

From the explanation above, it can be concluded that it is preferable to prioritize making up the Ramadan fasts rather than immediately performing the Syawal fasting. This is because making up is an obligation that must be completed, while Syawal fasting is a sunnah worship. If someone still has outstanding Ramadan fasts, it is advisable for them to fulfill the make-up first. After that, if there is still time in the month of Syawal, they can perform the sunnah fasting.

However, for those who wish to still attain the virtues of Syawal fasting despite time constraints, there is a view that allows combining the intention between making up and Syawal fasting. Nevertheless, the majority of scholars still recommend separating the two to be more in accordance with the provisions of Islamic law.

6. FAQ

1. Must the Syawal fast be done consecutively?

No. The Syawal fast can be done at any time during the month of Syawal, either consecutively or separately.

2. Is it permissible to combine the intention of qadha Ramadan fasting and Syawal fasting?

There are differing opinions. However, it is better to separate the two to ensure the reward of each act of worship.

3. Is it permissible to fast Syawal before replacing the Ramadan fast?

It is advisable not to, because making up the missed Ramadan fast is an obligation that must be fulfilled before performing the sunnah fast.

4. What if someone does not have time to perform the Syawal fast because they are still making up for Ramadan?

It is not a problem, because the Syawal fast is sunnah, while making up for Ramadan is a more important obligation to complete.

(kpl/rmt)