Procedures for Fasting Shawwal and Its Benefits and Virtues, Muslims Need to Know

Kapanlagi.com - After a month of fasting in Ramadan, Muslims will encounter the Eid al-Fitr holiday on the first day of Shawwal. During the two days of Eid al-Fitr on the first and second day of Shawwal, it is forbidden for Muslims to fast. However, it is different after the celebration of Eid al-Fitr ends. Muslims are actually recommended to observe the procedure for fasting Shawwal.

Fasting Shawwal is a recommended act. It means that it is not obligatory for Muslims to perform it, but it is highly recommended. In fact, the recommendation for fasting Shawwal was directly stated by the Prophet Muhammad. Through a hadith narrated by a companion of the Prophet, the Prophet Muhammad said as follows:

"Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a whole year." (Narrated by Muslim).

Such is the nobility of performing this worship, so it is advisable for every Muslim to know the procedure for observing fasting Shawwal. The following are the procedure for fasting Shawwal and important things that Muslims should know, summarized from various sources.

1. Benefits and Virtues of Fasting in Shawwal

Fasting in Shawwal for 6 days in the month of Shawwal has various benefits and virtues. The most important virtue is to complete the reward of fasting in Ramadan that has been done before. In addition, there are still several benefits related to fasting in Shawwal. Here are some benefits of following the procedure for fasting in Shawwal.

1) As a form of habituation after fasting in Ramadan. It means that all forms of worship and deeds performed during Ramadan will not disappear immediately after the end of Ramadan.

2) Obtaining special rewards on Eid day. In addition, fasting in Shawwal can also be interpreted as gratitude for the blessings on the day of celebration.

3) For those who fast in Shawwal, it is believed that they will receive forgiveness for past sins as a reward.

4) Fasting in Shawwal for 6 days will also bring us closer to Allah, just like in the previous month of Ramadan, without interruption.

5) Besides the spiritual aspect, it turns out that following the procedure for fasting in Shawwal is also good for health. Fasting in Shawwal will help the body adapt, especially the digestive system that has been fasting, and then work normally like on regular days.

2. Intention of Fasting Shawwal

Intention of Shawwal Fasting (credit: pixabay)

Just like fasting in Ramadan, there is also a recitation of intention when fasting in Shawwal. Some people believe that the intention for fasting in Shawwal is sufficient to be kept in the heart and does not need to be pronounced. However, there are also those who believe otherwise. Nevertheless, to strengthen the intention, it is better to recite it.

Aside from the recitation, there is a slight difference between the intention for fasting in Ramadan and the intention for fasting in Shawwal. While the intention for fasting in Ramadan must be recited on the night before fasting, the same applies for fasting in Shawwal. However, for fasting in Shawwal, the intention can also be done in the morning or at dawn, as long as one has not eaten or drunk anything.

Here is the recitation of the intention for fasting in Shawwal to be recited at night:

Nawaitu shauma ghadin 'an ada'i sunnatis Syawwaali lillaahi ta'ala.

Meaning:

I intend to fast the voluntary fast of Shawwal tomorrow for the sake of Allah SWT.

Here is the recitation of the intention for fasting in Shawwal to be recited in the morning:

Nawaitu shauma haadzal yaumi 'an ada'i sunnatis Syawwaali lillaahi ta'ala.

Meaning:

I intend to fast the voluntary fast of Shawwal today for the sake of Allah SWT.

3. Procedures of Shawwal Fasting

(credit: pixabay)

The procedures of Shawwal fasting are actually the same as the procedures of Ramadan fasting or other voluntary fasts. It means that Shawwal fasting is done by refraining from eating, drinking, desires, and things that can invalidate other fasts.

In addition, the thing that distinguishes Shawwal fasting from Ramadan fasting or other voluntary fasts is only the intention recitation, as explained earlier.

4. Timing of Shawwal Fasting

Time to Perform Shawwal Fasting (credit: pixabay)

Shawwal fasting is also observed from dawn until sunset (maghrib). As for the timing of Shawwal fasting, it is the same as mentioned earlier, which is 6 days in the month of Shawwal.

Furthermore, Shawwal fasting does not have to be observed consecutively for 6 days. It means it can be done anytime as long as it is still within the month of Shawwal, and the total is 6 days. This is based on the following hadith:

"Fasting six days in the month of Shawwal is authentic from the Prophet Muhammad SAW. And it can be done consecutively or separately. Because the Prophet Muhammad SAW mentioned Shawwal fasting in general and did not mention that it should be consecutive or separate. He said: 'Whoever fasts Ramadan followed by six days in the month of Shawwal, he will receive the reward of fasting for a whole year." (Narrated by Muslim in his Sahih, Majmu' Fatawa wa Maqalah Mutanawwi'ah, 15/391).

5. Allowed to Break Shawwal Fasting

Procedures for Shawwal Fasting (credit: pixabay)

As previously explained, Shawwal fasting is recommended (sunnah), so if it is broken, it is not obligatory to make up for it. This is in accordance with the explanation of Yaik Aziz bin Baz as follows:

"If the fasting is recommended (sunnah), then it is permissible to break it, and it is not obligatory to complete it. It is permissible to break it absolutely. However, it is better not to break it except for legitimate reasons, such as extreme heat, physical weakness, or being invited to a wedding, or other compelling reasons to break the fasting, then it is permissible."

6. A Wife is Required to Seek Permission from her Husband

There is an additional rule for a wife who wants to observe Shawwal fasting. A wife is required to seek permission from her husband before observing Shawwal fasting. This is based on the saying of the Prophet Muhammad:

“It is not permissible for a woman to fast while her husband is present (not on a journey) except with his permission. And it is not permissible for a woman to allow anyone to enter except with the permission of her husband." (Narrated by Bukhari, no. 5195).

7. Recommended to Replace Missed Ramadan Fasts First

Although it has many merits, fasting in Shawwal is recommended to be performed after replacing missed Ramadan fasts. This is because it is related to the virtue of fasting in Shawwal, which is to perfect the Ramadan fasts. Therefore, it is better to replace the missed Ramadan fasts first.

Those are some of the procedures for fasting in Shawwal along with its benefits and virtues. May we be granted smoothness and ease in every worship we undertake.

(kpl/psp)