The Procedure for Observing Syawal Fasting, Complete with Intentions and Provisions

After completing the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to observe a second fast known as Syawal fasting. As the name suggests, this is a Sunnah fast that can be performed by all Muslims. This Sunnah fast brings rewards and blessings, and not performing it is also not a problem. Generally, the Syawal fasting can be carried out starting from the second or third day after Eid al-Fitr.

The Sunnah fast of Syawal is believed to have great virtues. One of its virtues is that it provides rewards equivalent to fasting for an entire year if observed for six days. However, there are still some questions regarding the implementation of Syawal fasting, such as whether this fast must be performed consecutively or can be separated, and what intention should be recited, considering that Muslims often observe it for six consecutive days.

To better understand Syawal fasting, here is a complete explanation regarding the intention, timing of implementation, and its provisions according to Islamic teachings, summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. The Virtue of Syawal Fasting in Islam

Quoted from mui.or.id, Syawal fasting is one of the highly recommended Sunnah practices because it has extraordinary rewards. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّتً مِلييَ شَوَّالٍ كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ

"Whoever fasts in Ramadan and then continues with six days from Syawal, it is as if he has fasted for a whole year." (HR Muslim).

This is because in Islam, every good deed is multiplied tenfold. The fasting of Ramadan, which lasts for 30 days, is equivalent to 300 days of reward, plus the six days of Syawal fasting which is worth 60 days of reward, bringing the total to 360 days, which is equivalent to fasting for a full year.

In addition to receiving great rewards, Syawal fasting also serves as a means of completing the worship of Ramadan and training oneself to remain steadfast in worship after Ramadan has passed. Thus, this fasting can become a good habit that maintains the spirit of worship throughout the year.

2. When Should the Shawwal Fasting Be Done?

One of the frequently asked questions is when is the best time to perform the Shawwal fasting and whether it must be done consecutively.

• According to the majority of scholars, the Shawwal fasting begins on the 2nd of Shawwal, one day after the Eid al-Fitr celebration. However, there are two opinions regarding whether it should be done consecutively or can be separated throughout the month of Shawwal.
• First opinion: The Shawwal fasting is preferably done for six consecutive days starting from the 2nd to the 7th of Shawwal, as recommended in several scholarly opinions.
• Second opinion: The Shawwal fasting can be done separately throughout the month of Shawwal, for example, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays or on days that are convenient.
• Both methods are valid, allowing Muslims to adjust according to their circumstances and abilities. The most important thing is that the fasting is done in the month of Shawwal to attain the promised virtues.

"Sheikh Ibn Hajar al-Haitami in Tuhfatul Muhtaj fi Syarhil Minhaj opines that Shawwal fasting can be done separately, not necessarily consecutively, by choosing six days that fit one's comfort and opportunity in the month of Shawwal." writes the Baznaz page

3. Reading of Intent for Syawal Fasting and Its Timing

Intention is an important part of fasting worship, including Syawal fasting. Below is the reading of the intention that can be recited before starting the Syawal fast:

Intention for Syawal fasting since the night:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ غَدٍ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سُنَّتِ الشَّوَّالِ لِلهِ تَعَالَى

"Nawaitu shauma ghadin ‘an adâ’i sunnatis Syawwali lillâhi ta‘âlâ." (Meaning: I intend to fast the Sunnah of Syawal tomorrow for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.)

However, unlike the obligatory fasts such as Ramadan, the Sunnah fast of Syawal can still be intended in the morning, as long as one has not eaten or done anything that invalidates the fast since dawn. If someone only decides to fast during the day, they can recite the following intention:

Intention for Syawal fasting during the day:

نَوَيْتُ صَوْمَ هزَا اليَوْمِ عَنْ أَدَاءِ سُنَّتِ الشَّوَّالِ لِلهِ تَعَالَى

"Nawaitu shauma hâdzal yaumi ‘an adâ’i sunnatis Syawwali lillâhi ta‘âlâ." (Meaning: I intend to fast the Sunnah of Syawal today for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.)

With this flexibility, Muslims can still perform the Syawal fast even if they did not have the intention from the previous night.

4. Can the Syawal Fast Be Combined with the Qadha of Ramadan?

For someone who still has debts of Ramadan fasting, the question arises whether the qadha fast can be combined with the Syawal fast.

There are several opinions regarding this matter:

• First opinion: Some scholars allow a person to combine the intention of the qadha Ramadan fast with the Syawal fast in one act of worship. However, the reward obtained is only counted for the obligatory fast (qadha), while the virtue of the Syawal fast may not be fully attained.
• Second opinion: Other scholars recommend separating the qadha fast and the Syawal fast so that each act of worship receives maximum reward. This means that a person should complete the qadha of Ramadan fasting first, and then perform the Syawal fast for six days.
• For those who still have debts of Ramadan fasting, it is advised to prioritize replacing the obligatory fast before performing the Sunnah fast of Syawal.

5. The Benefits and Wisdom of Syawal Fasting

In addition to its significance in Islam, Syawal fasting also has various benefits from both spiritual and health perspectives.

• Completing the worship of Ramadan – Syawal fasting serves as a sign that a person continues to maintain their worship habits after the holy month ends.
• Training patience and discipline – By fasting for an additional six days, a person is trained to remain steadfast in their worship even after Ramadan has passed.
• Improving physical health – Fasting after Idul Fitri can help the digestive system readjust after a full month of fasting during Ramadan.
• Receiving great rewards – By observing Syawal fasting, a Muslim can earn rewards equivalent to fasting for an entire year.
• Getting closer to Allah – This Sunnah fasting helps to enhance the quality of faith and piety towards Allah SWT.

With so many benefits, it is not surprising that Syawal fasting has become one of the highly recommended Sunnah practices for Muslims.

6. FAQ

1. Is the Syawal fast required to be done consecutively?

No, it is not required. The Syawal fast can be done separately as long as it is still within the month of Syawal.

2. Can the Syawal fast be combined with the Monday-Thursday fast?

Yes, the Syawal fast can be combined with the Monday-Thursday fast, and a person will still receive the benefits of both fasts.

3. Is it permissible to fast Syawal before making up for missed Ramadan fasts?

It is advisable to prioritize making up the Ramadan fasts as it is obligatory, but some scholars allow fasting Syawal first.

4. Does the intention for the Syawal fast need to be spoken aloud?

It is not mandatory; the intention is sufficient in the heart, but it is recommended to verbalize it for more certainty.

5. Is the reward for the Syawal fast equivalent to fasting for a whole year?

Yes, based on the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), fasting during Ramadan followed by six days of fasting in Syawal is equivalent to fasting for a whole year.

(kpl/rmt)