The Hidden Wisdom of Fasting 6 Days of Shawwal

9th Shawwal 1446H

Assalamu’alaikum,

I hope you had a beautiful Eid celebration with your loved ones, filled with as much joy and gratitude as possible during these difficult times for our Ummah.

As the festivities wind down and we return to our daily routines, I've been reflecting on one of the Prophetic recommendations that follows Ramadan: fasting six days in the month of Shawwal.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal will be (rewarded) as if he had fasted the entire year." (Muslim).

We know the spiritual reward is immense, but I've always wondered: Why specifically six days? Why not three or five or even a full week? 

I'd like to share some thoughts and reflections behind these six days - perhaps they encourage you to take them on and consider fasting them if you've been on the fence about them:

1. A Spiritual Jump-Start

Ever notice how quickly the Ramadan spirit fades after Eid? Between the Eid gatherings, special meals, and celebrations, we can easily drift from our spiritual momentum. These six days serve as a powerful jump-start, helping us maintain the spiritual connection we cultivated during Ramadan instead of completely losing it.

2. Softening the Post-Ramadan Dip

Psychologists often discuss the "what-the-hell effect" – that moment when we break a good habit and think, "What the heck, I've already messed up, might as well go all in!" This explains why one cookie often leads to the entire box!

The six days of Shawwal softens the landing of the post-Ramadan dip. So it's more of a dip, and not a free fall! They act as stepping stones, allowing us to ease back into regular life while maintaining some of the spiritual momentum from Ramadan.

3. Building Mental Toughness & Discipline

Six days requires commitment – especially if done consecutively (though they can be spread throughout the month). This isn't just a one-off act; it requires sustained intention and effort.

Research on habit formation suggests that challenging ourselves with manageable but significant tasks helps strengthen our willpower muscle. These six days reinforce the self-discipline we built during Ramadan and extend its benefits beyond the month.

4. Physical Reset

Let's be honest: Eid celebrations often involve indulging in delicious foods, sweets, and treats. The six fasts of Shawwal provide a physical reset, helping our bodies readjust after the festivities.

Interestingly, research on intermittent fasting suggests that periodic fasting after periods of feasting can help our bodies better regulate blood sugar and metabolism. 

5. Providing Focus and Clarity

The post-Ramadan period can feel somewhat directionless. After a month of structured spiritual focus, many feel a sense of loss when Ramadan ends. The six days of Shawwal provide immediate direction and purpose, giving us a clear goal to work toward.

This clarity helps ease the transition and prevents the spiritual vacuum that can sometimes follow Ramadan.

6. Embracing the Barakah of the Sunnah

Finally, and this is the most important - there's the immeasurable Barakah that comes from following the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. When we align our actions with his guidance, we open ourselves to blessings in ways both known and unknown to us.

The beauty of the Sunnah is that it contains wisdom beyond what we can fully comprehend. Even if we don't understand all the benefits, we trust that following the Prophetic example brings good in this life and the next insha'Allah.

How to Approach the Six Days

If you're planning to fast these six days, here are 3 ways you can approach them:

1. Consecutive fasting: Aim to fast the six days consecutively. I find this much easier than fasting every few days. This approach maximizes momentum.

2. Mondays and Thursdays: If you can't fast them consecutively, aim to spread them throughout the month, perhaps fasting Mondays and Thursdays for three weeks in Shawwal and then carrying on this habit beyond Shawwal.

3. Weekends only: If fasting during the work week is tough, aim to fast on weekends or when you're working from home so it's easier to manage.

Choose what works best for your schedule and circumstances. What matters is the intention and completion.

Remember, these fasts are not obligatory but highly recommended. If you miss them this year, set the intention that you'll fast next year insha'Allah!

Whether we fast these days or not, let’s dedicate our sincere duas to our suffering brothers and sisters in Gaza and beyond who are facing unimaginable hardship. And let’s renew our intention to increase our donations, our duas, and our actions on their behalf.

May Allah accept our fasting, our prayers, and all our good deeds during Ramadan and beyond. May He make it easy for us to maintain our connection with Him throughout the year. And may He bring swift relief, justice, and healing to all those who are suffering in our Ummah. Ameen.

Sincerely,  

P.S. If you've been struggling with maintaining good habits post-Ramadan, consider joining our Barakah Culture Community, where we support each other in cultivating lasting spiritual habits throughout the year. Join here.

P.P.S. Look out for a fun announcement this week that your kids may enjoy insha’Allah ;)