The third pillar of Islam is fasting for the whole month of Ramzan and it is mandatory on the part of Muslims. The Muslims, besides, have also been directed to fast for six days in the month of Shawwal, which follows the month of Ramzan in the Islamic calendar.
One of the meritorious aspects of the month of Shawwal is that it has been chosen by Allah for the celebration of ‘Eid-ul-Fitr.’ This day is designed as a sign of gratefulness by the Muslims on the accomplishment of Ramzan and as an reward by Allah.
Fasting for six days in the month of Shawwal has great virtue and is considered as an immense reward.
According to a Hadis (saying of Prophet) narrated by his companion Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, “Whoever fasts in the month of Ramzan and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, it will be as if he had fasted throughout the year.”
Another important benefit of fasting for the six days is that it makes up for any shortfall in a person’s obligatory Ramzan fasting.
