Shawwal offers a powerful, post‑Ramadan opportunity
Fasting six days in Shawwal is a highly recommended Sunnah that carries the reward equivalent to fasting an entire year, and pairing those fasts with Sadaqah such as donating to our Feed The Poor appeal multiplies both spiritual benefit and real, lifesaving impact.
What is Shawwal and why it matters
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, beginning immediately after Eid al‑Fitr. It is a time to continue the spiritual momentum of Ramadan by maintaining worship, charity, and good habits.
The special virtue: six fasts of Shawwal
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for the entire year.” This hadith is recorded in Sahih Muslim and is the primary textual basis for observing the six fasts.
- How the reward is understood: Islamic scholars explain the calculation by the principle that good deeds are multiplied (one good deed ×10). Thus Ramadan (≈30 days ×10 = 300) plus six days of Shawwal (6 ×10 = 60) approximates a full lunar year of reward.
Practical guidance for observing the six fasts
- Timing: The six fasts may be observed any time during Shawwal (except on Eid day); they need not be consecutive.
- Priority: If you have missed obligatory Ramadan fasts (qadha), scholars generally advise completing those first, then observing voluntary Shawwal fasts as your schedule allows.
- Intention: Make a clear niyyah (intention) for each voluntary fast.
Linking fasting with Sadaqah
Fasting refines the soul; charity (Sadaqah) extends that inner mercy outward. When you fast six days of Shawwal, pairing that worship with giving to those who are hungry turns private devotion into communal relief. Your donation helps deliver daily meals to families in need — transforming spiritual reward into immediate, practical support.
How your gift helps
- £1 can provide a meal or contribute to a food parcel.
- Donations fund daily meal distributions, food parcels, and emergency food support for displaced families.
