Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

 

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

As salamu alaikum,

 

I would like to know if one can fast the sitta-shawwal before repaying the ones he/she missed during ramadan? Or does one have to pay back before you can do the naful fast in the month of shawwal? Many thanks

 

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Answer:

 

The six fasts of Shawwal

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

 

Sahih Muslim Hadith 2614     Narrated by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari

Allah's Messenger (saws) said:  “He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal, it would be as if he fasted perpetually (for the whole year).”

 

The majority of the scholars and jurists in Islam are of the opinion that if one has perchance missed some obligatory fasts of Ramadan (due to illness, travel, menstruation, etc.), it would be preferred that one make up these missed obligatory fasts before they fulfill the voluntary six fasts of Shawwal.  And Allah Alone Knows Best.

 

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone.  Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

 

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

 

 

Burhan