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Ruling on Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal, and What If Someone Couldn't Complete Them?

Question to Shaykh Ibn Baaz:


A sister who signed her initials as “S.K.L.” from Amman, Jordan, asks the following question:“I began fasting the six days of Shawwal, but due to certain circumstances and work commitments, I wasn’t able to complete them. I still have two days left. What should I do, esteemed Shaykh? Should I make up the remaining days? Am I sinful for not completing them?”


 

Shaykh Ibn Baaz Answer:


Fasting the six days of Shawwal is a recommended act of worship, not an obligatory one. You will, God willing, be rewarded for the days you were able to fast. And if you were prevented from completing the six days due to a valid excuse (like illness, travel, or serious circumstances), then it is hoped that you will still receive the full reward, insha’Allah.


This is based on the words of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:


“If a servant becomes ill or travels, Allah records for him what he used to do when he was healthy and resident.”— Reported by al-Bukhari in his Sahih (Book of Jihad, Chapter: The traveler is rewarded as if doing what he used to do while resident, Hadith no. 2996)

Therefore, you are not required to make up the missed days, and there is no sin on you for not completing them.


May Allah guide you and grant you success.— Fatwa of Shaykh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz (رحمه الله)


 

Source Details:


This question was one of many posed to Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله) and was published in:


  • Al-Majallah Al-‘Arabiyyah

  • Majallat Al-Da’wah, Issue no. 1677, dated 4/10/1419 AH

  • Collected in Majmoo’ Fatawa wa Maqalat Ibn Baz, Volume 15, Page 395


 

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