Abu Ayyoub (Radiallaho Anho) reported that
the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam said
"Whoever fasts the month of Ramadhan and then follows it by fasting six days
during the month of Shawwal will be rewarded as if he had fasted the entire year.
[Muslim, at-Tirmithi, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood and Ahmad by way of Jabir].
These days can be anytime during the month of Shawwal except the first day because
it is unlawful to fast the day of Eid. These days do not have to be at beginning of the
month nor do they have to be consecutive. Hence, Muslims should seize this
opportunity and fast these six days to get Allah's reward.
Why the fasting of six days of Shawal after Ramadhan equates that of the whole year?
Some `Ulamaa' say that the good deed is rewarded ten times.
Thus fasting six days is like fasting 60 days, added to 30 days of Ramadhan times 10
(i.e. 300) it makes it a year.
