Abu Ayub al-Ansari, the Prophet said: "Whoever fasted Ramadan and then followed by a six days of fasting in Shawwal, the fast is like fasting all the time." ( Muslim)
Thawban (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan, and then six days after Eid, it is [like fasting] an entire year. Whoever does a good deed shall have ten times its reward.” [Ibn Majah, Muntaqa]
Among other benefits of fasting six days of Shawwal:
- As the sealing of all the lack of practice of fasting in Ramadan.
- All practice to get closer to Allah SWT during Ramadan, will not be interrupted by the passing of the holy month, for he is still alive.
- Gets easy & feel light to fast although after Ramadan fasting month is a sign of God has received their Ramadan fast & also for doing good and then continued with other good deeds, therefore it is a sign of acceptance of the first amal.
- God keep the fast of six of the fire at a distance of seventy years.
- Fasting after Aidilfitri is one sign of gratitude for the favor and forgiveness granted by Allah during Ramadan.
Imam Ahmad and An-Nasa'i, narrated from Tsauban, the Prophet said: "Fasting month of Ramadan as it is to fast for 10 months and fasting for six days after (Shawwal) equal to the fast two months. So this means that (you) have been fasting for a year. " (Hadith narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah and Ibn Hibban)
HOW to FAST SIX:
Fasting six it can be done on any day during the month of Shawwal, either continuously or alternately:
1) Most afdal is fasting for six days in a row from the second Aidilfitri (2 Syawal) to 7 Syawal.
2) Fast alternately, ie whether the alternate day fasting, two or three days once, six days in Shawwal, in accordance with their respective capabilities.
HIKMAH by FAST SIX:
1) Educating the human patience from temptations of food abundance through the open houses.
2) Provide the opportunity for the body to adapt after a full month's hunger and thirst.
3) God wanted to test His servants whether they're willing to go after a month of fasting Ramadan although only six days more of fasting.
4) A completion of scarcity. On the Day of Resurrection, will be completed the Fardhu acts (equipped) with the act of Sunnah.
5) Provide opportunities for women who could not fast in Ramadan, replacing their fast and in the same time receiving reward from Allah for fasting (puasa sunat).
6) Avoid the habit of delaying in qada Ramadan fasting at the end of Sya'ban.
7) Perform fast back soon after the Aidilfitri feel light and happy, is a proof of love of fasting.
8) Fasting after Ramadan is like a person who had just escape from Fisabilillah war quickly return back in his troops.
Fast six's Niyyat (niyyat translated in BM):
