Saudi Arabia urges Muslims to fast six days of Shawwal

Dubai: Fasting just six more days after Ramadan could earn the reward of an entire year of worship, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah advised Muslims this week.

The ministry is encouraging believers to observe the six days of Shawwal, citing them as a blessed Prophetic tradition that helps carry the spirit of Ramadan forward.

In a statement, the ministry cited a hadith (saying of the Prophet Muhammad), which states: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime” (Narrated by Muslim, Hadith 1164).

According to Islamic scholars, the combination of fasting 30 days in Ramadan and six additional days in Shawwal carries the spiritual reward of fasting the entire year. This is based on the Islamic principle that each good deed is multiplied by ten, meaning the 36 days are rewarded as if they were 360—roughly a full lunar year.

The ministry emphasized that the six days need not be consecutive and can be spread out over the month of Shawwal.

While fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all eligible Muslims, the six days of Shawwal are voluntary. Yet scholars across the Islamic world, including in Saudi Arabia, have long encouraged their observance as a way to sustain the spirit of devotion and self-discipline that characterizes Ramadan.