Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 228

The Desirability of Fasting six Days in the Month of Shawwal

باب استحباب صوم ستة أيام من شوال‏:‏

Ramadan ends, but devotion need not. This brief chapter presents the beloved practice of following the month of fasting with six voluntary days in Shawwal, the month that comes right after. The single hadith pairs the two so that the reward stretches across the whole year.

The idea to carry away is continuity. Worship is not a season we visit and leave; six light days in Shawwal keep the heart connected to what Ramadan built, and God multiplies that small effort into the value of a year-long fast.

Hadith 1254

Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

عن أبي أيوب رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏من صام رمضان ثم أتبعه بست من شوال كان كصيام الدهر‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who observes As-Saum (the fasts) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year." [Muslim].

In plain words

Following the fast of Ramadan with six voluntary days in the month after it carries the reward of fasting the entire year. A small effort with a vast return.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 1254 In-book reference : Book 8, Hadith 264