Do I have to complete the fasts of Ramadan before the 6 of Shawwal?

Answer

No.

You can fast the 6 of Shawwal first and then make up the missed fasts of Ramadan later.

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The reasoning is as follows:

• The completion of missed fasts of Ramadan can be done throughout the year before the next Ramadan, as evident from Aisha’s practice.
• The 6 of Shawwal are constrained by the month of Shawwal so better to complete them before the month ends.

This is the position of the majority including Imams Abu Hanifa, Malik and Al-Shafi’.

Imam Ahmad’s position here is the opposite: complete the Ramadan fasts first, then Shawwal.

Important of the 6 of Shawwal

The 6 fasts of Shawwal are extremely virtuous and highly encouraged.

“Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows that up with 6 in Shawwal has the reward of fasting the year”

Prophet Muhammad (S), narrated by Imam Muslim

In this series, I explored the major themes of each Juz and Surah of the Qur’an, along with stylistic features of the Qur’an like incredibly precise word choice, narratives and more.

Handout

Video Recording

Audio Recording

Muslim Central: https://muslimcentral.com/series/aarij-anwer-a-juz-a-day/

We relate to you ˹O Prophet˺ the best of stories through Our revelation of this Quran.

Surah Yusuf has many fascinating aspects. The most amazing part of it is the guidance attained through it and the tazkiyah (purification of the soul) that is attained from its guidance.

Surah Yusuf has an incredible structure, from a storytelling aspect. Here are two presentations of this structure:

The Ring Structure – Perfect Symmetry

This style in Arabic is referenced as اللف والنشر, or symmetrical narrative. The ring structure, as championed by Dr Raymond Farrin, is another way to look at this.

The amazing nature of Qur’an’s revelation is it was revealed verbally by Allah through Jibreel to the Prophet. There was no editing process where a ring structure could be created after the fact; it was pure revelation in its perfect form.

Surah Yusuf was revealed in one shot. Other Surahs that have ring composition while revealed piecemeal over many years are even more miraculous in this aspect, like Al-Baqarah.

Oscillating Between Difficulty and Relief

Every person is in the shade of his/her charity on the Day of Judgement until all people are judged.

كُلُّ امْرِئٍ فِي ظِلِّ صَدَقَتِهِ حَتَّى يُفْصَلَ بَيْنَ النَّاس

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as reported by Imam Ahmad

To help in simplifying Zakat calculations, I’ve made a Zakat Calcuator spreadsheet. This is a free resource for all. It is intended for Canadians as it references Canadian-specific investment accounts.

Zakat Calculator Spreadsheet

Zakat Workshop and How to Use the Calculator

Calculating Zakat on RRSPs, RESPs, TFSAs, Pensions and Investment Properties

Please share with all those who can benefit!

Download the Zakat Calculator for Canadians!

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Three hadith of the Prophet (S) give us the clear understanding that we need to be hopeful, not despairing in these difficult times.