Shaykh ʿAbdul-Azīz b. ʿAbdillāh b. Bāz – Allāh have mercy on him – was asked about fasting six days in Shawwāl (following Ramaḍān) and its virtues. He replied:
In the name of Allāh Most Gracious Most Merciful. All praise is to Allāh, and may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon the Messenger of Allāh, and upon his Family and Companions, and all those who follow his guidance.
It is authentically reported from the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ that he said:
Whoever fasts Ramaḍān, then follows it six [fasts] in Shawwāl (the month following Ramaḍān), then it is like fasting the whole year.
This ḥadīth is recorded by Muslim in his Ṣaḥīḥ. This shows the virtue and advantage of these fasts, and that fasting the six days [after fasting] Ramaḍān is like fasting the whole year; and this is an immense virtue. [Fasting] Ramaḍān is equivalent to 10 months, and the six days is equivalent to two months [since] a good deed is rewarded tenfold, hence it is like fasting the whole year. And since Allāh – in his generosity and mercy – made [fasting] Ramaḍān an expiation for [sins done] between two Ramaḍāns, fasting the six days involves an increase in good (reward) and a great advantage, and a great benefit in implementing the instruction of the Prophet ﷺ, his guidance and encouragement, and in being keen to do the worship that Allāh has prescribed. This is a great good, that the believer seeks what Allāh has prescribed and recommended, to put it into practice and seek the reward from Allāh. The believer has a great reward for this.
Source: Official Website of His Eminence [http://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/12117]
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