The fourth question of Fatwa no. 3475
Q 4: Should the voluntary Sawm (Fast) of the six days of Shawwal be observed directly after Ramadan, following the day of `Eid-ul-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast), or is it permissible to start observing it several days after `Eid-ul-Fitr, during the month of Shawwal?
A: It is not necessary to observe this Sawm directly after `Eid-ul-Fitr.
It is permissible to start observing it one or more days afterwards.
The six days can be observed either consecutively or non-consecutively during the month of Shawwal, whichever is easier.
This matter is open to choice, as this Sawm is Sunnah and not Faridah (obligatory act).May Allah grant us success.
May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta
’Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
Source: Fatwas of the Permanent Committee
http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=69&PageNo=1&BookID=10
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