Fatwas > Shawwal Fatwas > Priority to make up for missed days of Ramadan over fasting the six days of Shawwal
It is prescribed to give priority to make up for missed days of Ramadan over fasting the six days of Shawwal
Q: Is it permissible to observe Sawm (Fasting) for six days in Shawwal before making up for the missed days of the previous month of Ramadan?
A: Scholars differ regarding this issue; however, the soundest opinion is that it is prescribed to give precedence to observing Sawm of the missed days of Ramadan over the six days of Shawwal and other supererogatory Sawm, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal it is as if they fasted the whole year. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih [Authentic Hadith Book]) If one chooses to observe Sawm of the six days of Shawwal first, it will not be considered as one who fasts these six days after fasting all of Ramadan, but after some days of Ramadan. Making up for the missed days of Ramadan is a Fard (obligatory act of worship) while fasting the six days of Shawwal is voluntary, and a Fard is more important to fulfill. May Allah grant us success!
Q: I was unable to fast during Ramadan due to post-partum bleeding. I became ritually pure during the days of ‘Eid and I really wish to fast the six days of Shawwal. Is it permissible for me to fast these days and then begin making up the missed days of Ramadan? Please give us your Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar). May Allah guide you to all goodness!
A: It is prescribed to first make up for the missed days of fasting in Ramadan, because the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Anyone who fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal it is as if they fasted the whole year. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih) Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him) clarified that fasting six days of Shawwal comes after fasting Ramadan. It is your duty to start by making up for your missed days of fasting, even if you miss fasting the six days of Shawwal, for the previous Hadith. Moreover, Fard (obligatory act of worship) take precedence over Nafl (supererogatory act of worship). May Allah guide us all to success!
Source: Islamic Research Journal
http://alifta.net/Fatawa/FatawaChapters.aspx?languagename=en&View=Page&PageID=71&PageNo=1&BookID=10
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