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Virtues and Rulings of Shawwal, Rajab, and Voluntary Fasts: A Comprehensive Guide for Women
Detailed Fiqh Rulings and Qadha Guidelines for Women Observing Voluntary (Nafl) Fasts
In Islamic Sharia, apart from the obligatory fasts of Ramadan, voluntary (Nafl) fasts hold immense significance. These fasts are not only a means of elevating one's spiritual ranks but also serve as a tool for spiritual purification and the expiation of sins. Below is a detailed explanation of the virtues and related jurisprudential (Fiqh) rulings of various voluntary fasts.
1. What are the Virtues of the Six Fasts of Shawwal (Shash Eid)?
The six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal are commonly referred to as "Shash Eid" fasts. Regarding these fasts, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stated: "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for the entire year (Dahr)."
Another Hadith mentions: "Whoever fasts six days after Eid-ul-Fitr, it is as if he fasted the whole year." This is because every good deed is multiplied tenfold; hence, the 30 days of Ramadan equal 10 months, and these 6 days of Shawwal equal 60 days (2 months), completing the reward for a full year.
A third narration states that whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal emerges from sins as pure as the day they were born. One benefit of these fasts is gaining a full year’s reward with minimal effort. Another advantage is that any deficiencies or shortcomings that occurred during the Ramadan fasts are, Insha'Allah, compensated for by these six fasts.
2. What is the Reward for Fasting on the 27th of Rajab?
Great virtues have been mentioned in several narrations regarding fasting on the 27th of Rajab. It is narrated from Hazrat Salman Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) that there is a day and a night in Rajab such that whoever fasts on that day and spends that night in voluntary prayers (Nawafil), it is equivalent to fasting for a hundred years and standing in prayer for a hundred years. That day is the 27th of Rajab.
(Reference: Bayhaqi)Another Hadith states that whoever fasts on the 27th of Rajab, Allah Almighty records for them the reward of fasting for sixty months.
(Reference: Ma Thabata Bis-Sunnah)3. What is the Importance of the Fasts of Ayam-e-Beedh (Bright Days)?
These are the three fasts kept every month, specifically on the "Bright Days," which are the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever is able should fast three days every month, for every fast erases ten sins and purifies the person from sins just as water cleanses a garment."
In another Hadith, it is mentioned that if you wish to fast three days in a month, keep them on the 13th, 14th, and 15th. On another occasion, the Prophet (PBUH) stated that fasting in Ramadan and three days every month removes the "illness of the chest" (malice and spiritual impurities).
(Reference: Imam Ahmad and Tabarani)4. Why is Fasting on Monday and Thursday Recommended?
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stated: "Actions are presented (before Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I love that my actions be presented while I am fasting."
(Reference: Tirmidhi)It is narrated in Ibn Majah that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was very particular about fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. When asked about it, he said: "On these two days, Allah Almighty forgives every Muslim except for two people who have a mutual dispute; He says to the angels: 'Leave them until they reconcile.'" In Sahih Muslim, when asked about the reason for fasting on Monday, he said: "It is the day on which I was born and the day on which revelation (Wahi) was first sent down to me."
(Reference: Sahih Muslim)5. What are the Virtues of Fasting on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday?
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Allah will build for him a palace in Paradise, the exterior of which can be seen from the inside and the interior from the outside." Another narration mentions that Allah will build a palace of pearls, rubies, and emeralds for him and grant him freedom from Hell. Another report states that whoever fasts these three days and gives some charity on Friday will have their sins forgiven and become as pure as the day they were born.
Specific Jurisprudential (Fiqh) Rulings for Women
Ruling: If the husband is traveling or ill, a woman can keep her compensatory (Qadha) fasts without his permission, even if he forbids it. For the fasts of Ramadan, the husband's permission is not required at all; she must fast even if he prohibits it, as this is an obligatory debt to Allah.
(Reference: Durr-e-Mukhtar, etc.)Ruling: If a woman is employed in domestic work and her fasting would prevent her from completing her duties, she needs the employer’s permission to keep voluntary fasts. However, if she can complete the work while fasting, no permission is required.
(Reference: Radd-ul-Muhtar)Ruling: If a woman is required to keep a fast as an expiation (Kaffarah) for an oath and is unable to pay with wealth, the husband can prevent her from fasting.
(Reference: Jawhara)Ruling: If fasting makes a woman so weak that she cannot offer her obligatory prayers standing, the command is that she should fast and offer her prayers sitting, provided that standing is genuinely difficult.
(Reference: Durr-e-Mukhtar)Ruling: The "Silent Fast" (as observed by some women who consider remaining silent to be an act of religious reward) is Makruh. However, if she remains silent without considering it an act of religious reward, or if she stays silent to avoid harmful speech, then it is not Makruh but a high-level act of virtue. Avoiding harmful speech is always obligatory.
(Reference: General Fiqh Principles)Rulings on Breaking a Voluntary (Nafl) Fast and Qadha
Visual Guide to the Blessed Occasions and Virtues of Voluntary Fasts in Islam
Ruling: A voluntary fast becomes binding (Wajib) once it is intentionally started. If broken, its Qadha (makeup fast) becomes obligatory. If someone started a fast thinking they owed an obligatory one and later realized they didn't, if they broke it immediately, there is no Qadha. However, if they continued after realizing their mistake and then broke it, Qadha is Wajib.
(Reference: Durr-e-Mukhtar)Ruling: Even if a voluntary fast is not broken intentionally but breaks due to factors beyond control (e.g., the onset of menstruation), the Qadha is still obligatory.
(Reference: Durr-e-Mukhtar)Ruling: Breaking a voluntary fast without a valid excuse is impermissible. However, it is allowed if there is a valid reason. For example, if a guest arrives and would feel offended if the host doesn't eat with them, or if the guest is fasting and the host would be distressed. In such cases, the fast can be broken before midday (Dhahwa-e-Kubra), provided the person intends to make it up later.
(Reference: Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Muhtar)Ruling: A woman should not keep voluntary, vow (Manat), or oath fasts without her husband’s permission. If she does, the husband can make her break it, but she must then perform the Qadha (which also requires permission).
Ruling: If parents forbid their son or daughter from keeping a voluntary fast due to fear of illness, the child should obey the parents.
(Reference: Radd-ul-Muhtar)Ruling: If someone keeps a voluntary fast on Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, or the days of Tashreeq, completing it is not Wajib, nor is there Qadha for breaking it. In fact, breaking it is Wajib (obligatory).
(Reference: Radd-ul-Muhtar)Conclusion
In conclusion, voluntary fasts are a beautiful way to gain proximity to Allah Almighty and seek His forgiveness. For women, understanding these jurisprudential rulings is essential to ensure that their worship is performed correctly and in accordance with the Sunnah. May Allah Almighty grant us the strength to observe these fasts with sincerity and accept our efforts.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with other sisters to spread the knowledge. Do you have any questions regarding Nafl fasting? Feel free to leave a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can keep them consecutively or separately throughout the month of Shawwal. Both ways are permissible, though spacing them out is often easier and encouraged.
If a voluntary fast is interrupted by menstruation, it is considered broken, and the makeup fast (Qadha) becomes obligatory (Wajib) later on.
Fasting only on Friday is Makruh (disliked). It is recommended to pair it with either Thursday before it or Saturday after it.
Yes, if a guest arrives and would be offended by you not eating with them, it is permissible to break a Nafl fast before midday, provided you keep the Qadha later.
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