Question
Reference number: 150145 | Fasting |
Can I fast the six days of Shawwal considering them as compensation and an optional worship at the same time? If not, which should precede the other. (i.e. the compensation or the six days of Shawwal?
Answer
Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.
Combining two worships in one intention referring to your questions is not allowed here. Making up the missing days is considered obligatory as this compensation substitutes the days you missed during Ramadan, the month when fasting is prescribed upon you. However, fasting the six days of Shawwal is considered to be an optional worship. Thus, the optional worship cannot be substitute to what is obligatory.
Muslim scholars have different opinions regarding your questions. Some say optional fasting in Shawwal should not precede obligatory compensation. Others say, you can fast the six optional days of Shawwal before compensation keeping in mind that compensation is a priority. The prophet says: “Whosoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six days of Shawwal, then that is (equal in reward) to fasting every day.” Related by Muslim.