Question:
Is it permissible to observe the six voluntary fasts of Shawwal before making up missed obligatory Ramadan fasts? Also, can one combine the intention of making up missed Ramadan fasts and fasting on Mondays for their respective rewards within the month of Shawwal?
Answer:
The reward for fasting six days of Shawwal is granted only when a person has completed the Ramadan fasts. Therefore, if someone has missed fasts from Ramadan, it is necessary for them to make up those missed fasts first and then observe the six voluntary fasts of Shawwal. This ruling is based on the hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ):
من صام رمضان ثم أتبعه بست من شوال...
(Sahih Muslim: Kitab al-Sawm, Hadith No. 1164, narrated by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari رضي الله عنه)
"Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal..."
Based on this hadith, anyone who owes missed Ramadan fasts should first complete them and then observe the six fasts of Shawwal. However, if a person happens to fast on a Monday or Thursday during these six voluntary fasts, they may combine the intention of both the six fasts of Shawwal and fasting on Monday or Thursday. In such a case, they will receive the reward for both. This is supported by the hadith:
إنما الأعمال بالنيات وإنما لكل امرئ ما نوى
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim, Hadith on Intentions)
"Actions are judged by intentions, and each person will have what he intended."
Thus, intentions play a crucial role, and one may combine multiple voluntary intentions while fasting, provided they align with the Islamic guidelines.
And Allah knows best.
— Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (رحمہ اللہ)
