Should I make up missed fasts before Shawwal?
It depends on which scholars you follow. Many scholars say to make up your missed Ramadan days first, because that is an obligation and the Shawwal fasts are voluntary. Others allow the six days of Shawwal first, since make-up days can wait until next Ramadan. If you owe only a few days, you can often do both within Shawwal.
The hadith behind the question
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal is as if he fasted for a lifetime (Sahih Muslim 1164). The phrase "fasts Ramadan and then follows it" is the reason for the discussion. If you missed days, has your Ramadan been completed yet? See What are the six days of Shawwal? for the basics of these fasts.
Two views among scholars
- Make up first: many scholars, including Hanbali jurists and several contemporary scholars, say you should complete your missed days before fasting the six days. Their reasoning is that you have not finished Ramadan until the missed days are made up, and a duty comes before a voluntary act.
- Shawwal first is allowed: other scholars, including many in the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools, say you may fast the six days first. Make-up days are flexible and can be done any time before the next Ramadan. Aisha used to make up her missed days in Sha'ban, the month before Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 1950), which shows the time for make-up is wide.
Both groups agree that the missed days must be made up, and that the six days are a sunnah, not an obligation. Because it is a difference between scholars, follow your imam or the view you were taught. If you want the safest path, make up first. See Do I have to make up missed Ramadan fasts?
A practical plan by how many days you owe
- A few days (for example 5 to 7 after a period or short illness): make them up at the start of Shawwal, then fast the six days later in the same month. Shawwal has 29 or 30 days, so there's room for both.
- Many days: don't rush. Concentrate on the make-up days, since they are required. Fast the six days too if you are able, but don't worry if you can't, because they are voluntary. See How do I make up missed fasts from years ago?
- One intention for both: whether one fast can count for both a make-up day and a Shawwal day is disputed. Keeping them separate is cleaner and safer.
Remember the Eid day
You can't fast on the first day of Shawwal, which is Eid al-Fitr. The Prophet ﷺ forbade fasting on both Eid days (Sahih al-Bukhari 1991). Begin on the second day or later. See Can I fast on the day of Eid?
- Scholars differ: many say make up first, others allow Shawwal first.
- Making up first is the safest option, since it is an obligation.
- If you owe only a few days, you can often do both within Shawwal.
- Never fast on Eid day itself.
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