All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, his companions, and those who follow his guidance until the Last Day.
Question:
There are only a few days left in Shawwal, and I haven’t started fasting yet. How can I catch up?
Answer:
If only a few days remain in Shawwal and one has not yet begun fasting the six recommended days, then the believer should strive to make the most of the remaining time. The six days of Shawwal carry great reward, as the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the entire year” (Sahih Muslim). This highlights the virtue of observing these fasts, even if time is limited.
In such a situation, one should fast as many days as possible before the end of Shawwal. It is permissible to fast them consecutively, especially when only a few days are left, in order to complete the six days within the month. If a person is unable to complete all six days, then they should fast whatever they are able, as Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.
However, if a person still has missed obligatory fasts from Ramadan, it is better to begin with making up those missed days, since obligatory acts take precedence over voluntary ones. Allah says, “And whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185). Some scholars permit combining the intention of making up missed fasts with the six days of Shawwal, but the stronger opinion is that each should be observed separately to fully attain the reward mentioned in the hadith.
If Shawwal ends before completing all six days, there is no sin upon the individual, as these fasts are voluntary. The believer will be rewarded according to their intention and effort, as the Prophet ﷺ taught that a person should do as much as they are able.
In conclusion, one should take advantage of the remaining days of Shawwal by fasting as much as possible with sincerity and determination. Even if all six days are not completed, the effort is not lost, and Allah rewards every sincere act of worship.
And Allah knows best.