Question: I began fasting the six (days) of Shawwaal, however I was unable to complete them because of extenuating circumstances and work. Now I have two days remaining, so what do I do O Eminence (Shaykh), do I make these days up or is there any sin upon me?
Response: Fasting the six (days) of Shawwaal is a recommended act of worship and not an obligation. So for you is the reward of that which you fasted of them, and it is hoped for you the complete reward if that which prevented you from fasting them all was an Islaamically acceptable reason. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: ((If the servant becomes ill or is travelling then Allaah writes for him that which he used to do when he was in good health and back at home (i.e. not travelling))), narrated by al-Bukhaaree. And there is nothing for you to make up for that which you left of them.
And with Allaah lies all success.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa Ramadhaan – Volume 2, Page 694, Fatwa No. 699;
al-Fataawa libni Baaz – Kitaab ad-Da’wah, Volume 2, Page 172
