Sunnah of 6 Fasts of Shawaal

Question:

Asalaamu Aleykum to all our blessed Shuyukh and staff at eShaykh,

I keep hearing different versions from different people about when these fasts should be kept. Some say any 6 days in Shawaal, others say the six days after Eid-ul-Fitr. However, the way I have kept them is the day after Eid is a must, which counts as 6 months followed by any other 5 days in this month, each counting as one month.

Can you please advise me what is the correct method or ruling for keeping these merciful fasts in this blessed month? I am seeking clarification to remove any confusion.

Jazakallah

Answer:

wa `alaykum salam,

It is Sunnah to fast these six days separately throughout the month or consecutively after Eid. It is prohibited to fast on Eid day itself.