Fasting Six Days of Shawwal and the Intention to Make Up Missed Fasts

Question:
He also says: I fasted two days of Shawwal. Will these two days be accepted, or do I have missed fasts to make up?

Answer:
It depends on the intention. If you intended to make up the missed fasts, they suffice for the makeup. But if you did not intend to make them up, they do not. One must intend to make up the missed fasts because making them up is obligatory, so the intention is required from the beginning of the fast. As the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Actions are only by intentions.” And as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no fast for one who does not intend it from the night.” This applies to obligatory fasting, such as the fast of Ramadan, expiation, or a vow; it must be made before dawn, before the appearance of dawn. As for recommended fasting, voluntary fasting, it is permissible to intend it at any time during the day, provided that one has not consumed anything that breaks the fast after dawn. Yes.