Dream - Not all Muslims can fully observe the fasting of Ramadan. For example, women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding, women who have recently given birth, people who do heavy physical work, and so on. Automatically, those who have missed fasting in Ramadan must make up for it outside of Ramadan. For example, in the near future, it can be done in the month of Shawwal. However, in the month of Shawwal, there is also a recommendation to observe the fasting of Shawwal for six days, which has special virtues. Therefore, it would be a pity to miss it.

Even fasting in the month of Shawwal is very special. That is, it is like fasting for a whole year. As the saying of the Prophet Muhammad: "Whoever fasts in Ramadan, then follows it with fasting six days of Shawwal, then it is like fasting for a whole year." (Narrated by Muslim) Fasting in Shawwal is recommended and can be started by Muslims on the 2nd day of Shawwal or a day after Eid al-Fitr. Meanwhile, if we talk about making up missed Ramadan fasts, then it is obligatory for a Muslim.

This is explained in the words of Allah SWT in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 184: "(that is) on certain days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey (then they should fast) an equal number of days [later]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] - a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess - it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew."

In implementing the qadha (make-up) fasting of Ramadan, it is not obligatory to do it consecutively. Therefore, it is permissible to alternate days if one owes more than one day. This is in accordance with the saying of the Prophet Muhammad: "Qadha (make-up) fasting of Ramadan, if one wishes, they may do it separately. And if one wishes, they may do it consecutively." (Narrated by Daruquthni, from Ibn 'Umar)

Quoted from nu.or.id, according to Quraish Shihab, it is recommended to prioritize making up for missed fasting in the month of Shawwal over performing voluntary fasting. The reason is that making up for missed Ramadan fasting is an obligation, while fasting in Shawwal is a recommendation. Therefore, what is obligatory should be prioritized over what is merely recommended. Quraish Shihab also mentioned that voluntary fasting in Shawwal can be done at any time during that month. This means that fasting does not have to be done continuously starting from the beginning.