and feminine with a masculine noun, when the counted noun is explicitly mentioned. Thus, one says, “six men” and “six women.” Allah the Exalted says:

“[He] subjected it to them for seven nights and eight days.” [al-Haqqah: 7]

However, when the counted noun is omitted, either the feminine or masculine form may be used. Thus, one may say, “I fasted six of Shawwal,” using either form. An example is the saying of Allah the Exalted:

“Those of you who die and leave wives behind—they shall wait by themselves for four months and ten.” [al-Baqarah: 234]

What is meant is ten days, but the masculine form was used because the counted noun was not mentioned. It appears that the masculine form is more eloquent, since this is the wording found in the hadith, and it is also lighter on the tongue. This rule applies so long as no ambiguity arises. If ambiguity does arise, then the original rule must be observed. That is, if the wording could refer either to the masculine or the feminine, and the ruling differs accordingly, then one must return to the original rule. This is like the general principle governing all permissible grammatical usages: they are qualified by the condition that there be no fear of ambiguity. If ambiguity is feared, everything must be restored to its original form.

The jurists, may Allah have mercy on them, said: It is preferable for these six days to be observed immediately after the day of Eid, because this entails hastening to good deeds.

It is also preferable that they be consecutive, because this is generally easier and because it hastens the performance of this prescribed act.

Accordingly, it is sunnah to fast them beginning on the second day of Shawwal and to continue until they are completed; they will end on the eighth day of Shawwal. The common people call this eighth day the “Festival of the Righteous,” meaning those who fasted six days of Shawwal.

But this is a religious innovation. This day is not a festival for the righteous, nor for the wicked.