Shawwal Month 2025: Shawwal 1446 AH will officially start tomorrow, which is Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Saudi Arabia. The crescent moon was sighted today (March 29, 2025), confirming the start of the new Islamic month.
This also means that Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated tomorrow across Saudi Arabia, marking the end of Ramadan.
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately following the holy month of Ramadan. For Muslims, Shawwal is significant because it marks the celebration of Eid al-Fitr (the “Festival of Breaking the Fast”), which is observed on the first day of Shawwal. This month carries spiritual and religious importance, offering unique opportunities for continued worship, gratitude, and spiritual growth following Ramadan.
Shawwal Definition & Meaning
the 10th month of the Islamic year
Shawwal is the tenth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, following the holy month of Ramadan. In Arabic, “Shawwal” (شَوَّال) is derived from a root word meaning “to lift or carry,” as it was historically associated with the time when camels would typically begin to carry offspring. Shawwal holds particular significance in Islam as it marks the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal, one of the two major Islamic holidays.
In addition to Eid al-Fitr, Shawwal is known for the tradition of fasting for six additional days during the month. This act is encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who taught that fasting for six days in Shawwal after completing the fast of Ramadan is like fasting for an entire year due to Islam’s multiplied reward system. Shawwal thus represents both celebration and a continuation of spiritual growth for Muslims.
Importance of Shawwal
- Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Worship and Community
- Shawwal begins with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most joyous days in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr is a day of feasting, community prayer, and giving thanks to Allah for the strength and patience shown during Ramadan. Muslims also pay Zakat al-Fitr (charity) on this day, ensuring those in need can participate in the celebration.
- Six Days of Voluntary Fasting
- Observing six additional fasts in Shawwal, known as the Six Fasts of Shawwal, is highly recommended. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime” (Muslim). These six fasts, when combined with the obligatory fasts of Ramadan, are believed to multiply rewards and allow believers to experience the benefits of continuous devotion.
- Maintaining the Spirit of Ramadan
- Shawwal serves as a transitional period for Muslims to carry the spiritual growth and discipline gained during Ramadan into the rest of the year. By continuing acts of worship and fasting, Muslims aim to keep the momentum of their spiritual progress strong.
- Renewal of Good Habits
- Shawwal encourages Muslims to renew and strengthen good habits that were established in Ramadan. This includes maintaining regular prayers, increasing charity, reading the Quran, and being mindful of one’s actions. Shawwal is seen as a month of renewal and continued commitment to these virtuous habits.
- A Time of Gratitude and Reflection
- Shawwal is also a time to express gratitude to Allah for the blessings of Ramadan and for the opportunity to improve oneself. Muslims reflect on the past month’s spiritual growth, evaluating personal progress and setting intentions to continue making positive changes.
6 days Shawwal fasting
Fasting the Six Days of Shawwal: Reviving the Spirit of Ramadan
While not obligatory, fasting the six days of Shawwal offers profound spiritual benefits for Muslims who wish to continue their acts of worship beyond Ramadan. These voluntary fasts serve as a bridge between the intense devotion of Ramadan and the rest of the year, allowing believers to sustain their momentum and earn incredible rewards. Here’s a look at the benefits of fasting these six days and why it’s a tradition worth embracing.
1. Earning the Reward of Fasting a Whole Year
One of the most compelling reasons to fast six days of Shawwal is the promise of reward equivalent to fasting an entire year. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six [days] from Shawwal, it’s as if they have fasted a year” (Sahih Muslim). Scholars explain this by Allah’s principle of multiplying rewards: each good deed is multiplied tenfold. Fasting during Ramadan, equivalent to 10 months of reward, combined with six days of Shawwal, representing an additional 60 days, completes a year.
For those who continue this practice every year, it is as though they will meet Allah as lifetime fasters, enjoying a profound spiritual achievement.
2. Reviving the Ramadan Spirit
Ramadan is a unique month of reflection, community, and increased devotion, and fasting six days in Shawwal helps extend these qualities into everyday life. Many find it easier to fast in Shawwal by inviting family and friends to join them, creating an atmosphere of shared motivation and joy in breaking fast together. Reviving the communal aspect of Ramadan during Shawwal helps reinforce spiritual bonds and make fasting a source of shared encouragement.
3. Making Up for Shortcomings in Ramadan
Fasting in Shawwal can also serve to make up for any unintentional lapses or imperfections in one’s Ramadan fasts. The Prophet ﷺ explained that voluntary acts can compensate for any shortcomings in obligatory worship. In the case of prayer, he mentioned, “If [a person’s] obligatory prayers are incomplete, Allah will say to His angels, ‘Look and see whether you find any voluntary prayers for My slave, and take them to make up what is lacking from their obligatory prayers.’ Then all their deeds will be reckoned in like manner” (Sunan Ibn Majah). The same principle applies to fasting: by performing voluntary fasts, one’s overall worship is enhanced, potentially filling in any gaps from Ramadan.
4. Maintaining Momentum and Building Long-Term Habits
After Ramadan, many people feel motivated to continue their spiritual growth but aren’t sure where to start. Shawwal provides a fresh opportunity to build a steady routine. For example, the six days can be spaced out across the month, with some choosing to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, or on the three “white days” (the 13th, 14th, and 15th) of each lunar month, both practices of the Prophet ﷺ. These consistent acts, even if small, are loved by Allah, as the Prophet emphasized. Shawwal fasting is a perfect stepping stone to forming sustainable habits.
5. Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude
Fasting regularly nurtures a sense of gratitude, making us more aware of Allah’s blessings. By abstaining from basic needs like food and drink, Muslims deepen their understanding of Allah’s generosity and realize how much they depend on His provision. This period after Ramadan is ideal for cultivating gratitude, and even for keeping a journal or reflecting on blessings, as reminders of the countless gifts bestowed by Allah.
A Reminder for Those Unable to Fast
For those unable to fast due to health reasons or other limitations, there are still ample ways to gain blessings in Shawwal. Volunteering, reciting the Quran, and showing kindness are all beloved acts of worship that can maintain the Ramadan spirit. Shawwal offers a time for reflection, increased devotion, and growth, allowing everyone to benefit from its blessings.
Fasting six days in Shawwal is an accessible, spiritually rewarding tradition that continues the benefits of Ramadan into the rest of the year. Whether as a means of earning great rewards, making up for missed opportunities, or maintaining spiritual habits, Shawwal fasting is a beautiful way to stay connected to faith.
Shawwāl: Significance in Islam
Shawwāl is the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the holy month of Ramadan. It holds deep spiritual and historical importance in Islam, marking a transition from intense worship during Ramadan to sustained devotion throughout the year.
Spiritual Significance of Shawwāl
1. Eid al-Fitr (1st of Shawwāl)
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The month begins with Eid al-Fitr, one of the two major Islamic festivals.
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It is a celebration of gratitude for the strength and opportunity to complete the fast of Ramadan.
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Muslims are encouraged to give Zakat al-Fitr (charity) before the Eid prayer, ensuring that even the less fortunate can celebrate.
Qur’an Reference
“He wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you, and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)
2. Fasting Six Days in Shawwāl
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The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strongly encouraged fasting six days of Shawwāl after Eid al-Fitr.
Hadith
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwāl, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime.”
— Sahih Muslim (1164)
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These six fasts can be done consecutively or spread throughout the month.
Explanation: One month (Ramadan) × 10 (reward for each good deed) = 10 months
Six days × 10 = 60 days = 2 months
Total: 12 months, equivalent to a full year of fasting.
Key Historical Events in Shawwāl
1. The Battle of Uhud (3 AH)
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Fought on the 7th of Shawwāl in the third year after Hijrah.
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It was a major battle between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah.
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Though the Muslims initially gained the upper hand, a lapse in discipline led to a temporary setback.
Qur’an Reference
“And Allah did indeed fulfill His promise to you when you were killing them with His permission until [the moment] you lost courage and fell to disputing about the order and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you love…”
— Surah Āli ‘Imrān (3:152)
2. Marriage of the Prophet ﷺ to Sayyidah Aisha (RA)
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According to some historical reports, the marriage of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to Aisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) was consummated in Shawwāl.
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This is sometimes mentioned to illustrate the permissibility and auspiciousness of marriages in Shawwāl, contrary to certain pre-Islamic superstitions.
Hadith
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ married me in Shawwāl and consummated the marriage with me in Shawwāl…”
— Sahih Muslim (1423a)
Lessons and Takeaways from Shawwāl
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Gratitude and continuity: Eid is a time of joy and gratitude, but the six fasts emphasize continued devotion beyond Ramadan.
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Discipline: The Battle of Uhud teaches the importance of unity and obedience to leadership.
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Breaking superstition: The Prophet ﷺ’s marriage in Shawwāl challenged false beliefs and set a Sunnah of optimism.
FAQs
1. What are the 6 Days of Shawwal?
The six days of Shawwal refer to the voluntary fasting of six days in the Islamic month of Shawwal, which comes right after Ramadan. It is a Sunnah highly recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for the entire year.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1164)
Explanation:
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Fasting for 30 days of Ramadan is equivalent to 10 months (as each good deed is multiplied by 10).
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Fasting 6 days in Shawwal is equivalent to 2 months.
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Together, this totals 12 months, representing a full year’s reward.
2. What is the Meaning of Shawwal?
The word Shawwal (شوال) comes from the Arabic root word “شَالَ” which means “to lift or carry.”
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In pre-Islamic Arabia, it was believed that camels’ milk dried up during this month, hence the name Shawwal.
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In Islam, Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, following Ramadan.
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It is a month of celebration due to Eid al-Fitr, and a month of spiritual continuation through the 6 voluntary fasts.
3. What is Eid Shawwal (Eid al-Fitr)?
Eid al-Fitr is the festival celebrated on the 1st day of Shawwal, marking the end of Ramadan. It is one of the two major Islamic festivals, the other being Eid al-Adha.
Religious Significance:
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It is a day of gratitude to Allah for the strength to fast and perform worship during Ramadan.
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Zakat al-Fitr (a mandatory charity) is given before the Eid prayer to purify the fasting person.
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Muslims perform the Eid prayer, visit family and friends, and engage in charitable acts.
Hadith Reference:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast, and one when he meets his Lord.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1904)
On Eid al-Fitr, the joy of completing Ramadan is celebrated, but Muslims are encouraged to continue good deeds, including fasting for six days in Shawwal.
Conclusion
Shawwal is a month of celebration, gratitude, and continued spiritual growth. It provides an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on their progress from Ramadan, solidify positive habits, and engage in additional acts of worship. Shawwal serves as a bridge between Ramadan and the rest of the year, allowing believers to carry the light of Ramadan forward.
