The Month ofShawwal

Shawwal, the 10^th month in the Islamic calendar , is a celebratory time due to the event of Eid Al-Fitr  falling on the first day of this month, and there is a lot of reward in fasting six days of Shawwal. Shawwal translates to ‘raised’, as it was typically a time when camels would be pregnant with their young. Islamic months were often named depending on events or the season, and this is demonstrated in the meaning of Shawwal.

The month of Shawwal comes after Ramadan and before Dhul Qa’da, both of which are important months in the Islamic calendar. Good deeds and sincere acts of worship from Ramadan, particularly fasting, are recommended to be continued in Shawwal to gain extra rewards. Shawwal is the first of the three last months in the Islamic calendar, in which acts of Hajj can be performed.

This coming year, the month of Shawwal and Eid Al-Fitr will begin on 21^st April, and Shawwal will end on 20^th May 2023.

Events That Took Place in Shawwal

The Battle of Uhud occurred on the 3^rd of Shawwal. This took place on the Mount of Uhud, where the Makkans wanted to kill the Prophet (PBUH) to prevent Islam from spreading. This was the only battle that the Muslims lost, due to the archers leaving their positions and not listening to the Prophet (PBUH). Many Muslims were killed, with the Prophet (PBUH) being severely injured.

The Islamic Calendar

Of the 12 months in the Islamic calendar, four are sacred; Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa’da, and Dhul Hijjah. While these months hold the most reward and mark key events including historical and religious festivals, it is also important to continue good deeds and increase worship in other months, including Shawwal.

It is currently the year 1444 AH, referring to the years after Hijrah (migration), which was from Makkah to Yathrib, now commonly known as Madina, or Madina al-Munawara – The Illuminated City. The Hijrah enabled the message of Islam to spread more widely, and this led to the Muslim ummah growing. The Islamic year 1445 AH will begin on 19^th July 2023, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Fasting in Shawwal

Fasting in Shawwal is very rewarding, as indicated by the hadith, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Muslim)

However, it is forbidden to fast on the first day of Shawwal, given it is Eid Al-Fitr. Muslims can fast on any other day during this month to reap the rewards of fasting six days in Shawwal, and fasts do not have to be on consecutive days.

Some scholars have said that a sign that a person’s worship in Ramadan has been accepted is if they intend to fast six days of Shawwal. Therefore, we should strive to fast during this month.

Umrah in Shawwal

There are two types of Umrah: Umrah al-Tamattu and Umrah al-Mufradah. Umrah al-Mufradah can be performed at any time, while Umrah al-Tamattu is usually performed along with Hajj. Therefore, it is performed during the months of Hajj, which are Shawwal, Dhul Qa’da, and Dhul Hijjah.

Donating to Orphans in Need

As well as fasting and increasing acts of worship, giving charity can be very rewarding. Orphans all over the world need your care and support today.

Please sponsor an orphan or donate to Orphans in Need here.