The Month of Shawwal

What is The Month of Shawwal?

You may be wondering “What is Shawwal in Islam” or questioning the essence of this month. Shawwal is the 10th month in the Islamic calendar in which many significant events occurred. It is a celebratory time as it begins with Eid Al-Fitr. An interesting fact about the Arabic word Shawwal is that in English it translates to ‘raised’ and this links to when it was typically a time for camels to become pregnant and raise their young.

When is The Month of Shawwal?

In 2026, Shawwal is estimated to begin on Friday, March 20th. The first day of Shawwal will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. Please be aware that these are estimated dates and there is a possibility of dates varying slightly subject to moon sighting. Please contact your local mosque council for date accuracy closer to time.

The Islamic Calendar

Four of the 12 months in the Islamic calendar are particularly sacred; Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qa’da, and Dhul Hijjah. While these months hold the most reward and mark key events, it is also very important to continue good deeds in other months, including Shawwal. https://www.ukim.org/islamic-calendar/

As we know after Ramadan follows the month of Shawwal, we would like you to consider it as a post-workout month that helps retain all the good deeds you accumulate during the sacred month of Ramadan. You can secure the month of Ramadan by fasting the 6 days of Shawwal.

Events That Occurred During This Month

It was on the third day of Shawwal that the Battle of Uhud took place. This occurred on the Mount of Uhud, where the Makkans wanted to kill the Prophet (PBUH). The Muslims lost this battle due to the archers leaving their positions before they were told to, and this left the Prophet (PBUH) severely injured. This event serves as a powerful reminder in obedience, patience, and the tests faced by the early Muslim community. It was also in the month of Shawwal that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married Aisha (RA). This was significant as it deliberately broke a pre-Islamic superstition that considered marriage between the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) to be unlucky. This event serves as a beautiful example of prophetic tradition dispelling baseless customs.

Rewards of Fasting in Shawwal

Learn the benefits of Shawwal fasting with UKIM. Fasting six days of Shawwal is recommended and highly rewarding, but this cannot be on the first day of Shawwal as it is forbidden to fast on Eid. Muslims can fast on any other days of Shawwal, and they do not have to be consecutive.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as though he has fasted the entire year.” (Sahih Muslim, 1164)

Knowing how much mercy Allah SWT continues to bestow upon us, one can commemorate the month of Shawwal to thank Allah for his divine mercy.

Donate to UKIM

Giving charity is always very rewarding, no matter the time of year. Many vulnerable and impoverished people are in desperate need of your support, and your donations will allow us to make a difference in the lives of many. Donate to UKIM this Shawwal to reap the rewards of this month.