Shawwal

Overview

Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and opens with the festival of Eid al-Fitr — the Festival of Breaking the Fast — on the first day. The name Shawwal derives from an Arabic root meaning to lift or carry, traditionally referring to the lifting of pregnant camel tails during this season in pre-Islamic times. Shawwal marks the celebratory end of the rigorous Ramadan fast.

Notable Observances

In addition to Eid al-Fitr on the first, Shawwal contains the recommended sunnah practice of fasting six days during the month — the so-called sittat shawwal fast. The Prophet ﷺ taught that the obligatory Ramadan fast followed by six days of voluntary Shawwal fasting carries the spiritual reward of fasting the entire year. The fasts may be performed consecutively or scattered throughout the month, beginning the day after Eid al-Fitr.