Shawaal is the 10th month in the Islamic calendar that follows the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims consider Shawaal an important month, as it marks the beginning of Eid ul Fitr. It is not only a time of celebration but also a chance to rekindle spiritual growth. In Shawaal, you can carry the good deeds and teachings of Ramadan forward to the whole year ahead. This is one of the reasons why this month is considered sacred for believers. While most of the people are aware, some remain unaware of the value of Shawaal and why Muslims should welcome this time with open arms. Moreover, you can observe fasting in full spirit during Easter holidays. Both of these events will be celebrated in April hence you can avail Easter Umrah packages if you want to perform Umrah and seek blessings of the Almighty during this specific time. This blog will tackle frequently asked questions about Shawaal and also highlight its significance.
Why is Shawaal Important?
The first day of Shawaal is the start of Eid ul Fitr, which is long awaited by Muslims after fasting for 29-30 days in Ramadan. Moreover, this month can be taken as additional time to work on your faith and develop a strong connection with Allah Almighty. Fasting for six days is observed during Shawaal.
It is an ideal time to attain rewards from God and also to erase your sins that have been committed in Ramadan. These fasts serve as a continuation of the blessings of Ramadan, allowing Muslims to remain steadfast in their worship and obedience to Allah. By observing them, one can renew their dedication and ensure that the positive habits developed during Ramadan are maintained.
Common Questions About Shawaal
Many people, especially the new Muslims, often feel confused about fasting in Shawaal. This section will clarify all the doubts by answering some typical questions. Let’s have a look:
- Is Fasting in Shawaal Mandatory?
One of the most obvious questions that gets asked around is if it’s compulsory to fast in Shawaal or not. The answer is no! Fasting in Shawaal is not obligatory at all. It is a voluntary act of worship. The six fasts of Shawaal are recommended, but they are not required. A person will not be sinful if they do not fast during this month. However, those who fast will get great rewards from Allah.
Even though these fasts are not compulsory, they are highly encouraged. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned the benefits of fasting in Shawaal. Many scholars agree that fasting these six days brings countless blessings. Muslims who observe these fasts show their devotion and commitment to their faith. It is a way to continue the spiritual habits formed in Ramadan.
- What is the Reward for Fasting in Shawaal?
Worshippers wish to know the rewards of keeping the six fasts of the Shawaal month. According to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime”. This indicates the immense rewards of this time.
Every good action in Islam is rewarded multiple times. Fasting in Ramadan is equal to fasting for ten months. Adding six days of Shawaal completes the full year. This is a great mercy from Allah, allowing Muslims to earn extra blessings with very little effort.
Apart from the spiritual reward, fasting also has personal benefits. It helps improve self-discipline, increases patience, and makes the bond with Allah stronger. Also, fasting is beneficial for health as it keeps a person physically fit and improves digestion.
- Should All Six Fasts Be Kept Together?
Another common question that gets tossed around is whether you must keep all six fasts together or separately. It must be noted that there is no fixed ruling about this matter. Muslims can keep the six fasts either together or separately, as per their ease.
However, the rule is to observe all six during the month of Shawaal only and not afterward. Islam has given flexibility when it comes to voluntary acts of worship, be it Nafl or fasts. Hence, you can observe the fasts at any time of the month.
Some people prefer to fast on Mondays and Thursdays to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). On the contrary, other believers keep fasting on alternate days or weekends.
- Can Missed Fasts and Shawaal Fasts Be Combined?
Allah Almighty has given certain relaxation in fasting during Ramadan to women. Females who are menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding can keep their missed fast later at any time of the year. However, it must make up for them before the next Ramadan. One more typical question that is asked mostly by women is if they can combine their missed fasts of Ramadan with Shawaal fasts.
It is advisable not to combine the missed fasts of Ramadan with that of Shawaal. Moreover, you should make separate intentions for both types of fasting. A single intention made for both Shawaal and Ramadan fasts is not valid, as each has a different purpose.
Another concern that arises is whether missed fasts should be observed first or not. While there is a difference of opinion among scholars, it is recommended to first make up the missed fasts and then observe the voluntary fasts separately to gain full rewards for both.
- When to Start Fasting in Shawaal?
Fasting in Shawaal begins right after Eid ul Fitr. The first day of this month is the start of Eid, and fasting on this day is not allowed in Islam. However, from the second day of Shawaal onwards, a person can start fasting.
Some people prefer to fast the six days right after Eid. This way, they complete their fasts early and do not forget about them. Others choose to spread their fasts throughout the month. Both methods are fine. It is up to the individual to decide what works best for him.
How to Spend Your Shawaal?
Shawaal is a valuable month that goes beyond observing fasts. Muslims can make the most out of this time by following certain approaches:
- Seek Forgiveness: Ask for Allah’s mercy during this time as much as you can. Recite Istaghfar on your fingertips to wash your sins away.
- Maintain Good Deeds: Continue the good deeds that you were doing in Ramadan such as reciting the Quran or giving charity.
- Pray Extra Prayers: During Shawaal, you must offer extra prayers, including Tahajjud and voluntary prayers (Nafl). Worship will keep you connected with God Almighty.
- Reflect on Ramadan: Think about the lessons learned in Ramadan and apply them throughout the year.
- Help Others: By helping others, you not only develop compassion for the poor but also gain rewards. In Shawaal, try to feed needy people or support any destitute as per your finances.
Wrap Up
Shawaal is a month of great importance as this is a time when Muslims aim to carry the habits of Ramadan forward. It is a Sunnah to observe fasting during this month, and many people often face difficulty in this matter. This blog has answered the most common questions asked by individuals to help others learn about Shawaal in the right manner. Since this month is arriving in April 2025, Muslims can fast easily during their Easter holidays as both of these seasons will fall in the same month. If you wish to fly to holy cities during this time, then reach out to Muslims Holy Travel to get customised all-inclusive Umrah packages.
