Overview

Shawwal is the tenth month in the Islamic Calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, and the beginning of Ashhur-al-Hajj. The first day of Shawwal is also Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the only two Islamic holidays.

Beginning of Ashhur-al-Hajj

Shawwal is the first of the three months named as "Ashhur al-Hajj" (the months of Hajj).Although the major acts of Hajj are performed in the first ten days of Zul Hijjah, the whole period starting from the first of Shawwal to the tenth of Zul Hijjah because some acts of Hajj can be performed during this period.

Sadaqat-ul-Fitr

Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is an obligation for every Muslim male or female who own 613.35 grams of silver or it's equivalent in any form beyond his normal needs.

  • The prescribed amount of Sadaqat-ul-Fitr is 1.75 kg of wheat or its value in money.
  • This amount is for one person, so if someone has minor children the same amount must be payed for each of them separately.
  • Each adult Muslim in a household is responsible for paying Sadaqat-ul-Fitr separately.
  • It is Sunnah that Sadaqat-ul-Fitr be payed before the Eid prayer is performed.
  • Sadaqat-ul-Fitr should be payed only to a person who is eligible to receive Zakat.

    • Fasting in the Month of Shawwal

    It is commendable to keep six fasts in the month of Shawwal. According to our Holy Prophet (SAW) whoever does this earns the reward of fasting for the whole year.

    Zakat-ul-Fitr

    Hanafi: (3.6 lbs. wheat)
    Shafi'i
    Maliki:
    Hanbali    		 (4.8 lbs. wheat)
    Barley: (7.2 lbs.)
    Dates: (7.2 lbs.)
    Raisins: (7.2 lbs.)

    Eid-ul-Fitr

    The second meritorious aspect of Shawwal is the celebration of "Eid-ul-Fitr", one of the two annual festival recognized by the Shari'ah. It takes place on the first of Shawwal, after the last fast of Ramadan. More...

    The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said, "Whoever completes fasts of Ramadan then adds to them the fast of six days in the month of Shawwal, it will carry the thawab of fasting the whole year. (Sahih Muslim)
    ‘Abd Allah Ibn ‘Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) narrates, “The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) declared the payment of Sadaqat al-Fitr as obligatory; it purifies the fasting person from any indecent act or speech, and is a source of feeding the poor. If one pays Sadaqat al-Fitr before the salah (i.e. the ‘Id prayer), it is considered an accepted charity, if he pays it after the salah, it is considered an ordinary charity.” (Sunan Abu Dawud, p. 263)

    Do's

    • Fasting 6 days in Shawwal is Sunnah.
    • Try to sight the moon yourself.
    • Give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr if you are eligible.
    • Perform the Eid prayer.

    Don`ts

    • Don't use calculation to start the month. (Follow moonsighting)