Shawwal

Shawwal (Arabic: شوال) is the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon rather than the solar year. It follows Ramadan and precedes Dhu al-Qi'dah. Like other months in the Islamic calendar, Shawwal has 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon or astronomical calculation.

The first day of Shawwal is Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the Ramadan fast. Because of this, the beginning of Shawwal is closely observed by Muslims, as it determines the date of the festival. Since the Islamic lunar year is approximately 10–12 days shorter than the solar year, Shawwal shifts progressively earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.

Name and origin

The word "Shawwal" is derived from an Arabic term relating to elevation or lightness. Classical sources connect it to a season in pre-Islamic Arabia, though these etymologies vary and lack definitive scholarly consensus; they remain matters of historical interpretation.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr begins on 1 Shawwal. The festival is marked by the performance of the Eid prayer, typically held in the morning in an open space or mosque. Before the prayer, Muslims give Zakat al-Fitr, a form of alms consisting of food or its monetary equivalent, which households distribute on behalf of their members. Fasting on the first day of Shawwal is prohibited.

Six days of voluntary fasting

Many Muslims observe six days of voluntary fasting (non-obligatory) during Shawwal. These can be observed consecutively or separately throughout the remainder of the month, excluding the Eid. This practice is based on hadith traditions preserved in Islamic scholarship.

Determining the start of the month

The beginning of Shawwal is determined by two methods: sighting of the new moon with the naked eye (ru'yah) or astronomical calculation. Different countries and religious authorities follow different procedures, resulting in Eid al-Fitr being celebrated on different dates in different regions. In Somalia and East African countries, religious councils typically rely on moon sighting.