Month 10 of the Hijri calendar
Shawwal: Eid al-Fitr and the Six Days of Fasting
Shawwal is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It opens with Eid al-Fitr, the feast of breaking the fast, and marks the beginning of the months of Hajj (Shawwal, Dhu al-Qa‘dah and the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah).
Eid al-Fitr
On the first of Shawwal fasting is forbidden. Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer, eat something (preferably an odd number of dates) before going out, perform the Eid prayer in congregation and visit family and friends.
The six days of Shawwal
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole year” (Sahih Muslim). The six days can be fasted consecutively or separately, at any time in the month after the day of Eid.
The battle of Uhud
The battle of Uhud took place near Madinah in Shawwal of the year 3 AH. Its lessons on obedience and steadfastness are recounted in Surah Al ‘Imran (3:121-175).
When does Shawwal start?
| Hijri year | First day | Last day | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1446 AH | Sunday 30 March 2025 | 28 April 2025 | 30 |
| 1447 AH | Friday 20 March 2026 | 17 April 2026 | 29 |
| 1448 AH | Tuesday 9 March 2027 | 7 April 2027 | 30 |
| 1449 AH | Saturday 26 February 2028 | 26 March 2028 | 30 |
| 1450 AH | Wednesday 14 February 2029 | 15 March 2029 | 30 |
| 1451 AH | Monday 4 February 2030 | 5 March 2030 | 30 |
| 1452 AH | Friday 24 January 2031 | 22 February 2031 | 30 |
Dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Countries that rely on sighting the crescent may begin a month one day later (or earlier).
Occasions in Shawwal
Shawwal: questions
When does Shawwal 1448 start?
On 9 March 2027; it ends on 7 April 2027 after 30 days, according to the Umm al-Qura calendar.
When does Shawwal 1449 start?
On 26 February 2028, and it lasts 30 days.
Is Shawwal a sacred month?
No. The four sacred months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhu al-Qa‘dah and Dhu al-Hijjah.
Which months come before and after Shawwal?
Ramadan comes before it and Dhu al-Qa‘dah after it.