Shawwal is the tenth month in the Hijri calendar, which is used in some Islamic countries. It comes after the holy month of Ramadan and is the first month of Hajj, beginning on its first day and ending with the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah. In this article, we will learn about the significance of the month of Shawwal, including the benefits of fasting during this time.
Understanding Shawwal
The month of Shawwal is one of the Arab months that the Arabs relied on in the past in the calendar to know the times and days, and it is also one of the Hijri months that were adopted in the Hijri calendar. That dates the Islamic nation, and from here we realize the Importance of the month of Shawwal, and these months came depending on the cycle of the moon and the phases that it passes, And naming each of the Hijri months – the Arabic months – was based on a specific reason that occurred at the time of naming that month.
The Hijri calendar appeared during the reign of the Caliph of the second Messenger of Allah, Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him. The Hijri calendar was adopted at that time as an organized calendar to calculate the years and days, and to preserve the eternal memory of the Islamic nation. Although it was used before Islam during the pre-Islamic days, this usage was not regulated, as is the case after its adoption by the Caliph Al-Faruq, may Allah be pleased with him and make him satisfied.
When Is The Month of Shawwal?
Shawwal is the tenth month of the lunar year or the Hijri calendar, and it is the month that follows Ramadan and precedes Dhul Qi’dah. It was also called by this name during the era of Kilab bin Murrah, the fifth grandfather of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, in the year 412 AD.
It was said, but rather, it was called in the season when camels were carrying their tails, i.e. raising them, as the pregnant camel is the pollinator who raises her tail to the stallion, so this is a sign of her request for pollination at that time of the year. And there is a last opinion that attributes the name to what they said about it “Shulwa”, that is, they moved away because they were fleeing from the raids in it. As the raids abound in it to compensate for the following of the three sacred months “Dhul-Qa’dah, Dhul-Hijjah, and Muharram”, so they seek refuge in places where they fortify themselves.
What is the Importance of Shawwal?
The month of Shawwal is filled with virtues and recommended acts of worship. Allah Almighty and the Messenger, peace be upon him and his family, only legislated worship for its wisdom and benefit for the servants of Allah. One of the recommended acts is fasting the six days of Shawwal after Ramadan, as many distinguished scholars have spoken about the wisdom of fasting them. There are many benefits of fasting in the month of Shawwal.
Additionally, there are desirable things in the month of Shawwal, such as marriage and consummation. Mrs. Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, married her and consummated their marriage in Shawwal. She was the most favorable wife to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him and his family, which shows the importance of the month of Shawwal.
Virtues and Rewards of Fasting 6 Days of Shawwal
Fasting six days of Shawwal after Ramadan completes the reward of fasting for the whole year. There are many benefits to resuming fasting in the month of Shawwal, including:
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Fasting six days of Shawwal and Sha`ban is like the regular Sunnah prayers before and after the obligatory prayer, which helps to balance and make up for any deficiencies in our obligatory prayers.
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Fasting takes the place of feeding in expiation for bad deeds. If one does not have enough money to give as sadaqa al-fitr, they can fast instead.
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Resuming fasting after Ramadan is a sign of acceptance of Ramadan fasting. When Allah accepts a servant’s work, He grants them success for a righteous deed after it.
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Fasting in gratitude for the blessing of completion is a recommended act. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is like fasting for a lifetime.” (Narrated by Muslim)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the month of Shawwal in the Hijri calendar holds special significance for Muslims around the world. It marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the post-fasting celebration of Eid al-Fitr. While Shawwal may not be a month of mandatory fasting like Ramadan, it offers Muslims the opportunity to continue their spiritual growth and reflection in the wake of a transformative month. The month of Shawwal is a time to reconnect with loved ones, perform acts of kindness and generosity, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. As we bid farewell to Shawwal and look forward to the coming months, may we carry the lessons and blessings of Ramadan with us throughout the year.
Recommended reading: The 4 Sacred Months in Islam