Shawwal

If you look at the Islamic Lunar Calendar, you will know that right before the Holy month of Ramadan, we have Shawwal, which is the tenth month. It is important as Muslims worldwide consider Shawwal to be the end of fasting and the celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr. Muslims also know Shawwal as the month where six days of voluntary fasting can get them numerous rewards and blessings.

Shawwal is an important month for all Muslims as it transitions from the thirty days of fasting to days of devotion and self-awareness. Muslims follow a spiritually and physically disciplined routine during Ramadan. During Shawwal, they can strengthen these gains and continue to practice these religious duties with devotion.

Shawwal is primarily known for the celebration of Eid-Ul-Fitr. In some countries, this celebratory day is called the festival of breaking the fast. These celebrations are observed on the first day of Shawwal. Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major Islamic holidays, alongside Eid al-Adha. It is a day of tremendous joy and celebration in which Muslims gather for communal prayers, share festive meals, and show gratitude to Allah for the strength and patience bestowed during Ramadan. 

As narrated by Abu Huraira, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan), observe fast and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days. (Reference: Sahih Muslim 1081 a, In-book reference: Book 13, Hadith 20)

The day starts with a unique prayer service in open areas or massive gathering places, which includes preaching and supplications. As Narrated by `Abdullah bin `Umar, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to offer the prayer of Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutba after the prayer.  (Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 957, In-book reference: Book 13, Hadith 9)

Besides contributing to the celebration, Eid al-Fitr is observed by the distribution of Zakat al-Fitr, a form of charity required of all Muslims who have the means. This act of donation ensures that Muslims from every status of society can enjoy the celebrations of Eid. Zakat Eid-Ul-Fitr is usually given to the needy before offering the Eid prayers. It also helps to purify the sins of individuals who fasted during Ramadan. After offering this Zakat, you are cleansed of any immoral act or expression and left with only the good deeds that you performed during the holy month of Ramadan.

Shawwal is recognized for the Sunnah practice of fasting for six days this month. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted the benefits of this practice in a Hadith reported by Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Allah be pleased with him) that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as said, "He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal, it would be as if he fasted perpetually" 

(Reference: Sahih Muslim 1164 a, In-book reference: Book 13, Hadith 264)

Important Dates in Shawwal

• Battle of Uhud (Friday, 3 Shawwal 1445 AH)

Shawwal is also historically prominent in Islamic culture. It involves a recollection of the Battle of Uhud, which occurred in 3 AH (625 CE). As the battle seemed to be swinging in favor of the Muslims, many archers abandoned their positions and started collecting the spoils of war, believing the battle was won, although they were ordered to maintain their positions,

This struggle, while difficult for the Muslim community, provided essential lessons about steadfastness, unity, and the consequences of ignoring Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) orders. Khalid ibn al-Waleed took this as an opportunity, and he led the cavalry to exploit the archers' positions, attacking the Muslim army, which was ignorant from behind and turned the battle in favor of the Quraysh. Later on, Khalid ibn al Waleed converted to Islam and proved to be one of the best generals in Islamic history. It was the time when Muslims were desperate and lost hope when Allah revealed the ayah, "For God had helped you during the Battle of Badr at a time when you were helpless. So act in compliance with the laws of God, you may well be grateful"

(Surah Al-Imran 121)

The Battle of Uhud reminds us of the struggles and tribulations suffered by the early Muslims and their steadfast faith in Allah's guidance.

• Martyrdom of Hazrat Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA):

Hazrat Hamza (RA), noted for his bravery and leadership, was an important part of the battle. However, in a tragic turn of events, Wahshi ibn Harb, a slave, was offered freedom on one condition. This condition was to kill Hamza.

Tragically, Wahshi ibn Harb, who was a slave, killed Hamza since he was promised freedom by Hind bint Utbah on thE basis of this one condition. Hind's desire for revenge was personal because  Hazrat Hamza killed her father, Utbah ibn Rabi'ah, during the Battle of Badr. The martyrdom of Hazrat Hamza proved to be very tragic for the Muslims and a source of sorrow for Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

• Battle of Hunayn (Monday, 6 Shawwal 1445 AH)

The Battle of Hunayn occurred on 6 Shawwal, 8 AH (January 27, 630 CE), shortly after the conquest of Mecca, between Muslims headed by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif. Initially ambushed and withdrawing, the Muslims rebounded under the Prophet's guidance and won an overwhelming victory. Surah At-Tawbah (9:25-26) discusses this occurrence, emphasizing Allah's support for the believers. Allah says, " Indeed God has helped you on many occasions, even during the battle of Hunain, when you were elated with joy at your numbers which did not prove of the least avail, so that the earth and its vast expanse became too narrow for you, and you turned back and retreated. The victory strengthened Muslim authority throughout the Arabian Peninsula.

• Demolition of Jannat-ul-Baqi (Wednesday, 8 Shawwal 1445 AH)

Jannat-ul-Baqi was demolished on 8 Shawwal, 1345 AH (April 21, 1925), by orders of the Saudi monarchy, to discourage idolatry. Jannat-ul-Baqi is a place where many of the Prophet’s family members, and other notable Islamic personalities are buried. All of these actions by the Saudi government caused sorrow and conflict among the Muslim Ummah.

• Birth of Muhammad Al-Bukhari (Monday, 13 Shawwal 1445 AH)

Muhammad Al-Bukhari, the renowned Islamic scholar and compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, one of the most genuine Hadith collections, was born on July 20, 810 CE (13 Shawwal 194 AH). His contributions greatly influenced Islamic scholarship. His laborious effort is highly appreciated in the Muslim world and Muslims all over the world rely on his work for authentic guidance.

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