Shawwal is the month that is coming after the Holy month of Ramadan. On the first day of Shawwal, Muslims celebrate the event named as Eid-ul-Fitr. People have many superstitions about Shawwal before the arrival of Islam. Arabs consider that marriage held in the 10th month of the Islamic calendar ends up being unsuccessful. Islam comes up and finishes this type of illiterate thinking.
Moreover, people also fasted for the 6 days in the month of Shawwal and got an immense reward from Allah Almighty. You can also say that Shawwal is the month of reward. There are many major happenings that occur in this Islamic month. This article is designed for you to increase your knowledge about the blessed month of Shawwal. Practicing fasting during this month is also wonderful for those who have missed fasting during Ramadan due to major issues. We also enlighten the major events occurring in Shawwal. So, let’s start to discuss the topic in detail!
Shawwal Meaning
It is the Arabic word whose meaning is raised. However, before the arrival of Islam, it also means uplift/ breakage.
Some Key Dates And Events In This Blessed Month
Here we have mentioned the important islamic event dates.
- Muslim celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on 1st Shawwal
- Battle of Uhud takes place on 7 Shawwal
- Saudi Government destruct the Jannat ul Baqi and Jannat ul Maula in 8 Shawwal
- Imam Bukhari was born in 13 Shawwal
- Hazrat Aisha( R.A) was born in this Islamic month
- The battle of Badar fought in Shawwal
- Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad( S.A.W.W) was married to Hazrat Aisha in the month of Shawwal
- The uncle of Hazrat Muhammad( PBUH) was passed away in Shawwal
- Imam Ahmad Rasa Khan was born in 10th Shawwal
- Yours of Sultan Noor-ur-Deen Mahmood Bin Mahmood Zangi is celebrated on 11th Shawwal
- 15th Shawwal: The Urs of Sayyidina Hamzah
- The Hajj season commences in this blessed month
- It is the month that is recommended for fasting
Other Events That Occur In Shawwal During The Period of Hazrat Muhammad( S.A.W.W)
Shawwal is the month when our beloved Prophet( PBUH) changes the belief of many people. He got married to Aisha and Umm Salma this month.
- From Abyssinia to Mecca, returning immigrants
- Hazrat-al- Asad Ibn Zurara was Died in Shawwal
- Construction of Masjid Al-Nabawi
- The battle of Hamraulessed
- Marriage of Hazrat Abu-Bakar(R.A)
- Battle of Hunayn
Shawwal Month Importance For Muslims
One of the pillars of Islam is fasting. Same as Ramadan, the month of Shawwal also has of great importance to all Muslim communities. It is the month when Allah gives us the reward of Eid-ul-Fitr. So it is the month that shows the successful completion of Ramadan. Besides fasting, performing Umrah this month is also a great opportunity for Muslims.
Opinions About How to Observe Fasts in Shawwal
Some people fast during the consecutive 6 days of Shawwal, but not all people do the same. Many of you fast during any six-day of this blessed month.
You can also fast during the middle 3 days of Shawwal. It is also according to the Sunnah. Our beloved Prophet( PBUH) was fasting every 13th,14th, and 15th Islamic month. This fasting is a great way to please Allah (SWT).
The Reward of Shawwal Fasting
Allah Almighty restricts fasting on the first day of Shawwal. At the same time, Muslims fast for 6 days after the first date of this month. Same as Ramadan, these 6 days of fasting also have great significance. It is also the best way to come close to Allah Almighty. Allah also answered the prayers of many Muslims in this blessed month. You can complete this time duration of fasting from the 2nd to 30 of Shawwal.
Here we have discussed the major benefits of fasting in Shawwal.
- The rewards of Shawwal 6 days of fasting is equal to the reward of the whole year
- It reimburses the deficiency of the fasting during Ramadan
- Fasting in Shawwal is the sign of happiness of Allah Almighty that He gives us strength to do good deeds.
- It is the best way to seek guidance from Allah Almighty
- Fasting in Shawwal keeps us away from sins and bad habits
- It is Sunnah to do fasting in Shawwal
- This fasting helps you a lot on the day of judgment
- Fasting in Shawwal is the sign that our Allah Almighty accepts our fast during the month of Ramadan
- In the month of Shawwal, Allah gives us the reward of fasting during Ramadan
Umrah in Shawwal
Performing Umrah in Shawwal also has great significance near to Allah Almighty. 2 different types of Umrah are mentioned below:
- Umrah-al-Tamattu
- Umrah- al-Mufradah
1. Umrah-al-Mufardah
The Umrah can be performed by Muslims anytime throughout the year. You should consider that you can not perform it during the month of Hajj.
2. Umrah-al-Tamattu
It is performed in the month of Hajj. Muslims do it with the Hajj. This is the reason that includes:
- Dhu-al-Hajjah
- Dhu-al-Qadah
- Shawwal
So it is vital to note that Umrah performed before Shawwal can not be like the Umrah mentioned above. However, there are many essential requirements to perform Umrah in the month of Shawwal. Some of them are mentioned below.
- One should be Muslim to perform Umrah
- You should have the physical and financial capacity to complete it properly
- Women must have Mahram to fulfill it
Don’t Change Your Routine in The Month of Shawwal
It is important to do good deeds in Shawwal the same as Ramadan. Some of the good deeds that you should continue during the month of Shawwal:
- Donate charity
- Reciting the Holy Quran Daily
- Praying to Allah Almighty
- Pray 5 times a day
- Prevent yourself from bad deeds
Continue strengthening your bond with Allah Almighty that you make in the month of Ramadan. Fasting this month requires us to refrain from foods, water, and any negative emotions. So, fasting in Shawwal is also a great opportunity to become gentle and good Muslims. Also, help others this month. Muslims give Fitrana before the prayer of Eid-ul- Fitr. This action is good practice to show consideration for others.
Never stop seeking forgiveness in this blessed month of Allah Almighty. We always try to avail new opportunities to get closer to Him.
Help Needy People in The Month of Shawwal
Giving charity and spreading the wealth are also important actions that Muslims do during the month of Shawwal. You can help people with your donation, such as Zakat and Sadaqah Jariyah. Your donation solves the problems of many needy people. There are many donation centers where you donate your money for the ease of the poor. The reward of your donation is very big, and this action helps you a lot to learn the blessings of Allah Almighty.
Some Tips For The Month of Shawwal
1. Pray to Allah That He Accepted Your Worship
Ramadan is the month that reflects your personality for the whole year. So, we should pray to Allah Almighty about accepting the fasts of Ramadan. So, don’t wrap up your deeds of Ramadan on Eid day.
2. Try To make Good Habits
Continue your good deeds during the month of Ramadan. Allah loves those who spend their time in good actions. So maintain your consistency and never leave the good habits of Ramadan. Most people return to their normal busy routine after Ramadan. Try to earn the rewards from Allah Almighty in Shawwal. Please make a list of good deeds and do it regularly in Shawwal. Over time these habits become a part of your character.
3. Seek Forgiveness From Allah Almighty
Many verses in the Holy book emphasize forgiveness from Allah Almighty. He is Raheem and loves to forgive. So, keep seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT. Your effort is also a sign that all of your worships of Ramadan are accepted.
4. Make Ibadah During The Night of Shawwal
Same as the nights of Ramadan, try to worship during the night of Shawwal. It is difficult to maintain this habit, but it’s not impossible. Do the worship of Allah Almighty with your family members. Take Islamic classes to increase your knowledge about Islam. In this, you can encourage others to do Ibadah. This action also makes your strong bonding with Allah Almighty.
5. Make Ibadah in The Form of a Group
Group worship always motivates you to do good actions. Maintain your spirit of togetherness. Don’t stop your hands from giving Sadaqah. So include your friends and family members in your efforts in Ibadah. Discuss the translation of Quranic verses with your friends. This action increases your knowledge of both of you.
Final Thoughts
Muslims should seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty in the month of Shawwal 2022. This month’s 6 days of fasting also have a great significance near Allah Almighty. Muslims earn various rewards in Shawwal by doing good deeds. Hopefully, this article increases your knowledge about the importance and major events happening in the month of Shawwal. Want to learn more about Islam? If yes, then read our other blogs.
References
https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/islamic-calendar/shawwal/
https://zamzam.com/blog/month-of-shawwal/
http://www.quranreading.com/blog/significance-and-major-events-of-the-islamic-month-shawwal/
https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2020/05/the-blessings-of-shawwal-in-the-quran-and-hadith