Ramadan is over, and we’ve celebrated Eid—but what happens next?
Did you know that the month of Shawwal is also a very special time for Muslims?
Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. It marks a shift from Ramadan’s deep spiritual focus to continuing the good habits we built during the holy month. It begins with the joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr, but it also includes something amazing—fasting six extra days, which brings big rewards!
✨Just like the fun of Eid doesn’t have to end, the goodness we learned during Ramadan can continue into Shawwal!✨
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Shawwal important, how it connects to Ramadan, and how kids can enjoy and benefit from this blessed month.
What Is Shawwal?
Understanding the 10th Month in Islam
Shawwal comes right after Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar. The word “Shawwal” comes from the idea of uplift or renewal—like carrying the blessings of Ramadan into the rest of the year.
It begins with Eid al-Fitr, a day of joy and thankfulness. But the rest of the month is filled with opportunities to continue doing good deeds and grow spiritually.
A Fun Way to Understand
“Think of Ramadan like a big race—you finished it strong! Now Shawwal is like training afterward to keep your heart healthy with patience and faith.”
Want a quick refresher on Ramadan before diving into Shawwal?
Check out our kid-friendly guide to the rules of fasting and good deeds in Ramadan!
• Ramadan Rules for Kids
Why Is Shawwal So Important?
Even though Ramadan is over, Shawwal gives Muslims a beautiful chance to keep up the good habits we’ve learned. It’s a time for spiritual continuation, gratitude, and growth.
Key Reasons Shawwal Is Special:
It follows Ramadan and keeps us on our spiritual journey.
It includes six days of fasting, which the Prophet ﷺ said brings the reward of a whole year of fasting.
It helps us stay grateful, kind, and focused on worship all year.
It builds self-discipline through voluntary acts like fasting and charity.
Keep the Spirit of Shawwal Alive All Year Long!
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The Power of the Six Days of Fasting
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Sahih Muslim)
That’s amazing! Just six extra days of fasting = a year’s worth of reward.
What are the Six Days of Shawwal?
They are voluntary fasts, not required, but highly rewarding.
You can fast them any six days of the month—together or spread out.
It’s a Sunnah that strengthens our faith and keeps Ramadan’s spirit alive.
Picture It Like This
“Imagine getting a gold star for fasting in Ramadan—and then bonus stars in Shawwal! Your star chart will shine so bright!”
Can Kids Fast in Shawwal?
Fasting the six days isn’t required for children—but they can still participate in fun and meaningful ways!
Ways Kids Can Join:
Try half-day fasts to learn about the practice.
Fast on weekends with family.
Wake up for Suhoor or join in for Iftar even if they’re not fasting.
Focus on small acts of worship like making dua or helping with Iftar.
Parents can:
Use a Shawwal Fasting Chart for kids to track their good deeds.
Give small rewards or stickers for participating in spiritual activities.
Good Deeds to Continue in Shawwal
Ramadan may be over, but the blessings don’t stop! Kids can continue doing the same beautiful acts they practiced during Ramadan.
Easy Good Deeds for Kids:
Pray Salah – even just one extra prayer a day!
Read Quran – one verse a day goes a long way.
Show kindness – help a parent, be polite, share with friends.
Give charity – donate a toy, share snacks, or save for sadaqah.
Say Alhamdulillah – practicing gratitude is a daily habit!
Make Dua – pray for family, friends, and those in need.
Kid-friendly analogy:
“Good deeds are like planting flowers in your heart—the more you plant, the brighter your heart garden grows!”
Keeping the Eid Spirit Alive
Shawwal is also a month of staying connected with family and spreading joy, just like we do during Eid!
Ways Kids Can Stay Connected:
Visit relatives or send cards and drawings.
Call or video chat with grandparents or cousins.
Share sweets or gifts to spread love.
Write thank-you notes to family or teachers.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“He who desires ample provisions and a long life should maintain good family ties.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Kindness is powerful:
“Helping your sibling set the table or sharing your toys can make someone’s whole day!”
Shawwal in Islamic History
Did you know something important happened during Shawwal?
📖 The Battle of Uhud:
- Took place in Shawwal during the 3rd year of Hijrah.
It teaches us about patience, courage, and listening to wise guidance.
Kid-friendly lesson:
“Sometimes we get excited and forget to listen—but Shawwal reminds us that good advice helps us succeed!”
Fun Shawwal Activities for Kids
Want to keep the spirit of Shawwal alive and joyful? Try these fun, faith-filled activities:
Activity Ideas:
Make a “Good Deed Calendar” for the month.
Host a family story night with stories of the Prophet ﷺ.
Cook a Sunnah treat like dates and honey with a parent.
Create and decorate thank-you cards for loved ones.
Have a mini Shawwal Challenge with prizes for prayers, duaas, and kindness.
🌟 Every little effort counts—Allah loves all good deeds!
Shawwal: The Bridge from Ramadan to the Rest of the Year
Think of Shawwal as a bridge—helping us cross from Ramadan to the rest of the year while holding onto all the good habits we worked so hard to build.
Kid-friendly example:
“Ramadan was your training camp—Shawwal is your chance to keep being a champion!”
Conclusion
Shawwal is a beautiful month full of joy, renewal, and chances to grow. It reminds us that the end of Ramadan is not the end of our journey—it’s just the beginning!
Every prayer, every good deed, every smile counts. So let’s keep our hearts glowing with light and kindness all year long!
Eid Mubarak and Happy Shawwal from Islamic Galaxy!
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