shawwal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequencyReligious, formal, cultural
Quick answer
What does “shawwal” mean?
The tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately following Ramadan.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately following Ramadan.
In Islamic religious practice, the month associated with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, and the first day on which fasting is prohibited. It also contains six days of voluntary fasting (the 'white days').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties treat it as a proper noun.
Connotations
Primarily connotes the Islamic religious calendar, the end of Ramadan, and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in regions/countries with significant Muslim populations (e.g., parts of the UK with large South Asian communities, certain urban areas in the US). In general discourse, frequency is equally low in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “shawwal” in a Sentence
[The month] of Shawwal [is...][In/During] Shawwal, [Muslims...]Shawwal [follows Ramadan]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Potentially used in HR/HR policy contexts in multinational companies regarding holiday requests for Eid al-Fitr (e.g., 'The office will be closed on the first of Shawwal').
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, and Middle Eastern studies when discussing the Islamic calendar, religious practices, or historical dates.
Everyday
Used within Muslim communities when discussing religious observance, planning for Eid, or referring to dates (e.g., 'The wedding is scheduled for mid-Shawwal'). Rare in general everyday conversation among non-Muslims.
Technical
Used in astronomy for lunar calendar calculations and in theology for discussions of Islamic law (fiqh) regarding fasting and festivals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shawwal”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shawwal”
- Misspelling as 'Shawal' (one 'w') or 'Shawall' (double 'l').
- Using lowercase ('shawwal') instead of capitalising it as a proper noun.
- Incorrectly stating its position in the calendar (e.g., calling it the ninth month).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Shawwal (and all Islamic months) moves approximately 10-11 days earlier each Gregorian solar year.
Yes, but not on the first day (Eid al-Fitr), as fasting is forbidden. Fasting for six days at any time during the rest of Shawwal is a recommended voluntary practice (Sunnah).
The etymological root is associated with 'raising' or 'lifting', potentially referring to female camels lifting their tails at the start of the dry season, which is when the month historically occurred. Its meaning in modern usage is strictly calendrical.
It is determined by the sighting (or astronomical calculation, depending on the community) of the new crescent moon (hilal) on the 29th day of Ramadan. If not sighted, Ramadan completes 30 days, and Shawwal begins the next day.
The tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, immediately following Ramadan.
Shawwal is usually religious, formal, cultural in register.
Shawwal: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəˈwɑːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃəˈwɑl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Shawwal' follows the 'haul' of Ramadan. After the long haul of fasting, Shawwal arrives with celebration.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A JOURNEY / A CYCLE: Shawwal is a station/stop on the annual journey of the Islamic lunar calendar, specifically the station of reward and celebration after the arduous journey of Ramadan.
Practice
Quiz
What is Shawwal most closely associated with?