Shawwal 1448 (2027): dates, Eid and the six fasts

When is Shawwal 2027 in Kenya?

Shawwal 2027 is expected to begin on Tuesday 9 March 2027, or Wednesday 10 March if Ramadan has 30 days. It is expected to end around 7 April 2027.

Shawwal starts when the new moon is sighted, so the date in Kenya can move by one day. Dates in 2028 are less certain. See the Islamic calendar 2027.

What is Shawwal in the Islamic calendar?

Shawwal is the tenth of the twelve months of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It follows Ramadan and comes before Dhul Qadah.

Shawwal is not one of the four sacred months. It is the first of the months of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah, which are usually counted as Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and the early part of Dhul Hijjah.

Why is Shawwal important?

Shawwal is important because it begins with Eid al-Fitr, the day Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan, and because it has the well-known six voluntary fasts.

It is also a time to check that the habits of Ramadan continue. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that the most loved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small. Shawwal is a good time to turn a month of effort into a steady routine.

What events happen in Shawwal?

The main event is Eid al-Fitr on the first day. After that come the six voluntary fasts and, for those who can travel, the start of the Hajj season.

On Eid day Muslims pray the Eid prayer, thank Allah, visit family and share food. Zakat al-Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer. See Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana) in Kenya.

What are the six days of Shawwal fasting?

The six days of Shawwal are voluntary fasts. A well-known saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him) says that whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal is like one who fasts for a lifetime. Fasting them is recommended, not required.

• You may fast the six days together or spread them across the month.
• You cannot fast on Eid day itself, so start from the second day of Shawwal.
• If you have missed fasts in Ramadan, make them up. Scholars differ on whether to make up missed days before the six days or whether you can do the six days first. Ask your local scholar or imam.

In Kenya, many families visit one another in the days after Eid and share meals. Some people use this time to also fast their six days, so that the good mood of Eid carries on. Choose the way that fits your health, work and family life.

For the rules of fasting, read Sawm: fasting in Islam.

What can Muslims do in Shawwal?

Muslims can fast the six days, keep praying, read the Qur’an a little each day and keep giving. There are no special prayers or rituals for Shawwal beyond these.

• Fast six days if you are able.
• Make up missed Ramadan fasts if you have any.
• Keep a Qur’an habit. Even one page a day is a good start.
• Keep giving. A small, regular Sadaqah is better than a big gift once.
• Keep family ties. Visit relatives and neighbours, and share food.

Some people marry or hold family events in Shawwal. This is allowed. Do not follow beliefs that Shawwal is unlucky, as Islam teaches that no month brings bad luck.

How can I keep the habits of Ramadan after Eid?

The simplest way is to keep a small version of what you did in Ramadan. A small habit you can keep is better than a big plan that stops after a week.

• Prayer. Keep praying the five daily prayers on time. Some people keep a few extra units of night prayer.
• Qur’an. Choose a fixed time each day, even for five minutes.
• Fasting. Besides the six days, keep Mondays and Thursdays if you can.
• Giving. Set up a small monthly gift, for example by M-Pesa, so that giving does not depend on the season.
• Character. Keep the patience and kindness you practised when fasting.

If you slipped, do not give up. Return to good deeds as soon as you can, and ask Allah for steadiness.

How can I give charity in Shawwal with Islamic Relief Kenya?

Needs do not end when Ramadan ends. Many families in Kenya, including pastoralist families in the north, still need food and water. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).

• Online. Give Sadaqah at donate.islamic-relief.or.ke by card or M-Pesa.
• M-Pesa. Use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210. Type the fund name as the account.

Learn the difference between obligatory and voluntary giving in Zakat vs Sadaqah.