“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it up with six days of fasting in Shawwal, it is as if they have fasted the entire year.”
Hadith | Muslim
Shawwal 2025 | The month of reward
Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic (hijri) calendar and begins its first day with Eid Al-Fitr. It is renowned for the six days of Shawwal, which are six supererogatory fasts that hold immense reward. It is often regarded as a precious time to reflect on and continue the goodness that we have become habituated to in the preceding month: the blessed month of Ramadan.
With our spirituality renewed, we all want to keep hold of that feeling at the end of Ramadan – that closeness to Allah. SubhanAllah, the deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly – even if they are small.
“…The most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.” (Bukhari)
So don’t let go of that feeling – hold on to Allah’s love.
The first day of Shawwal begins on Eid Al-Fitr.
For this year, it began on the 30th of March 2025 for most Muslims.
Shawwal 2025 is expected to end on 28th April, dependent on the sighting of the moon.
The first day of Shawwal is also when Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, uniting to enjoy the reward of observing the holy month of Ramadan. This is one of the two annual festivals recognised by the Shari’ah. It celebrates the completion of the month of worship: Ramadan. Muslims attend the Eid prayer on this day and pay Sadaqat ul-Fitr. It is a day of celebration.
Shawwal is the first of three months (before the month of Dhul Hijjah) in which some of the acts of Hajj can begin to be performed, such as the Tawaf of Arrival. The period of Hajj also begins in Shawwal, which is otherwise called Ash-hur Al-Hajj or the months of Hajj.
The month of Shawwal is the month following the holy month of Ramadan and in it, there is the opportunity for great reward for worshippers as outlined by the Messenger of Allah (pbuh). Muslims have the opportunity to fast the six days of Shawwal, which are voluntary fasts that can be completed at any time throughout the month, before the end of Shawwal. The six days of Shawwal are recommended as a means of redeeming any shortcomings in the quality of our fasts in the month of Ramadan and are equivalent to a year of fasting if accepted by Allah (SWT).
The first day of Shawwal is also when Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, uniting to enjoy the reward of observing the holy month of Ramadan. This is one of the two annual festivals recognised by the Shari’ah. It celebrates the completion of the month of worship: Ramadan. Muslims attend the Eid prayer on this day and pay Sadaqat ul-Fitr. It is a day of celebration.
Shawwal is the first of three months (before the month of Dhul Hijjah) in which some of the acts of Hajj can begin to be performed, such as the Tawaf of Arrival. The period of Hajj also begins in Shawwal, which is otherwise called Ash-hur Al-Hajj or the months of Hajj.
Ibn Rajab (ra) said that fasting the 6 days of Shawwal would be a way of demonstrating our gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the blessings, mercy, and reward that Ramadan has to offer.
“[Allah wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful” [Qur’an 2:185]
This month can also be a very important time for reflecting on the good habits cultivated throughout the month of Ramadan, and centring the mind, body, and soul for the remainder of the year and beyond.
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it up with six days of fasting in Shawwal, it is as if they have fasted the entire year.”
Hadith | Muslim
Many wonder if they can fast the six days of Shawwal before making up missed obligatory fasts from Ramadan, especially for those who may have been exempt due to reasons like illness or menstruation.
Many scholars emphasise that making up missed Ramadan fasts should take priority over the six Shawwal fasts. This is because Fardh or obligatory acts of worship are more important to fulfill than voluntary ones.
Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramadan˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.
[Qur’an | Surah al-Baqarah | 2:185]
By completing missed obligatory fasts first, we fulfill a commandment upon us and lay a foundation for additional voluntary acts like fasting in Shawwal.
If you have only missed a few days of fasts, this approach would allow you to complete both your Ramadan obligations and Shawwal fasts within the month.
If you have a significant number of missed Ramadan fasts (e.g., due to prolonged illness or pregnancy), some scholars permit fasting the six days of Shawwal first.
This view acknowledges that if a person delays Shawwal fasts to complete missed Ramadan fasts, they may miss the limited window to observe Shawwal.
In this case, you can complete the Shawwal fasts during the month and then make up missed obligatory fasts later in the year.
Scholars supporting this view argue that observing Shawwal fasts within the designated time brings immense rewards, while the missed fasts can be fulfilled any time before the next Ramadan.
If you have only a few missed fasts, you should aim to complete them early in Shawwal and follow with your six voluntary fasts.
This allows you to fulfill both obligatory fasts and the Sunnah ones.
No matter which approach you follow, sincerity in intention and striving to fulfill your duties to Allah (SWT) are key.
If you need more clarity on this, please contact a trusted local scholar.
With thoughtful planning and dedication, you can reap the rewards of fasting in Shawwal while ensuring that your missed fasts are completed.
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Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.