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.
Scholars have considered a sign that a Muslim’s observation of Ramadan has been accepted, is that they intend to fast the six days of Shawwal. In fact, Ibn Rajab (ra) said that doing so 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]
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.”
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him)- Muslim