MUSLIMAH
How to Extend Your Ramadan Miracles Into Shawwal in Just 6 Days!
Alhamdulillah, we have been blessed with another Ramadan. Like many of us, you may be experiencing the post-Ramadan blues. Well, Muslimah is here to tell you how to keep the Ramadan rewards going.
We hope you had a wonderful Eid and are finding ease in continuing your newly found habits.
We will be exploring the importance of the month of Shawwal. The blessing and reward of Ramadan can sometimes overshadow the power of other months. Let's be sure to give important events such as fasting the six days of Shawwal the spotlight they deserve and tally up those good deeds even further.
Here are our simple tips on how to make the most of Shawwal:
1. Fast the Six Days of Shawwal
You might wonder, "After 30 days of fasting, I feel exhausted. How can I continue fasting?"
BUT trust us, it's not an impossible task, in fact, it's a blessing. Fasting six days in the month of Shawwal is Sunnah Mustahabbah (a beloved practice) that was carried out by the Prophet, peace be upon him (PBUH). We are advised to take part in fasting these six days as they have the weight of fasting two entire months plus the weight of fasting ten months of Ramadan. This equates to one whole year of fasting.
If you can fast Ramadan and then follow up with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if you've fasted for the whole year. What if you did this every year, imagine the immense reward you would receive. Do not miss out on these days of fasting, remember they do not have to be done consecutively as Allah is merciful.
The Prophet PBUH said: "Whoever fasts in Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime." Narrated by Muslim.
2. Always remember the Power of Du'aa
Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, the supplication of a fasting person is not turned away at the time of breaking fast."
We all make that extra effort and give due attention to Du'a during Ramadan, given the power of Laylat-ul-Qadr. However, this should not be the only time we spend time making du'a as it can be accepted at any time. Just as we may have asked Allah for what seemed impossible in Ramadan, we must do the same during this month, especially whilst fasting the six days of Shawwal.
3. Continue Your Good Habits
Sometimes it may be difficult to keep up the good habits we developed during Ramadan, for example, praying tahajjud (night prayers) and giving in charity. We need to try our best not to abandon these good habits as they, of course, allow for reward and gratitude. Furthermore, they can also make up for any shortcomings in one's obligatory acts. For example, if you've missed a fast during Ramadan, you will be able to rectify these shortcomings by carrying out these Sunnah fasts during the month of Shawwal.
Try your best to stay positive even when there is a blip in continuing your habits as we know it will be a bumpy ride. All that matters is if you have the correct intention and that you are making progress.
One of the greatest acts of worship that a Muslim can do to draw closer to Allah is prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Prayer is the best thing prescribed, so whoever can do a great deal of it, let him do that." (by Al-Tabaraani).
We invite you to renew your intentions and try to keep up the great habits made in Ramadan, and we pray that we have motivated you to try to fast the six days of Shawwal. Remember, it's not too late; you still have more than two weeks.
30 Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BG, United Kingdom | +44 74689 89947
Copyright © All Rights Reserved.
