In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
As Muslims the world over ended the holy month of Ramadan and continue the cycle of the events-filled Hijir calendar, it is pertinent to ponder the question: After Ramadan, what next?
Islam, as promulgated by Allah (SWT) and passed down to the Jinns and humans through the Prophet (SAW), is a complete system. Islam creates no vacuum for idleness. Events and acts overlap one another all year round. Ramadan passes for one of the milestones, although a major one in the journey which a Muslim embarks on from the month of Muharam up to Dhul-Hijah (the first month to the twelfth month of the lunar calendar).
A steadfast Muslim is expected to keep very active in a series of spiritual activities. These activities keep the Muslim on track in the course of the worship of Allah (SWT). It is recommended in the Sunnah for a Muslim to observe six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal. The act of engaging in Shittah-Shawwal entails and attracts great reward and blessings from Allah (SWT). For instance, the Muslim is forgiven of his or her sins and transgressions against Allah (SWT) for a period of three hundred and sixty-five days of the year if the six-day fast in Shawwal is validly observed. The Prophet (SAW), in Hadith (Muslim), is quoted to have said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, and then follows it up by (fasting) six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted the whole year.” It must be emphasised that a Muslim may not go about the Shittah-Shawwal at a stretch. The six-day fasting could be taken intermittently within the month of Shawwal.
It is of utmost importance for Muslims to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive. The lofty ideals that are encapsulated in the month of Ramadan should be kept alive after the glorious month. Every pious Muslim should spare no effort to keep the spirit of Ramadan vibrant even in the other months of the lunar year. This can be achieved through a number of practices, some of which have already become part and parcel of our daily lives. Seeking Allah’s (SWT) face through faith is one. Beseeching Him for support and guidance in order for us to remain steadfast is a lifetime contract which connects us to Allah (SWT) as pious Muslims. This must remain unbreakable. We must remain bonded with the articles of faith. It is the baseline for a Muslim.
Muslims are encouraged in the Sunnah to observe a series of optional fasts besides the obligatory Ramadan fast. Muslims are encouraged to fast: six days during the month of Shawwal as earlier discussed; the first nine days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, particularly the ninth day, the day of Arafah by those who are not on hajj; the 10th day of Muharram (the first month of the lunar calendar); as many days as possible during the month of Sha’ban; during the month of Rajab, Dhul-Qidah, Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram; on Mondays and Thursdays; and the 13th, 14th and 15th of every lunar month of the year. Muslims who imbibe and practise the Sunnah through this chain of fasting days are blessed by Allah (SWT).
In lieu of the above, another important lesson that should continue after Ramadan is Sacrifice. In the Noble Qur’an, Chapter 9:111, Allah mentions the importance of sacrifice: “Surely, Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their property in return for the Garden they shall have.”
Similarly, the last verses of Qur’an 6 clearly explain that those who sacrifice in the way of Allah shall have a great reward from Allah SWT and shall see great happiness.
Sacrifices are of two types: individual sacrifice and communal sacrifice. Every Muslim makes great sacrifices during the month of Ramadan by abstaining from that which is permissible, such as food and drink, and offering extra prayers throughout the night. Even those who are legitimately unable to fast make sacrifices by offering extra prayers during this blessed month. A believer should not forget the lessons learned from these sacrifices. That is why Allah has prescribed an extra prayer on the day of Eid, to teach the believer that although his period of great sacrifice may have ended and fasting is no longer required, nevertheless he should not forget the spiritual lessons learnt.
Moreover, it is imperative to retain our Freedom from Bondage from all vices which we were able to avoid during the holy month of Ramadan and deem important to continue in that phase of holiness so as to retain our noble position in the sight of Allah SWT. Ramadan is a special blessing from Allah which enables us to break free from the slavery of various bad habits, if it is observed properly. A person can break free from various addictions during this blessed month such as laziness and lethargy, excess eating, cursing, backbiting and lying, etc. If a person understands the true message of Ramadan, the world can also break free from economic slavery and the bondage of poverty and hunger. Hence, a person who goes through the month of Ramadan faithfully while analysing one’s self, as the Noble Prophet SAW did, will surely be freed from various chains and shackles. Hence, True freedom from sinful existence requires true repentance.
Other religious obligations that should not be discontinued include the optional night prayers (ta’ajud), reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an, and taking care of the poor and the needy. Others are dhikr and asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness most of the time, and avoiding all things that Allah has prohibited.
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