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 from the month of Muharam up till Dhul-Hijah (the first month to the twelfth month of the lunar calendar of the year).
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 become part and parcel of our daily life already. 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 fasting besides the obligatory Ramadan fasting. Muslims are encouraged to fast: six days during the month of Shawwal as earlier on 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).
Other religious obligations that should not be discontinued include the optional night prayers (ta’ajud); reciting and 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 avoidance of all things that are Allah has prohibited.
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