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The exalted month of Ramadan has come and it’s time to bid her farewell. I hope it turn out to be beneficial for you as one of your best Ramadan ever. If it didn’t, there’s still hope to keep pushing forth deeds of piety, asking Allah for forgiveness and praying you to get to testify another Ramadan. Hence, it’s vital to bear in mind that fasting has not ended with Ramadan. The voyage has only begun as the Sitta Shawwal days are just around the corner.
Shawwal is the tenth month of the lunar-based Islamic calendar. The first day of Shawwāl is Eid al-Fitr. The six days of optional fasting during Shawwāl beginning the day after Eid ul-Fitr since fasting is restricted on this day.
It is important for Muslims to fast this six days fasting. In this article of mine, I have revealed to you why it is necessary for you to fast this six days fasting.
“Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari describes that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) says: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, it will be as if he had fasted the year through.” (Sahih Muslim, 1163).
The virtues of fasting for the six days are highlighted below:
1. Fasting 6 days in Shawwal after Ramadan bestows the person the reward of fasting throughout the year.
2. The fasts of Sha’ban and Shawwal are like the Sunnah prayers that accompany the five obligatory prayers. Like the Sunnah prayers, these extra fasts cover-up for the depletion in our performance of our obligatory worship. On the Day of Judgment, our voluntary acts of worship will reimburse for the drawbacks in how we carried out our duties. Most of us have deficiencies in the practice of our Ramadan fasts and we need something to cover up for those drawbacks.
3. Our return to the mode of fasting right after Ramadan is an indication that our Ramadan fasts were accepted. When Allah accepts our worship, He honours us to engage in further acts of purity. The saying goes: The reward of virtue is further virtue. Therefore, following one good deed with others like it is a sign that the first deed had been accepted by Allah. By contrast, if a person’s good deed is followed by a sinful one, it is an indication that the first good deed might not have been accepted.
4. Those who observe the fast of Ramadan are given their recompense on the day of Eid Al-Fitr, the day when the fast is rewarded. Getting into the pattern of fasting again soon thereafter is a means of giving gratitude to Allah for the blessings that we have received. There is no blessing greater than forgiveness for one’s sins, and we know that fast of Ramadan is recompensed with forgiveness of one’s prior sins.
5. Although the fasting of Shawwal is not obligatory. But it is highly recommended as the above Prophetic sayings point out. They represent an exceptional opportunity for all Muslims to prepare for the rest of the year.
The Prophet used to increase the number of days he fasted voluntarily in the month of Shaaban, which immediately precedes Ramadan. Perhaps this was to prepare himself for the approaching fasting month.
6. When Allah accepts your worship, He blesses you to engage in further acts of piety. We hope that our return to fasting ways right after Ramadan is a pointer to our Ramadan being well done. Fasting these days is in line with the Sunnah of the Messenger peace be upon him. And we already know Allah’s injunction: If you truly love Allah, then follow the messenger. Then Allah will love you and forgive your shortcomings.
Say [O Muhammad to mankind]: “If you truly love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful” — Qur’an 3[Al-Imran]:31
In short, fasting for six days after Eid ul-Fitr is an exceedingly blessed action that is not to be taken lightly. Although it is Sunnah Mustahab, it comes up with the fulfilment of elevated morals of sincerity and renders countless yields for a believer.
In conclusion, bear in mind that there’s no hurry in observing this fast. However, the quicker you do, the easier and better it gets for you before laxity sets in.
Active Islamic journalism costs huge sums of money. To ensure quality and rich Islamic journalism, the support of readers and friends of the publication is required. Support us by donating via the account details below: Account Name: Standard Bearers Project Account Bank Name: Zenith Bank Account Number: 1014987008 Kindly call or chat; 07031357133 for more enquiry. Jazakum llahu khairan
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