FASTING SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAL (Sittu Min Shawwal) by Anonymous

Shawwal is the tenth month in the lunar calendar, as mentioned earlier. The first of Shawwal is Eidul Fitr. After the festivity of Eid it is recommended to observe six days of fast. This fast may be observed continuously non-break, or it may be observed one day at a time. If you observe it continuously, you may start on the fourth day and end on the ninth of day Shawwal, or you may select days at random, provided you complete six days before the end of Shawwal. For instance, you may observe the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, 14th and 15th days. Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (raa) related the Messenger of Allah, (saas), said: "Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days of fast in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted Dahr (the whole year)." (Bukhari) It has been mentioned earlier that Dahr means the whole year. Possibly it may also mean forever, or for life. Analyzing this hadith, our jurists (`Ulama) explained how according to this hadith, a Muslim who fasts during Ramadan every year and follows it with six days fast of Shawwal, will be credited for fasting a whole lifetime. The Jurists correctly said: a good deed

(hasanah) is rewarded a minimum of ten times its equivalent. It follows, then, that one Ramadan is equivalent to ten months of fasting, and the clincher, six days, is equal to two months, (6x10=60). That undoubtedly completes the year's twelve months. Thus, we see the wisdom and the reason why the Prophet (saas) mentioned six days after Ramadan in Shawwal, not five or seven. All copyrights held by respective owners. The rest Jannah.Org :: Islam The Eternal Path to Peace :: Islamic Articles

WHAT TO DO AFTER RAMADAN

Its only been a week since Ramadan has ended. We are back into our normal routine lives after Ramadan. We all performed such great deeds in the blessed month of Ramadan which we could not do in normal days. Most of us kept fasts for the whole month of Ramadan, many completed the Holy Quran recitation and wake up during nights for prayers (Qiyam-ul-layl). We gave huge donations and Sadqa while some of us tried to achieve the Lailatul Qadr(night of Decree). We have beautiful memories associated with this blessed month and we feel sad for the departure of Ramadan. Now as the month of Ramadan passed away many people think of what to do after Ramadan, whats after Ramadan? Here are a few post Ramadan advices on how one should remain steadfast after Ramadan. Allah says in the Quran: Verily, those who say, Our Lord is (only) Allah, and thereafter stand firm and straight (upon Islam), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Such shall be the dwellers of Jannah, abiding therein (forever), a reward for what they used to do. (46:13,14) The importance of steadfastness could be understood by this Hadith: Sufyan Bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: O Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H), tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you. He said: Say: I believe in Allah and then be steadfast (upon that). (Muslim)

Post Ramadan Tips and Advices:

1. First of all try to find out that have you gained maximum benefit from the month of Ramadan. If one has emerged as a better Muslim after Ramadan and remains steadfast even after Ramadan then this is the sign of success and acceptance that you have attained more Taqwa from the blessing month of Ramadan this year . Allah says in the Holy Quran: And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you. (Quran, 15:99) 2. During the whole month of Ramadan, we tried our best to worship most and avoided sins as much as possible. Now as the blessed month has ended we think that we have done our best during Ramadan and now we are free to do whatever we want. We want to take some rest and while doing so we get engaged in sins that were easily avoidable during Ramadan. The spiritual energy we have collected during Ramadan should follow us for the rest of the year rather than vanishing. 3. The mosques that are usually jam packed during Ramadan because of Prayers and Taraweeh are now found empty. The most important thing are the Prayers and we should pray five time in congregation. We should not abandon the obligatory prayers after Ramadan and strive hard to pray five times daily in Mosque. 4. Reciting Holy Quran is often related with Ramadan only. We should recite Holy Quran and ponder upon its meaning as much as we can even after the blessed month. Narrated from Abdullah ibn Masood, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) said: The Quran is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire. [At-Tabaraanee] 5. If the fasting in Ramadan has ended then there are still volutary fasts left. Espacially the fasts of Shawwal as fasting for six days in Shawwal is equivalent to one year fasting. Also the Prophet (P.B.U.H) used to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. 6. If giving Zakat during Ramadan has ended then there is still time to give Saqda (voluntary charity) as good deeds are not restricted till Ramadan only. We can perform righteous actions and deeds at any time of the year. Do not restrict yourself to perform them in Ramadan only. Let us ask Allah to accept our worship during Ramadan and give us strength to be a better Muslim even after Ramadan. Ameen.

How to keep the blessings and benefits alive for the rest of the year.
BY: Hesham A. Hassaballa

Email Share Comments (0) Almost invariably it happens a few days after the end of Ramadan. The letdown. Fasting is finished; the nightly prayers are over; the group gatherings to break the fast have vanished. We can eat, drink, and be merry again when the sun is shining. And that special feeling you have in your heart--the one that keeps you going despite your hunger and thirst--gradually fades away. The spiritual high evaporates, and all you are left with are the bad habits you tried to shed during Ramadan, but mysteriously rear their ugly heads once it is over. Ramadan is supposed to increase your faith and God-consciousness: Believers! Fasting has been prescribed for you--as it was prescribed for those before you--so that you may be conscious of God. (The Holy Qur'an, 2:183). The point is not to be an angel for Ramadan and a demon at other times. The lessons learned and spiritual benefits gained during that month are intended to carry over for the rest of the year until next Ramadan. Yet frequently they do not. Is there anything we can do about it? Absolutely, and here are five ways we can try to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive and well throughout the rest of the year. Keep up the good habits practiced during Ramadan. More than just denying oneself food and drink, the fast of Ramadan is a complete body-and-soul fast. Although this should be the behavior of the believer at all times, when one is fasting, he or she should take special care not to harm anyone, curse anyone, or do anything wrong. In fact, the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions [while fasting], God is not in need of his leaving his food and drink." Well, once Ramadan is over, these good behaviors should continue. For instance, if you took the opportunity of the month of Ramadan to try to curb talking about other people, why not continue to refrain from doing so after Ramadan is over? We should continue to go to the mosque for congregational prayers. It is so amazing to see the mosque-which was packed just a few days earlier--stand almost completely empty during Isha, or night, prayers, after Ramadan. If we can go to the mosque each day during Ramadan, we can get there every day during the rest of the year. Smoking is prohibited during daylight hours during Ramadan, which makes it the perfect opportunity to quit cigarettes. Yes, the nicotine in tobacco smoke is more addictive than heroin, and it is one of the most difficult addictions to beat. But if you can go without smoking for 14-17 hours a day during Ramadan, you can go without it for the remaining 7-10 hours. Ideally, there should be no Muslims who smoke, given the fact that they have to stop doing so for most of a month every year. Sadly, the reality is quite different. Many, many Muslims smoke, and it saddens me--especially since I am a lung specialist who sees firsthand the devastation wrought by cigarette smoking--to see groups of men outside the mosque immediately light up the moment sunset arrives.

Continue to fast throughout the year. I must admit that this is the most difficult one for me to follow, but I must mention it anyway. The fast of Ramadan is obligatory for every adult Muslim, but there are numerous other fasts that Muslims are encouraged to undertake throughout the year, and we should try to participate. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) encouraged Muslims to fast six days of the month of Shawwal, the month after Ramadan. The reward is equivalent to fasting the entire year. In a few months, the season of Hajj will begin, and those Muslims who do not perform the Hajj are encouraged to fast the day of Arafat, when all the pilgrims will be standing on that plain and begging God for forgiveness. We should fast that day. For Ashura, the day that commemorates the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt (and, for Shia, the murder of Imam Hussein, the Prophet's grandson), Muslims are encouraged to fast that day as well as the day before. (Ideally, Muslims should fast the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah, when the Hajj occurs.) For the very ambitious, the Prophet (pbuh) used to fast every Monday and Thursday, and if one is able, he or she could follow this sunnah, or tradition of the Prophet (pbuh). The very, very ambitious could even fast in the tradition of the Prophet David (pbuh): fasting every other day. If this is too much, perhaps we can fast one, two, or three days each month. Whatever the number, we should try to fast outside of Ramadan to help keep the spirit of the month alive in our daily lives. (As I said, this is perhaps the most difficult suggestion for me--I have a hard time fasting outside of Ramadan.) During the month of Ramadan, Muslims gather together and perform the Isha, or night prayer, and then special devotional prayers, called Taraweeh, in congregation (together these are called, qiyam, extra devotional night prayers). It is such a wonderful time, and it is perhaps-after actually getting to eat and drink--the best part of Ramadan. We are all together in the mosque, and we get to hear the entire Qur'an recited if we go every night of Ramadan. Why not, at home, have your own "mini-Taraweeh"? You can either read what you have already memorized, or you can read from the Qur'an itself. If you continue this throughout the year, it is quite possible to finish reading the entire Qur'an many times over. This is an excellent way to keep the feeling and spirit of Ramadan alive. Don't forget about charity. Ramadan is also the month of charity. It was said that the Prophet (pbuh), already the most generous of men, was even more generous during the month of Ramadan. Along with teaching the believer discipline and spiritual focus, the fast of Ramadan is a potent reminder that there are millions of people around the world who must forgo food and drink involuntarily, out of sheer poverty. As a result, Muslims are frequently motivated to give to the poor during Ramadan, and the reward for an act of charity--already substantial--is multiplied many times over in the month of Ramadan. Muslims often discharge their obligatory annual alms tax, the Zakah, during this month. Yet that does not mean we should be stingy and miserly throughout the rest of the year. We should continue to be generous even when it is not Ramadan, perhaps devoting a little bit of what we earn to help the poor. You could even open a donor-directed fund or a charitable gift fund at a

brokerage firm and invest your donations so you could give more. If you want to be even more ambitious, you can start your own charitable endowment, an essential aspect of the classical Islamic tradition that has unfortunately gone by the wayside in modern times. "I haven't seen you since last Ramadan..." Another beautiful aspect of Ramadan is the frequent invitation to people's homes for iftar meals after sunset. Here, Muslims gather and break their fast together. Many times, it is an opportunity to see friends (and maybe even family) they do not normally get a chance to see during the rest of the year. Well, the same theme applies: if you can do it during Ramadan, you can do it at any other time as well. Why not keep up the contacts made during Ramadan throughout the rest of the year? Have monthly gatherings at each other's homes or at a favorite restaurant. Let it not be another year when you say to a friend, "Wow! I haven't seen you since last Ramadan!" For Muslims, the month of Ramadan--as the popular Christmas song goes--is the "most wonderful time of the year." The benefits and beauties of this month are boundless, and--even though I can once again drink my 24 oz. French-Irish-Vanilla-Choco-Crme Coffeechino in the morning--I always feel a tinge of sadness when Ramadan is over. Yet we can keep the spirit of the month alive and well throughout the rest of the year. For that is the whole purpose of the fast, isn't it? So that you may be conscious of God, as the Good Book says.
XXXX

By Amal Al-Sibai

Ramadan has just passed us by, but this month of fasting has actually become a month of eating for most people. Extensive feasts are spread out on the table for the Iftar meal which is then followed by sweets dripping with sugary syrup and fats. Lots of people end up overeating during Ramadan and actually gain weight in this month. These bad habits go against what fasting is supposed to teach i.e. discipline. Fasting should lessen our addiction to eating and weaken our focus on food. After Ramadan, your body needs a whole new type of fasting - a cleansing fast. By refraining from solid foods and taking in only water and juices for a couple of days or a week can be very therapeutic and rejuvenating for the whole body. Fresh juices are easily assimilated and supply essential nutrients to make sure the body is not weakened during the cleansing fast. Some conditions that fasting can help treat include colds, the flu, bronchitis, mucus congestion, sinuses, constipation, and skin problems. Juice fasting has also been used successfully to help drug addicts detoxify their body, and overcome their addiction to drugs, including nicotine. Muscular tightness and soreness in the back and neck caused by stress can also be alleviated by juice fasting. Fasting promotes relaxation, increases energy levels and creativity, clears the mind, and provides greater spiritual

awareness. The reason why fasting has so many benefits is that when you do not eat any solid foods you decrease pressure on the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. When the liver is freed up from its breaking down of digestion by-products, it can now spend more time cleaning up toxins circulating in the body. Each cell will now have the opportunity to repair itself and dump wastes in the blood and lymph fluids to be eliminated. Body fat will be used up to provide energy, and you will lose weight. Fasting for a couple days helps you lose interest in the junk foods that cause weight gain: like cakes, sodas, chips, burgers and fries. However, make sure you drink a good amount of juices during the fast because extreme calorie restriction causes your body to go into ketosis, a process that creates toxins. You want to gradually shift from your regular eating habits into the fast and not suddenly jump into fasting. Take a few days in the beginning to eat lightly, but eliminate some foods from your diet. For example, start by avoiding, meat, animal foods, milk products and eggs. Before starting your juice fast, consume only fruits and vegetables for three days. These will nourish the body and make the transition to juice fasting easier. The first two days are the hardest for most people, but then a feeling of exhilaration and renewed energy will follow by the end of the week. Vary your juices to prevent boredom and to give your body a good combination of vitamins and minerals. Try to make your juices at home from raw fresh fruits and vegetables, such as celery, carrots, and beets. The list of possible fruit juices you can make is long and sounds delicious and refreshing: orange, apple, pear, grape, papaya, pineapple, watermelon, strawberry, mango, guava, kiwi, and more. Banana or a teaspoon of honey can be added to satisfy cravings for sweets, but no milk or yogurt. Replace each meal of the day with a fresh juice, and drink plenty of water in between. Try to go on a five day juice fast once every six months to detoxify and re-energize your body. The good times to fast are in the days before the start of autumn and spring. While fasting allows many body organs to rest and cleanse, you should not overuse fasting. Juice fasting should not last longer than a week or 10 days at the most, because your body needs proteins and fats that juices cannot provide. Be aware that some people should not fast at all. Those who are already underweight and suffer from fatigue due to nutrient deficiencies, or who have chronic diseases of the bones or muscles should not fast. Pregnant and lactating women are strongly urged not to not try juice fasting. People who have congestive heart failure or a weakened immune system are not good candidates for fasting. Before or after undergoing surgery is not a good time to fast because your body will need extra nourishment to heal and recover. Do not fast if you have cancer or ulcer disease. If you do not suffer from any chronic illness and you have a clean bill of health, fasting can be a useful tool to help you lose a bit of weight, detoxify your body, and revitalize your mind and body. You will find you have more time on your hands since less time is spent on grocery shopping and cooking. With this new found time you can finally schedule that back massage you have been promising yourself, or sit in a relaxing warm bath for an hour, exercise, clean out your overflowing closet, take a walk, or read a book.

We all like to go on a vacation from work to just relax, recharge, and feel fresh. So why not take a vacation from our eating patterns? Just for a couple of days, juice fast, and break away from eating as a mere habit. Seriously rethink the age old saying that you should eat to live, not live to eat. SG SOURCE : Saudi Gazette

XXXX Ramadan has just passed us by, but this month of fasting has actually become a month of eating for most people. Extensive feasts are spread out on the table for the Iftar meal which is then followed by sweets dripping with sugary syrup and fats. Lots of people end up overeating during Ramadan and actually gain weight in this month. These bad habits go against what fasting is supposed to teach i.e. discipline. Fasting should lessen our addiction to eating and weaken our focus on food. After Ramadan, your body needs a whole new type of fasting - a cleansing fast. By refraining from solid foods and taking in only water and juices for a couple of days or a week can be very therapeutic and rejuvenating for the whole body. Fresh juices are easily assimilated and supply essential nutrients to make sure the body is not weakened during the cleansing fast. Some conditions that fasting can help treat include colds, the flu, bronchitis, mucus congestion, sinuses, constipation, and skin problems. Juice fasting has also been used successfully to help drug addicts detoxify their body, and overcome their addiction to drugs, including nicotine. Muscular tightness and soreness in the back and neck caused by stress can also be alleviated by juice fasting. Fasting promotes relaxation, increases energy levels and creativity, clears the mind, and provides greater spiritual awareness. The reason why fasting has so many benefits is that when you do not eat any solid foods you decrease pressure on the stomach, intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. When the liver is freed up from its breaking down of digestion by-products, it can now spend more time cleaning up toxins circulating in the body. Each cell will now have the opportunity to repair itself and dump wastes in the blood and lymph fluids to be eliminated. Body fat will be used up to provide energy, and you will lose weight. Fasting for a couple days helps you lose interest in the junk foods that cause weight gain: like cakes, sodas, chips, burgers and fries. However, make sure you drink a good amount of juices during the fast because extreme calorie restriction causes your body to go into ketosis, a process that creates toxins. You want to gradually shift from your regular eating habits into the fast and not suddenly jump into fasting. Take a few days in the beginning to eat lightly, but eliminate some foods from your diet. For example, start by avoiding, meat, animal foods, milk products and eggs. Before starting your juice fast, consume only fruits and vegetables for three days. These will nourish the body and make the transition to juice fasting easier. The first two days are the hardest for most people, but then a feeling of exhilaration and renewed energy will follow by the end of the week. Vary your juices to prevent boredom and to give your body a good combination of vitamins and minerals. Try to make your juices at home from raw fresh fruits and vegetables, such as celery, carrots, and beets. The list of possible fruit juices you can make is long and

sounds delicious and refreshing: orange, apple, pear, grape, papaya, pineapple, watermelon, strawberry, mango, guava, kiwi, and more. Banana or a teaspoon of honey can be added to satisfy cravings for sweets, but no milk or yogurt. Replace each meal of the day with a fresh juice, and drink plenty of water in between. Try to go on a five day juice fast once every six months to detoxify and re-energize your body. The good times to fast are in the days before the start of autumn and spring. While fasting allows many body organs to rest and cleanse, you should not overuse fasting. Juice fasting should not last longer than a week or 10 days at the most, because your body needs proteins and fats that juices cannot provide. Be aware that some people should not fast at all. Those who are already underweight and suffer from fatigue due to nutrient deficiencies, or who have chronic diseases of the bones or muscles should not fast. Pregnant and lactating women are strongly urged not to not try juice fasting. People who have congestive heart failure or a weakened immune system are not good candidates for fasting. Before or after undergoing surgery is not a good time to fast because your body will need extra nourishment to heal and recover. Do not fast if you have cancer or ulcer disease. If you do not suffer from any chronic illness and you have a clean bill of health, fasting can be a useful tool to help you lose a bit of weight, detoxify your body, and revitalize your mind and body. You will find you have more time on your hands since less time is spent on grocery shopping and cooking. With this new found time you can finally schedule that back massage you have been promising yourself, or sit in a relaxing warm bath for an hour, exercise, clean out your overflowing closet, take a walk, or read a book. We all like to go on a vacation from work to just relax, recharge, and feel fresh. So why not take a vacation from our eating patterns? Just for a couple of days, juice fast, and break away from eating as a mere habit. Seriously rethink the age old saying that you should eat to live, not live to eat. SG __ Xxxx

Fasting Six Days of Shawwal after Ramadan: 'Like Fasting the Entire Year'
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question:
Fasting Six Days of Shawwal after Ramadan: 'Like Fasting the Entire Year'

Answer:

Assalamu alaikum, Ayyub (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year. [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah; Ahmad transmitted it from Jabir, Muntaqa] Thawban (Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, Whoever fasts Ramadan, and then six days after Eid, it is [like fasting] an entire year. Whoever does a good deed shall have ten times its reward. [Ibn Majah, Muntaqa] 1. Based on this, the majority of the fuqaha, including the Hanafi, Shafi`i, and Hanbali school, have held that it is recommended to fast six days of the month of Shawwal. [Radd al-Muhtar; Mughni al-Muhtaj Shah al-Minhaj; Kashshaf al-Qina`] 2. It is permitted to fast these six days separately throughout the month, or consecutively, after Eid al-Fitr. [ibid.] 3. It is prohibitively disliked (makruh tahriman) and sinful to fast on Eid day itself. [Radd alMuhtar] 4. The Shafi`is and Hanbalis state that it is superior to make the six fasts consecutive [Minhaj, Ghayat al-Muntaha]. Khatib al-Shirbini explains the reasoning as being, In order to hasten to do the good, and because of the problems inevitable in delaying, such as becoming lazy and not actually fulfilling this sunna in the end, though he points out that the sunna is fulfilled by both consecutive and non-consecutive fasting of six days in Shawwal. [Mughni al-Muhtaj] The later Hanafi scholars differed as to which is better, fasting the six days consecutively or nonconsecutively, though neither is disliked and both fulfill the sunna. [Radd al-Muhtar] However, it would be agreed that those who fear not fulfilling the recommendation due to laziness, forgetfulness or other excuses, should hasten to fast the six days consecutively immediately after Eid al-Fitr. 5. The reward is akin to having fasted obligatory fasts the entire year days, according to Buhuti, Shirbini, and others. Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Be avid for that which benefits you. Rely on Allah and do not deem yourself incapable[Muslim 4816, Ibn Majah 76, Ahmad 8436] Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) explained that the strength in this hadith refers to, Ones determination and ability in matters of the next life. [Sharh Sahih Muslim]

And Allah alone gives success. [ref: Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar `ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar 2.125 Bulaq ed.; Khatib al-Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj Sharh al-Minhaj 2.184-185; Buhuti, Kashshaf al-Qina` 2.237-238] Walaikum assalam, Faraz Rabbani. MMVIII Faraz Rabbani and SunniPath. All rights reserved No part of this article may be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of both copyright holders. For permission, please submit a request at our Helpdesk.

Reward of fasting six days in Shawwal

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question:
Fasting six days of Shawwal is like fasting one year. But does that mean that fasting 3 days of Shawwal is like fasting half the year? What if one fasts less than 6 days of Shawwal?

Answer:

There is no such hadith that says fasting only six days of Shawwal is like fasting the whole year. One must first fast Ramadan, as well. The hadith that has come of the Prophet, Allahs peace and blessings be upon him, is: Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six from Shawwal, it is as though he fasted all of time. All of time implies the whole year, for if one did this every year, it would be all of time. It says in Nuzhat al-Mutaqin, the commentary on Imam Nawawi's Riyad al-Salihin (2/132), that, "Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it up with six from Shawwal, it is as though he has fasted

all of time, because each day is equivalent to ten days, Whoever performs a good deed, he will have ten like it. So Ramadan would count as ten months and six days multiplied by ten would equal two months. It is best that one fast the six altogether and directly after the day of `Eid. According to the above, our understanding is that the reward of ones fasting is according to how much one fasts. If Allah accepts our fasts, and then counts each one as equivalent to ten, it will be considered as such, from His limitless mercy. Although a hadith has not come to us about fasting less than six in Shawwal, one can assume that his worship would not be complete unless he performed the full number. And Allah knows best. Shazia Ahmad Fasting six days of Shawwal Islamic Studies - Fiqh Jurisprudence Tweet 0 All praise is due to Allah The Exalted, and may Allah raise the rank of our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, his kind relatives and companions, and protect his nation from that which he feared for them thereafter; It is highly recommended to fast six days of the month of Shawwal, as this is a praiseworthy act which results in abundant reward. However, it is not required to fast six days continuously without any interruption. One can fast according to convenience any time during the month. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said, Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, and then follows it up by (fasting) six days of Shawwal, it is as though he has fasted the whole year. (narrated by Imam Muslim) However, there are other scholars who do not consider it absolutely necessary to begin the optional fasting of six days of Shawwal immediately after `Eid Al-Fitr. According to them, one may fast any of the six days of Shawwal. Neither do they consider it necessary for a person to fast the six days consecutively. So long as one has fasted six days either consecutively or separately, he has fulfilled the requirement and he will receive the same rewards. We humbly ask Allah to enlighten us with the light of Knowledge, and keep us steadfast to the path of truth and righteousness. Ameen. Farewelling the month of Ramadan

Islamic Studies - Fiqh Jurisprudence Tweet 0 Dear brothers in Islam,

After we farewell the month of repentance let us all remain steadfast on repentance and after we farewell the month of good deeds let us also remain steadfast on performing acts of obedience. The proper and complete repentance is one which Allah the Exalted loves and accepts. It is the repentance where you repent from all the past committed sins, regret having done them and never return to sining. Thabit Al-Bunaniyy, a righteous and God-fearing slave of Allah subhanahu wa-ta^ala, out of whom grave the recitation of the Holy Quran used to be heard. It was related from the one who placed Thabit in his grave saying: I swear by Allah, The One worthy of worship and the only God that we placed Thabit Al-Bunaniyy in his grave, and as we were positioning the slabs of concrete, one slab fell down, and so I went down to pick it up. Astonishingly, I witnessed him standing upright praying in his grave. I turned then to my assistant and said: Do you see him? he replied: Be quiet. We placed the soil and covered his grave and then we approached the daughter of Thabit and asked her: Was Thabit always engaged in a special good during his life? She replied: Why is it that you ask me this, what did you see? and so we informed her. Then she said: For fifty years he used to stay awake for the whole night engaged in acts of obedience to Allah subhanahu wa-ta^ala. At time of Sahar, just before dawn (Fajr) prayer, he used to say in his du^a: O Allah, if you are ever to grant a person the performing of prayer in the grave, I humbly ask you to grant me this merit, and so Allah, The Most-Merciful fulfilled his supplication. Thabit, as righteous as he was remained steadfast on performing the optional prayers, the recommended sunnah prayer for the whole fifty years and kept asking Allah subhanahu wata^ala to grant him the salat (prayer) in the grave, and so Allah generously fulfilled his supplication. Sadly, some people nowadays neglect even performing the obligatory prayer. Some may pray during Ramadan only to stop after it has ended going back to their old way of living, may Allah ta^ala protect us from this. Amin. During the Isra journey, Prophet Muhammad saw angels smashing some peoples heads with rocks. These heads would then return to their former shape, and then the angels would smash their heads again, and so on. Jibril told the prophet these are the ones whose heads felt too heavy to perform the obligatory prayers. Dear Muslim brothers, it could be hours, minutes, or even less before one departs this life. Dont you think it is wise for one to restrain from committing sins to fulfill the obligations since life and its pleasures are surely coming to an end very soon?

How happy and joyful the believer will be on the Day of Judgement because of what he had done in Ramadan. How great is it to obey your Lord, Allah, consistently, to withhold from saying what Allah forbade, and to attend the circles of knowledge. Prophet Muhammad said what means: (The believer should always be competent in acquiring the knowledge of the religion for this will surely lead to Paradise). Dear brothers, time often passes by while we are preoccupied with the pleasures of this world, and it is only when we realise our forgetfulness that we seek the path of repentance to Allah, the Almighty. The gateway to repentance is open as long as the soul has not reached the throat, or the sun has not risen from the west or the person has not seen the Angel of Death (Malak AlMawt) `Azra'il peace be upon him. Bliss awaits those who have repented to Allah properly. Dear brothers, although our joy with Eid Al-Fitr is great, on the Day of Judgement unlike the losers the righteous Muslim will be met with a greater joy yet for finding in their journal of deeds what makes them so happy. Such a Muslim will be with the Believers in Heaven drinking from the fruit nectars of Paradise, eating from its food and meeting the Master of mankind Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. I also remind you, dear brothers, to fast six days of the month of Shawwal in accordance with the Hadith where the Prophet peace be upon him said "whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it with fasting six days of Shawwal, would be almost similar to fasting a full year". It is not a condition for these six days to be in succession. Hence, the six days can be spread throughout the whole month of Shawwal.

Life After Ramadan

author_search.ph author_search.ph handleSearch 'Abdul Muhsin Ibn

by 'Abdul Muhsin Ibn Muhammad al-

Qsim

Print Version | << Back Shawwaal 3, 1421 A.H. (December 27, 2000)

All praise is due to Allaah. We thank Him, we seek for His help and forgiveness. We also seek His refuge against the evils of our souls and that of our deeds. Whoever Allaah guides, nobody can mislead him, and whoever He misleads will never have no guide. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger. May He bestow Peace and blessing upon this noble Prophet, his family and companions. Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared for, the fear of Allaah is the best treasure for you.

Dear Muslims! Months, days and years are made to determine lifespan and to afford people the oppurtunity to perform good deeds. Further, death do patrol day and night to take the souls of those whose time is due and you shall be addressed on the Day of Ressurection on account of your deeds. It is then that your Lord will say: These are only your deeds that has been recorded for you and for which I am going to reward you. So, whoever gets a good reward should be thankful to Allaah and whoever gets otherwise should only blame himself.

Dear brothers! Your month of Ramadan has now gone with your deeds. Let those who have committed wrong among you quickly repent and mend their ways before Door of Repentance is closed and let those who have done good continue on the same for, the best of all acts of obedience are the the ones followed up with its like. Be concerned more over the acceptance of your deeds than over the deeds itself for, Allaah does not accept deeds except from the pious ones. Also, beware of following up good deeds with bad ones because, if we say that good deeds eradicate bad ones, it is also not impossible that bad deeds destroy good ones. Brothers in faith! You were - during the just concluded month of righteous - fasting in the day, praying in the night and doing different kinds of sacrificial acts in oder to get reward and to be saved from the Fire. With the depature of this month, a stage of our live has passed. Such is how we pass days of this life in stages on our way to the everlasting abode. Indeed, continuation of good deeds at all time is character of righteous people for, acts of obedience do not have a specific time; it is rather Allaahs unconditional right upon His servants as long as they are alive. Though, month of Ramadaan is an opportunity for the faithfuls to race with one another towards good deeds and an opportunity to direct ones soul towards meritorious acts and keep it from vices; yet, it is quite incumbent on Muslims to remain on the path of righteousness even after Ramadaan. Worshipping Allaah should not be restricted to Ramadaan alone for, there is no end to Muslims worship except when he dies. What evil people those who worship only time and do not know Allaah except in Ramadaan!

Dear Muslims! Certainly, the acceptance and rejection of deeds in this month have signs. Among the signs of acceptance of good deed is when it is followed up by good deeds and it is among the signs of rejection to follow up ones good deeds with evil ones. Therefore, follow up the good deeds with its like, it will be a sign of acceptance of that good deed and follow up your evil deeds with good ones, that will indicate that those evil deeds have been overlooked. Allaah says: Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins). That is a reminder (an advice) for the mindful (those who

accept advice)." (Hood 11:114)

The Prophet saws also said:

Fear Allaah wherever you are, follow up the evil deed with good one it will remove it and relate with people with good conduct. (Reported by At-Tirmidhee)

Let those who are determined to go back to sins after Ramadaan know that Allaah is always pleased with those who obey Him regardless of the month the obedience takes place and is angry with those who disobey Him irrespective of the month the disobedience takes place. The essence of posperity lies in long life and good deeds and a persons continuation of good deeds without restricting it to a certain period, particular month or special place is a sign of ones righteousness and acceptance of his good deeds. Fellow Muslims! Though Ramadaan season is now gone, yet, fasting is still recommended in other months. The Messenger of Allaah saws has recommended fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. He said:
Deeds are presented to Allaah on Mondays and Thursdays and I would like that my deeds be presented while I am fasting."

It is also reported that he admonished Aboo Hurayrah ra thus:

"Fasting for three days in every month is (equal to) fasting forever." (Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).

He also said:
Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadaan and then follows it with six days fasting in Shawwaal has done as if he has fast for live." (Reported by Muslim)

Though, night prayer during Ramadaan might have gone; yet, the night prayers throughout the year is also recommended. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet saws that
"Allaah use to descend to the nearest heaven to this world when it is the last third of the night and say: 'Who is going to call Me that I may answer him? Who is going to ask from Me that I may give to him? Who is going to seek for my Forgiveness that I may forgive him?"

Therefore, the most pleasing to Allaah of all acts are the ones that are continuously done.

Fellow Muslims! While there are a set of youths who during the noble month of Ramadan were busy passing their time in lustful things, sins and acts of obedience, there are others who were busy doing deeds of righteousness such as Itikaaf in the Houses of Allaah severing all ties with fellow creatures and meditating with the Creator. They gave obedience of their Lord preference over their own desires. You would see them bowing, prostrating and reciting the Glorious Quraan. Such youths are the hope and pride of this Ummah. Dear Muslims! Fear Alllaah for fear of Allaah is the head of all matters. Obey Allaah and keep away from His restrictions, you will achieve His pleasure and be saved from His torment. Do not go back to sins and disobedience so as not to be entitled to His punishment.
Dear brothers, thank your Lord for making you complete the fasting of this month. Enjoy your Eid by remaining consistent on the those good deeds and keep away from undesirable things that are capable of removing Allaahs favors from you. One of our righteous predecessors said: Each day in which no act of disobedience to Allaah is committed is Eid and each day a believer spent in acts of obedience to his Lord is Eid

Life after Ramadan

Written by M. U. Ndagi Friday, 10 September 2010 21:22 Opinion
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The end of Ramadan fast is not and should not mark the end of a virtuous life for a true believer. Ramadan is expected to inspire believing men and women to sustain all the good acts of devotion (ibadah) they undertook in the last one month. They include steadfastness in prayers; constant recitation of the Holy Quran; seeking much forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT); feeding indigent persons and giving alms to the needy. Now that Ramadan is over, we must as sincere Muslims resolve not to go back to the sins we deserted in the month-long period of Ramadan fast. The life of a true believer during Ramadan should not be different from that which he lives after the holy month. It is not too uncommon to find Muslims who after Ramadan fast dump their copies of the Holy Quran; abandon tahajjud; and abstain from the regular observance of salat until probably the Holy month comes around again. It is hypocritical for a believer to live a rebellious life after the

Ramadan fast is over. The termination of Ramadan fast should not prompt working husbands and wives to resume their usual habit of late return from work. Some housewives and husbands whose spouses are used to returning late from work would have been thankful to Ramadan in the last one month for the early return of their spouses from work, at least, to break the fast at home. Let us strive to sustain the religious duties and worthwhile habits we imbibed in Ramadan. Those who are unfaithful to their spouses would always ascribe their late return from work to reasons of tight schedules in the office. This is constantly the excuse even when they were busy elsewhere doing something else. As we think of rounding up Eidl-fitr activities, let us remember to prepare for the prophetic tradition that recommends six days of fasting in this Islamic lunar month of Shawwal. Imam Muslim (RA) relates on the authority of Abi Ayyub (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said, whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it up with six days of voluntary fast in (the month of) Shawwal shall be ( considered) as having fasted a whole lifetime. The Prophet (SAW) is also reported to have said that Allah (SWT) created the heavens and the earth in six days and whoever fasts (in Shawwal) for six days would receive a reward proportionate to the number of creatures on the earth; erase his mistakes and sins in the same proportion; and would raise the person in ranks (of honour). However, it is wrong to begin the six days of fasting in Shawwal on the Eidl-fitr day. It was for fear of joining to Ramadan what does not belong to it that some scholars express reservations about the six days of fasting in Shawwal. What ought to be done to forestall any misconceptions about the six days fast is for believers to be properly educated that the fast is not obligatory buy voluntary. It is also not recommended to begin the six days voluntary fast during the festive period of Eidlfitr because eating and drinking is traditionally part of the celebration of the Eid (Sallah). More so, our physical bodies have certain rights over us, especially the right to enough rest, in the same we have been naturally empowered to have rights over our physical bodies. Similarly, it is preferred that the six days voluntary fast is observed intermittently. Abdullahi bn Umar (RA) reports that the prophet (SAW) forbade voluntary fast for two or more days without resting in between. When the Prophet (SAW) was asked by a group of people that he (the prophet) practiced wisal, he (SAW) replied, I am not the same as you; I am fed and given to drink. Abu Hurayrah (RA) also reports that the Prophet (SAW) said, Beware of wisal, Beware of wisal. They said, But you practiced wisal; O Messenger of Allah. He replied I am not the same as you. My lord feeds me and gives me to drink. Nevertheless, fasting to make up for days missed in Ramadan is preferred to be observed consecutively. Sufyan ath-Thaury (RA) relates that he used to see a man at the Holy mosque of Kaaba for about three years and they exchanged pleasantries after becoming familiar with one another. One day, the man called Sufyan and said, If I die, wash and bury me. Stand by my grave to remind me of the creed statement of Islam (La ilaha ila llah) which I shall utter when the questioning Angel arrives. Sufyan did as requested by the man after the formers demise. But Sufyan had a dream in which he was told that the deceased needed no reminder to say the creed statement because the six days of voluntary fast, which the man used to observe in Shawwal was enough a reminder.

Voluntary fast, whether in Shawwal or in other months of the year, is a popular prophetic tradition. The prophet (SAW) used to fast every Monday and Thursday of the week. It was also his practice to observe voluntary fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of every month. May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability and the will to observe voluntary fast as practiced by the prophet (SAW) every week; may He (SWT) also guide us to make effective resolutions after Ramadan such that our private and public life would be the same after Ramadan fast as it were during the holy month, amin.

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Life after Ramadan

Dr. Muhammad Mahmud Mansur Tweet 2 One should continue to perform acts of worship after Ramadan to prevent sudden emptiness of the soul. The rapid shift from obeying Allah Almighty in Ramadan to disobeying Him and moving away from His way after Ramadan has its reasons, the most important of which are the following: Absence or lack of sincerity during the acts of worship that used to be performed: This insincerity is exemplified in the person who performs prayer or pays charity so that people will see him. In doing so, he may achieve a certain rank, some material benefit from them, or the like. Such a person does not perform acts of worship with the intention of pleasing Allah Almighty, and achieving a great reward in the Hereafter. Absence of concentration during the performance of the acts of worship despite the presence of sincerity: This leads to the person not benefiting from performing such acts, not filling the heart with faith and not drawing his heart closer to his Lord, a thing which would have prompted him to persist in doing good and abandoning evil. Lack of moderation in acts of worship, being over enthusiastic and exerting much effort than that which each person can bear: This makes the soul change afterwards because it does not possess the quality of persistence. This happens although the Messenger (Pbuh) ordered us to do those deeds which are within our capabilities. Weakness of the soul and its yielding to the insinuations of the devil: This occurs because of the absence of good company, or the companionship of bad people who one is unable to affect,

so one is affected by it instead. Another reason is abandoning acts of worship suddenly, therefore, ones soul becomes empty and likely to be filled with devilish insinuations and love of committing acts of disobedience. The souls need for recreation after periods of patience in Ramadan: This makes it seek the utmost enjoyment, as compensation for what it has missed. So it indulges in pleasure until it surpasses the wide range of the lawful and enters into the unlawful. In order to cure this shift, which may afflict some people in different degrees that vary from one person to another in degree and form, one has to apply the following means, the most of which are in fact the opposite of the above reasons: Gradual training to be sincere when performing every act: Each act should only be performed with the intention to please Allah Almighty, to gain His reward, and to benefit from it by enjoying happiness in this world and reward in the Hereafter. This can be achieved through hiding the act as much as possible, not mentioning it afterwards, and bearing good intentions while doing it. Gradual training on concentration during the different acts of worship through not performing too many acts and being moderate: What is important, for example, is not reading too many chapters of the Quran, but rather it is enough to read some verses with contemplation followed by practising what is understood. Furthermore, repeating one or two of the supplications of remembering Allah with due contemplation that moves the heart, is much better than repeating many supplications without gaining any benefit, and so on. Looking for good company like that which was available in Ramadan, merging with it, and clinging to it, for it serves as a shield against devilish insinuations. Keeping good company supports you to continue in obedience Avoidance of sudden slackness after Ramadan or abandoning the acts of obedience: One should continue to perform acts of worship after Ramadan even in a lesser form. Some rakahs of optional night prayer, some prayers in the Mosque, reciting some verses of the Quran, paying some charity, and doing other acts of obedience that used to be observed during the honourable month would prevent sudden emptiness in the soul.