Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari relates that Allah’s Messenger pbuh said: “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). 

Shawwal is the Islamic month that falls directly after Ramadan, the first day being Eid ul-Fitr. Ramadan might be over, but we can still make the most of the multiple blessings and rewards that follow. Strengthening our relationship with Allah swt should be a daily habit. By continuing the goodness practiced during Ramadan, we ensure our efforts don’t go to waste the moment it is over. 

 

We have listed a few tips to help you grow closer to Allah swt and make the most of Shawwal:

 

1. Fast any six days of the month: Rather than saying our goodbyes straight away, let’s carry on our good deeds by following the Sunnah of the Prophet pbuh. This is a way of showing our gratitude for the abundant blessings of Ramadan and to continue worshipping with sincerity despite it being over. Fasting the 6 days is also a way of making up for any shortcomings during Ramadan.
2. Make dua for your Ramadan to be accepted: For 6 months before Ramadan, the Sahaba would pray to reach the blessed month and for 6 months after its completion, they would pray for their efforts to be accepted. We must always strive to be better Muslims - what better way to do this than to follow in the footsteps of the blessed companions? 
3. Continue good habits and work on discarding bad habits: We must always be seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Take the time to renew your intentions and prostrate in front of Allah swt with complete sincerity and make dua for your sins to be forgiven. Don’t worry if you slip up, Allah swt is the most Compassionate and most Merciful - turn to Him in your time of need. Consistency is key! Now that Ramadan is over, let’s not go back to our old ways.

Make a list of all the habits you’d like to continue after Ramadan and the habits you wish to eliminate. Don’t stop setting targets and goals for yourself, it helps you stay focused.  

A dua made by Prophet Yunus (AS) that we can all benefit from memorising is: “None has the right to be worshipped but You, glory be to You, I have been among the wrongdoers” [21:87].

 Worship at night: From performing night prayers, to reciting the Quran and making     supplication. Waking up before Fajr to perform Tahajjud is an excellent way of staying awake for Fajr prayers and doubling your rewards as a late night worshipper. 

And finally, let’s keep praying for our brothers and sisters around the world that suffer in the face of ongoing wars and cycles of poverty. 

May Allah swt accept from us and allow us to reach next Ramadan. If you found this post helpful, make sure you share with your family and friends and gain the reward of spreading goodness for others to follow!