Carrying on the Ramadan Virtues

The end of Ramadan is a bittersweet experience. For many of us, Ramadan is a time for reflection, charity and devoting our time to Allah SWT with much humility and hope. In the Quran, Allah highlights the importance of self-reflection in Surah Al-Hashr verse 18 to 21.

“O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for tomorrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do”

During this blessed month, we increase our worship, recite and khatam the Quran and give out more sadaqah. In addition, we remain steadfast in seeking forgiveness by supplementing our worship with zikir and tahajjud. We also gear up our activities during the last 10 days of Ramadan with the hope of meeting Laylatul Qadr.

Although we are grateful to have been a part of a spiritual journey this Ramadan, there will be a tinge of sadness as we see the blessed month leaving us. Only for a few more days will the gates of the Heavens be open. Syawal will be here before we know it and we don't know if we will have the chance to meet another Ramadan.

Nevertheless, the lessons taught and spiritual advantages received during Ramadan are meant to last the remainder of the year and be part of our daily practice. Here, we share a few ways for us to conclude Ramadan with a new start and help us transit towards a life transformation after this blessed month.

Continue with the Sunnah fasting in Syawal

The Ramadan fast is more than just depriving oneself of food and drink; it is a total body-and-soul fast. For those of us who have managed to hold our tongues, prevent actions that may hurt others and keep a positive mind on top of being hungry and thirsty, it is a worthwhile experience indeed. We can continue to inculcate this practice by fasting the first 6 days of Syawal.

It was narrated by Sayyidina Abu Ayyub, “Whoever fasts the months of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Syawal, it will be as if he has fasted the year through.” (Sahih Muslim).

Fasting in Syawal is a symbol of acceptance of the Ramadan fast. It is considered a sign of Allah's acceptance of the first good deed when you follow up one excellent deed with another of the same kind.

To fast in Syawal is to express our gratitude to Allah (SWT) for allowing us to go through Ramadan with ease, Alhamdulillah. The reward for finishing the fast, which is equivalent to a whole year, is tremendous. All Muslims who aim to strengthen their link with Allah SWT should seek it out. Since we have just completed the Ramadan fast, carrying forward the inner power and self-discipline that He has given us in Ramadan into the six-day fast of Syawal may just be easy.

Instill positive habits throughout the year

We have taken so much effort in remaining steadfast and doing away with habits that are not beneficial in our lives. Make it a personal resolution to practice the positive habits that we have developed during Ramadan for the rest of the year. This includes maintaining our voluntary and required charity activities, reciting the Qur'an, and carrying out our fardhu solat on time and supplementing it with Sunnah ones and zikir.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims in Singapore assemble in congregation for Tarawih prayers. You might want to consider creating your own "mini-congregations" at home after Ramadan. If you managed to read more surahs this Ramadan or khatam the Quran, continue the practice and you may just khatam a few times in 2022! Masya Allah.This is a fantastic method to keep the Ramadan spirit and mood alive throughout Syawal and the rest of year.

Keeping the pay-it-forward spirit alive

Ramadan is also a month dedicated to charity. As a result, Muslims are encouraged to contribute to the poor during Ramadan, and the reward for an act of charity, which is already significant, is magnified many times during this month. Think about giving to charity and donating a portion of your earnings to aid the underprivileged on an on going basis as a practice that you will carry on for the rest of your life to remind you about compassion for others and those in need.

Strengthening brotherhood, rekindling bonds, and maintaining unity

This year, Singaporeans celebrate Syawal on a very positive note. After battling with Covid and lockdowns over two years, we can expect a more joyful celebration this year.. With the easing on the number of household guests, we can look forward to more gatherings, extending our ukhwah and bringing unity in our relationships with others. Keep the brotherhood alive not just during Ramadan but throughout the year.

As Ramadan draws to a close, let us keep up with the good habits, practices and behaviors we've picked over the last thirty days into Syawal and beyond. Let us work together to make the best of our lives. May the remaining days of Ramadan bring you tranquility and barakah, Insya Allah.

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