What next after Ramadhan fast?
By Imam Mashood Dagbo
As Ramadhan was nearing the completion, around twenties, the mosques that had been overflowing during the nights of Tarawīh began to return to their regular calm. The Qur’an recitations slowed, and the intense rhythm of worship seemed to ease. But for many thoughtful believers, a pressing question lingered: “What next after Ramadhan?”
Let’s borrow a leaf from this conversation, in a modest home, not far from a bustling neighborhood mosque, a young man named Ahmad sat quietly after the Id Fitr celebration, though surrounded by laughter and festivity, his heart felt uneasy. Ramadan had transformed him, he had prayed more, fasted sincerely, given charity, and felt closer to Allah than ever before. He turned this fateful day to his father, a man known for his wisdom, Ahmad asked: “Father, I fear losing what I gained in Ramadhan. What should I do now?”
His father smiled gently and replied: “My son, the true sign that Ramadhan was accepted is not what you did during it, but what you continue after it. It’s because the purpose of fasting is to see if we may attain piety, a quality that transcends Ramadhan period, if truly gained. Allah says: ….you may acquire piety ( if one truly fast as required” (Qur’an 2: 185).
As the conversation continued, Ahmad’s father directed him to one of the Ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) related by Abu Ayyub al-,Ansaary (RA) who reported that, verily the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said : Whoever fasts Ramadhan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime (Sahih Muslim, 1164). Upon listening attentively to the Hadith, Ahmad gained understanding through the explanation given by his father that:
- Hadith is not just about fasting the six days of Shawwal, but it is a message bridging between Ramadhan and the rest of the year in which Muslims are taught continuity of Ibadah beyond Ramadhan, discipline, and sincerity. So, the next morning , Ahmad started fasting the six days of Shawwal.
- Hadith of the six days of Shawwal reminds us that the believer does not worship Allah in one month alone. Rather, he remains consistent throughout the year.”
- Hadith shows that fasting these six days is like holding on to the light of Ramadhan, refusing to let it fade away.
- Hadith shows that fasting and doing other good deeds engaged in during Ramadhan is a sign that our heart is still attached to obedience.
- Hadith reminds us that Ramadhan may end, but worship does not, the body may rest, but the soul must remain active and that the calendar may change, but faith must remain constant. So, let us continue with recitation of al-Qur’an, giving out alms, binding family ties, helping needy and poor, attending to family needs and spending much time with them, observing Nafilat (superogatory prayers) after Ramadhan to wipe our sins as Ramadhan to another and Jumua’h to another, are expiation of minor sins.
Prayers:
Please, O Allah! As we witnessed second Jumu’a’h in the month of Shawwal, 1447 AH, may Allah accept our fasting, prayers and requests presented during and after Ramadhan and make it possible to observe six days fasting this month. in good faith and health.
O Allah! We confessed our sins before You, forgive us and cushion the effect of the hardship by Your Mighty and guide our leaders right and alleviate our abject poverty, save us from bad governance, protect Muslims from all worrying lands, and restore the world and Nigeria in particular, back to normal from pandemic, insecurity, hunger, banditry, kidnapping, war and other social evils rampaging the world with the blessings you accorded this month. Amin.
Imam Yusuf Mashood Dagbo is the Chief Imam, Government Girls Day Secondary School, GGDSS Central Mosque, Okesuna, Ilorin, Kwara State & Director, YUMAD Consults, specializes in educational consultancy, cultural orientation, marriage counselling, event organization, public presentation, columnist, etc.
