The Month of Shawwal & Steadfastness after Ramadan

Shawwal, the month after Ramadan, is named after its meaning- ‘raise/reject’- since camels would not want to give milk due to the intense heat. As a result, there was not much fertility and there was less produce and vegetation during that time. The Arabs in the pre-Islamic period would deem this month to be a bad omen and therefore would not marry and allow marriages as they deemed that it would not be prosperous.

Sayyidah ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says: “The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) married me in Shawwal… (Muslim). Imam al-Nawawi explained that it is desirable to marry (in Shawwal) and ‘Aisha’s statement is a refutation to the practice of the days of ignorance (of deeming it a bad omen to marry in Shawwal)…there is no basis for this. (Sharh Sahih Muslim)

The Messenger of Allah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) one year missed ‘itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan, so he had made this up by spending the first 10 days of Shawwal in ‘itikaf. (Bukhari & Muslim). Shawwal is also known to be from the ‘Months of Hajj’ and the Messenger of Allah (sallalahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also said: “Whomsoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it up with Six (fasts) from Shawwal shall have the reward of fasting the entire year” (Muslim)

The Believer in Ramadan has created a momentum in becoming an even more devout Muslim. We Ask Allah, most High, to grant us steadfastness in this regard. Some tips in helping a Muslim remain steadfast would be:

· Remaining sincere

· Keeping Righteous company

· Making extra effort in acquiring good deeds

· Seeking beneficial knowledge

Some of the benefits that a steadfast person will enjoy would be:

· Feelings of peace & tranquility

· Protection from sins

· Angels will descend (at the time of death) saying: “Do not fear nor grief…”

· They are promised Jannah

O Allah! you are our Lord so therefore grant us steadfastness in Deen.