A LIFETIME JOURNEY
Ramadhan maybe over, but the struggle to attain Allah’s mercy continues
“Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.”
Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nisa’i, and Ibn Majah
The blessed month of Ramadan came and we have bid her farewell. We hope it turned out positive for you as one of your best Ramadan ever. If it didn’t, there’s still hope to keep pushing forth deeds of righteousness, asking Allah for forgiveness and praying you to get to witness another Ramadan. So it’s important to bear in mind that fasting has not ended with Ramadan. The journey has only begun as the Sitta Shawwal days are just around the corner and much more voluntary fasting.
It’s highly recommended for Muslims to fast six days in the month of Shawwal, for in this there is a great virtue and an immense reward. This fasting after the obligatory ones is Mustahabbah, not wajib. That means it’s highly recommended but not compulsory. It is encouraged by the virtues of its reward because the Prophet (SAW) him mentioned that whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year.
Fasting six days in Shawwal gives you the reward of fasting a lifetime and in another narration, throughout the year. This is a huge reward to miss out on. Scholars explained that Sha’ban and Shawwal fasts are like the Sunnah prayers that accompany the five obligatory prayers. They cover up for the deficiencies in our performance of our obligatory worship. Since many of us have deficiencies in observing Ramadan, we hope Allah covers up for us with Shawwal. This is also, in line with the Sunnah of the Messenger peace be upon him. And we already know Allah’s injunction: If you truly love Allah, then follow the messenger. Then Allah will love you and forgive your shortcomings.
Say [O Muhammad to mankind]: “If you truly love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful”
(Surah Al-Imran:31)
In conclusion, you can make Shawwal even more special by giving more in charity. The mercy of Allah falls upon those who show mercy to others, and right now, there are millions of vulnerable people around the world who need your help. For as low as N1,000, you can provide medical support to a needy person. For people who have lost nearly everything in caring for their sick ones, this can mean the difference between life and death.
You can save a precious life today.
We ask Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala to accept this from us and count us among His righteous servants who have earned His forgiveness and emancipation. And success comes only by Allah’s Mercy.
DONATE TO
Sakinah Medical Outreach
General Donations: 0003613555
Zakat Payment: 0003670635
JAIZ BANK
PLEASE NOTE
Zakaat Nizab: N770,000.00
Percentage Due on Money for Zakaat:
2.5% of Amount from the Nizab
The more you give for the sake of Allah, the more Allah will give to you.
