Don’t Let the Blessings Fade Away
Ramadan is a month of immense blessings, self-discipline, and spiritual rejuvenation.
But what happens when it ends? Many Muslims experience a sense of emptiness or even a spiritual dip after Ramadan.
The key is to maintain the momentum and keep the good habits alive.
In this article, we’ll explore practical steps rooted in the Quran and Sunnah to help you stay connected to Allah, continue your good deeds, and make the most of your post Ramadan life.
1. Continue Fasting: The Sunnah of Shawwal and Beyond
The Six Days of Shawwal: A Golden Opportunity
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.” (Sahih Muslim 1164)
Fasting six days in Shawwal is a highly recommended Sunnah that multiplies your rewards. It’s like getting the reward of fasting an entire year!
Regular Voluntary Fasts
Beyond Shawwal, consider fasting on:
Mondays and Thursdays (The Prophet (ﷺ) used to fast these days)
The 13th, 14th, and 15th of every lunar month (Ayyam alBeedh)
The Day of Arafah (for non pilgrims) – “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” (Sahih Muslim 1162)
Fasting keeps your heart connected to Allah and strengthens self-discipline.
The Six Days of Shawwal: A Golden Opportunity
One of the best ways to transition from Ramadan into the rest of the year is by fasting the six days of Shawwal.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized its immense reward:
"Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime." (Sahih Muslim 1164) This Hadith highlights that these six days are not just optional they are a means of earning the reward of an entire year of fasting.
Why Are These Six Days So Special?
1. Completion of Ramadan’s Blessings – Just as Sunnah prayers complete and perfect the obligatory ones, fasting six days in Shawwal enhances the spiritual gains of Ramadan.
2. A Sign of Accepted Fasting – Scholars mention that being able to fast voluntarily after Ramadan is a good sign that your Ramadan fasts were accepted by Allah.
3. Training for Consistency – It helps condition the body and soul to maintain the habit of fasting beyond Ramadan.
How to Fast the Six Days?
– You can fast them consecutively or separately (e.g., every Monday and Thursday in Shawwal).
– It is best to start immediately after Eid, but if delayed, they can be made up later in Shawwal.
– Women who missed Ramadan fasts due to menstruation should first make up missed days before fasting Shawwal (since the Hadith specifies fasting Ramadan first).
Additional Voluntary Fasts to Keep Throughout the Year
The Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged regular fasting beyond Shawwal:
A. Weekly Fasts (Mondays & Thursdays)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Deeds are presented to Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting." (Tirmidhi 747)
Fasting these days purifies the heart and keeps one in a state of worship.
B. The White Days (Ayyam al-Beedh – 13th, 14th, 15th of the Lunar Month)
The Prophet (ﷺ) advised:
"Fasting three days of every month is equivalent to fasting a lifetime." (Bukhari 1975)
These are the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Islamic month, known as the “White Days” because the moon is brightest.
C. The Day of Arafah (For Non-Pilgrims)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year." (Sahih Muslim 1162)
This is a golden opportunity for forgiveness.
D. Fasting Most of Muharram & Ashura (9th & 10th)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"The best fasting after Ramadan is the month of Allah, Muharram." (Sahih Muslim 1163)
Fasting the 9th and 10th (or 10th and 11th) of Muharram carries great merit.
A Common Misconception About Shawwal Fasting
Some people mistakenly believe that the six days must be fasted right after Eid.
While it is preferable to start soon after Eid, they can be spread out anytime during Shawwal.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (رحمه الله) said:
“The scholars have differed regarding whether these six days must be consecutive, but the correct view is that they do not have to be consecutive.”
Make Shawwal a Bridge to a Year of Worship
Fasting six days in Shawwal is a Prophetic treasure don’t miss it! It ensures that Ramadan’s blessings continue and sets you up for a year of increased devotion.
Action Steps:
✔️ Plan your six fasts (consecutive or spread out).
✔️ Add weekly Sunnah fasts (Mondays/Thursdays).
✔️ Mark the White Days, Arafah, and Ashura in your calendar.
By doing this, you turn Ramadan into a launchpad for lifelong worship, not just a one-month event.
2. Keep the Quran Alive in Your Daily Life
Don’t Abandon the Quran After Ramadan
Many of us complete the Quran in Ramadan but then neglect it afterward. Allah warns:
وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوْمِى ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ مَهْجُورًۭا
“And the Messenger will say, ‘O my Lord! Indeed, my people have taken this Qur’an as [a thing] abandoned.’” (Quran 25:30)
- Make a Realistic Quran Routine
- Set a daily goal (even if it’s just 510 verses)
- Reflect on the meanings (Tafsir)
- Listen to Quranic recitations during commutes
- The Quran should be a lifelong companion, not just a Ramadan ritual.
3. Maintain Your Night Prayers (Tahajjud/Qiyam al Layl)
The Power of Night Prayers
Allah praises those who pray at night:
تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًۭا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ
“They arise from [their] beds to supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration…” (Quran 32:16)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim 1163)
How to Keep It Up?
Start small (even 2 rak’ahs)
Go to bed early to wake up before Fajr
Make sincere dua during sujood
Night prayers strengthen your connection with Allah and bring inner peace.
4. Increase in Charity (Sadaqah) and Good Deeds
Charity Doesn’t End with Ramadan
Allah says:
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains…” (Quran 2:261)
The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous, and his generosity increased in Ramadan but he never stopped giving.
Simple Ways to Keep Giving
- Sponsor an orphan
- Donate to a local masjid or Islamic school
- Help a neighbor in need
- Smile it’s also charity! (Hadith)
5. Stay Connected to the Masjid and Islamic Community
Don’t Abandon the Masjid After Ramadan
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever goes to the mosque in the morning and evening, Allah will prepare for him a place in Paradise every time he goes.” (Bukhari 631)
Tips to Stay Connected
- Attend at least one congregational prayer daily
- Join Islamic classes or halaqas
- Volunteer for community service
6. Repentance and Self Accountability (Muhasabah)
Keep Checking Your Soul
Allah says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌۭ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍۢ ۖ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَبِيرٌۢ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ
“O you who believe! Fear Allah and let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow…” (Quran 59:18)
Daily Self Reflection
Ask yourself at night: “What good did I do today?”
Seek forgiveness constantly (Astaghfirullah)
Avoid slipping back into bad habits
7. Set New Spiritual Goals
- What’s Your Next Big Goal?
- Memorize a new surah
- Learn Arabic to understand Quran
- Improve your salah khushoo’ (focus)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“Take benefit of five before five: Your youth before old age, your health before sickness, your wealth before poverty, your free time before preoccupation, and your life before death.” (Al-Hakim)
Conclusion: Ramadan Was Just the Beginning!
Ramadan is like a spiritual training camp it prepares you for the rest of the year.
Don’t let its blessings fade away. Continue fasting, praying, reading Quran, giving charity, and staying connected to Allah.
The real test begins now will you maintain what you gained, or let it slip away?
May Allah accept our Ramadan and help us remain steadfast. Ameen!
For Halal Business Listing Visit and Sign Up on Muslimee.com
