YOUR FAITH DOESN'T CLOCK OUT: MAKE SHAWWAL COUNT

Inspire FM

17th April 2025

We are now well into the month of Shawwal—a month that follows the spiritual intensity of Ramadhan. Though the days of fasting and nightly taraweeh prayers have passed, Shawwal offers believers a golden opportunity: to prove that our devotion wasn’t seasonal, but sincere.

Ramadhan may have been a peak, but Shawwal is the pathway that follows. It is the time to carry forward the light we gained and keep the flame of faith burning strong.

Here are some ways to make the most of the remaining days of this blessed month:

1. Complete the Six Fasts (If You Haven’t Already)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Whoever fasts Ramadhan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime."
— (Muslim)

There is still time to gain this immense reward. These fasts are not just symbolic—they represent a desire to continue pleasing Allah even after obligatory fasting has ended. Whether you've fasted three or none at all so far, it's not too late to begin.

2. Build Upon What You Started in Ramadhan

Shawwal serves as a test—can we continue the good habits we cultivated when the environment isn't as spiritually charged?

If you began reading Qur’an regularly, keep going.
If you made sincere du’a, keep your hands raised.
If you felt softness in your heart, keep nurturing it with remembrance of Allah.

The deeds that continue after Ramadhan are a sign of their acceptance within Ramadhan.

3. Seek Forgiveness and Consistency

True taqwa is shown not in moments of heightened emotion but in consistency. Keep seeking forgiveness, for the believer never assumes they are safe from error.

"So remain on a right course as you have been commanded..."
— (Qur’an 11:112)

Use these days of Shawwal to renew your commitment to Allah. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being persistent in turning back to Him.

4. Hold Onto the Qur’an

The Qur’an was at the centre of Ramadhan—but Allah’s words were never meant to be read only one month a year. Carve out time, even if it's just 5 minutes a day, to read and reflect. Let the Qur’an guide you through the rest of the year.

5. Revive the Sunnah in Small but Powerful Ways

From smiling at others, to praying extra sunnah prayers, to giving salaam with warmth—each sunnah is a way to draw closer to Allah. Shawwal is an ideal time to embed these beautiful practices into our daily lives.

6. Renew Your Connection to the Masjid

The masjid may have been full in Ramadhan, but now is the time when the true lovers of Allah remain. Be among them. Attend the masjid when you can—especially for Fajr or Isha—and remind yourself that your worship is for Allah, not for crowds or occasions.

7. Make a Personal Du’a List

Many of us had long lists of du’as in Ramadhan. Now, go back to those lists—what has been answered? What do you still seek? What do you now understand better?

Return to your du’a list and keep praying. Allah does not ignore a believer’s sincere call, even if the response is delayed.

8. Keep Giving, Even a Little

Sadaqah purifies wealth and softens the heart. Don’t limit giving to Ramadhan. Whether it’s helping someone in need, contributing to a cause, or even a hidden act of kindness—Shawwal is a reminder that generosity should be a habit, not a moment.

9. Reflect on Your Journey

This time of the year is ideal for spiritual reflection. Ask yourself:

What habits do I want to carry forward?
What habits do I want to leave behind?
How can I be more sincere in my worship moving forward?

True success is found in gradual, intentional growth for the sake of Allah.

10. Make Du’a for Steadfastness

The Prophet ﷺ would often say:

"O Turner of hearts, keep my heart firm upon Your religion."
— (Tirmidhi)

In Shawwal, we ask Allah to make us steadfast—to continue striving, even when the environment isn’t urging us on. It is in these quieter days that true sincerity shines.

May Allah accept all that you did in Ramadhan, and allow Shawwal to be a continuation of growth, sincerity, and nearness to Him. Ameen.