5 Practices to be Done to Welcome the Special Month of Syawal.

Kapanlagi.com - Ramadan feels so fast, in a few days we will soon leave the month full of blessings and enter the new month, Syawal. On the 1st of Syawal, all Muslims are happy because they are celebrating Idul Fitri. Did you know that the month of Syawal has special qualities that you should know about?

Not only are we commanded to strive in worship during the month of Ramadan, but in the month of Syawal, a Muslim is encouraged to increase their worship and devotion to Allah SWT. The special qualities of the month of Syawal can be obtained by doing practices like the following.

1. Fasting for 6 Days in the Month of Shawwal

(credit: freepik)

After fasting in the month of Ramadan, it is recommended for a person to fast for 6 days in the month of Shawwal, specifically starting on the second day of Shawwal. This is because the first day of Shawwal is Eid al-Fitr, and it is forbidden to fast on that day. Fasting for 6 days in the month of Shawwal is considered a complementary act of worship.

However, many people choose to fast for 6 days in Shawwal after the second week of the month. This is because most people are still in the festive spirit of Eid, gathering with family and constantly serving food. The virtue of fasting in Shawwal is mentioned in a hadith narrated by Muslim. The hadith comes from Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, who heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say:

"Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days in Shawwal, it is as if they have fasted for the entire year." (Narrated by Muslim).

2. Performing Night Prayer and Other Sunnah Worship

(credit: freepik)

Although the month of Ramadan has ended, it does not mean that daily worship should decrease. One of the practices that should be done during the month of Shawwal is to always perform night prayer and other obligatory prayers.

Avoid delaying obligatory prayers and sunnah prayers. It is better to start performing these worship acts on time. Performing night prayer and obligatory prayers will bring goodness to oneself. If you have developed the habit of worship during the month of Ramadan, it is advisable to continue doing so and to draw closer to Allah SWT.

3. Performing I'tikaf in the Month of Shawwal

(credit: freepik)

Staying in the mosque or performing I'tikaf is one of the special practices in the month of Shawwal. I'tikaf itself is one of the ways for Muslims to draw closer to Allah SWT. Some of the acts of worship that should be done during I'tikaf include remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Quran, and performing the 5 daily prayers and their sunnahs.

Not only can I'tikaf be done in the month of Ramadan, but it can also be done in the month of Shawwal. If you haven't had the opportunity to perform I'tikaf during Ramadan, the month of Shawwal can be a complement to still perform the delayed I'tikaf.

4. Recommendation to Get Married in the Month of Shawwal

(credit: freepik)

Choosing to get married in the month of Shawwal is a wise decision. This is because it is considered a good practice in the month of Shawwal. Regardless of the chosen date as long as it is still in the month of Shawwal, it can bring goodness to both the bride and groom as well as their families. As narrated in the hadith of Muslim from the wife of the Prophet Aisha RA.

"The Prophet Muhammad SAW married me in the month of Shawwal and had our first night together in the month of Shawwal. Which wife of his received more attention than me?" (HR. Muslim, An Nasa'i).

So getting married in the month of Shawwal is one of the Prophet's traditions, as Prophet Muhammad SAW also got married in the month of Shawwal.

5. Strengthening Silaturahmi (Maintaining Good Relations)

(credit: freepik)

Maintaining good relations (silaturahmi) is highly recommended and has various benefits. Strengthening silaturahmi in the month of Shawwal is also a wise step to seek forgiveness from one another. Silaturahmi does not always have to be done through direct meetings, in the midst of technological advancements, silaturahmi can also be done through social media. In addition, the month of Shawwal is a blessed month full of forgiveness from Allah SWT through silaturahmi and seeking forgiveness practiced by all Muslims.

Those are some practices that need to be done to welcome the specialness of the month of Shawwal. It is good for us as Muslims to always draw closer to Allah SWT as long as we still have the opportunity. May it be beneficial.

(kpl/dtm)