With the sighting of the crescent moon, Muslims around the world marks the end of thirty days of spiritual journey in Ramadan and welcomes Eid with joy, happiness and much gratitude.
Syawal is among the significant months in the Islamic calendar. After completing our fast in Ramadan, we are granted the Eidul Fitri celebrations as Allah SWT’s reward for his believers. Beyond than just being grateful for Allah's SWT blessings, it is a time for to foster family ties and bonds, give generously, and be gracious to each other. Indeed, Syawal marks a good starting point for us to reflect on ways to bring balance and carry forth the teachings and spiritual obligations of Ramadan throughout the rest of the year.
A time for Gratitude
After spending a full month immersing ourselves in worship, charity, and seeking God's forgiveness and grace, Syawal is a time for us to celebrate our dedication and hard work. It is a time that we express our gratitude to Allah SWT for giving us the opportunity to carry out His commands. As a form of appreciation for His blessings, Muslims are encouraged to perform the solat Eidul Fitri in the morning, put on our best clothes and offer greetings to one another.
A season of Gathering
With the easing of the safety measures and group restrictions, Singaporeans welcome Syawal 1443 with the traditional visitations which many look forward to. It is a time for us to foster bonds and rekindle ties with families and friends far and near. Islam suggests strengthening the ties of kinship because of the significant impact it has on attaining social coherence and sustaining cooperation and affection among Muslims. Allah SWT says in the Holy Quran "And be careful of [your duty to] God in whose name you demand [your rights] from one another, and [to] the ties of relationship; surely God is ever watchful over you!" (4:1)
Extending our Generosity
With the continuous acts of charity throughout the month of Ramadan, we should strive to continue to be generous this Syawal by extending zakat or sadaqah to our parents, children, family and friends. Offer gifts to your friends and families who will be receiving you this Eid, and do the same for your visitors. Saidina Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet SAW said “Exchange gifts, and you’ll grow to love one another.” The barakah of being generous will flow when it is given with sincerity and connects the hearts with the recipient, spreading joy and warmth and strengthening your relationships. When you give gifts without expecting anything in return, you are regarded to be offering sadaqah and seeking Allah SWT's pleasure.
Minding our Adab and Being Gracious
The traits of being gracious include being kind, courteous, respectful, humble and appreciative. Let us continue to mind our mannerisms and adab with our brothers and sisters. Extend what we practiced during Ramadan and incorporate them into our regular lives. Being gracious is considered an act of worship, because Allah says that those who don't believe in him or aren't aware of him are generally the ones who hinder kindness. Remember that we should always remain humble and offer kindness, because kindness is more than a mood or a gesture, it is a fundamental act of faith.
While Ramadan is a month for us to supplement and increase our worship and charity, Syawal is the time for us to be thankful and continue the values that Ramadan has taught us to the rest of the year.
To all our readers and followers, we wish all of you Selamat Hari Raya maaf zahir batin.
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى record your name amongst those who will be forgiven. Ameen
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى accept all your Du'as and widen your Rizq with lots of Barakah. Ameen
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى grant you the strength to fulfil your obligations to the best of your ability and confirm your entry into the highest rank in JANNAH by HIS Mercy. Ameen
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى remove all your difficulties and ease all your tasks. Ameen
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى answer from HIS infinite mercy, all that you need and ask for, from the dreams of your heart to the prayers on your lips, to every expectation and aspiration you have that He is pleased with. Ameen
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى protect and guide you; and keep you safe from all calamities and save you from the punishment of the grave and the Hellfire. Ameen
May Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى grant you success and elevate your status in this world and the Hereafter.
May Allah accept your prayers, shower his blessings and mercy to you and your family, Ameen and Insya Allah.