Islam after Ramadan

Ramadanhas a spiritual sense of holiness that makes a Muslim spend it in prayers, supplications and doing good deeds. But the tough part starts right after Ramzan when the Satan is unleashed. Satan starts performing its duty to mislead believers from the right path and engaging them in evil and vile acts. It’s easy to observe salat or any form of worship in congregation. Unfortunately, for some Muslims Islam ends with Ramzan. It’s difficult to maintain the improvements and practices made in Ramzan throughout the year but following certain guidelines we do so willingly and zesty.

·         Fast the six days of Shawwal. Fasting in this month is like fasting for the whole year. Make up your mind and remind yourself about the benefits of doing yourself. Ask your family or friends to fast with you; the more the merrier.

·         Don’t quit the habit of offering salat five times a day. At the time of any salah tell yourself that the world will go on even without you, this time for the particular salah will not come again; remind yourself that you prayed in the Ramzan you can do it again.

·         Women’s should up keep their makeup fasts as soon as possible. Make up fasts should be delayed throughout the year. The longer you delay, the harder it gets.

·         Read Quran just like you did in Ramzan. Don’t by any chance miss this habit. If the daily chores are making it harder then read it little daily.

·         Continue listening to Islamic lectures and don’t opt for music instead.

·         Stay away from evil deeds by reminding yourself that next Ramzan has yet to come and I have to keep myself clean from sins.

Ramadan is gone, but our practice should not come to an end.  We are held accountable for our actions all year round. We need to remember this and keep our focus on Allah no matter what the month is.

Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-fitr is the holy festival of Muslims. It is celebrated after the Islamic month Ramzan ends and the month Shawwal starts. 'Eid' means festivity in Arabic so the festival is all about celebration from the core of your heart. Here’s a list of things that Muslims should do on eid to make it joyous and enjoyable while remembering Allah.

·         Take Bath and dress in clean (new if available) clothes.

·         Give zakaat al fitr  to the needy and pure

·         Exchange gifts esp. sweet food items

·         One should not come out to the prayer-place on Eid al-Fitr before eating some dates, because of the hadith narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… and he would eat an odd number.”(Bukhaari, 953)

·         Offer salah in Eid Gha. After the prayer greet all the Muslims.

·         After eid prayer eat sweets, sawaiyan etc and visit the relatives esp. the sick

·         Give eidi to children happily

·         Women esp. girls decorate their hands with mehndi and buy bangles.

·         Socialize with everyone including your neighbors and non Muslim. Eid is the best day to know them.

·         Arrange a huge feast in your house and invite all the relatives. Have a blast!!!

·         Amidst all the happiness don’t forget to thank Allah and offer the regular salahs.