GOOD DEEDS CONTINUE

 FAJR REMINDER: GOOD DEEDS CONTINUE 

By: Umm Affān

Shawwāl 3, 1447 (22-March-2026)

With the Will of Allāh, this year’s Ramaḍān has come to an end—only to return next year, if Allāh so wills. Yet, the departure of Ramaḍān does not signal the end of righteous actions. Rather, it reminds us that acts of worship are meant to continue beyond the blessed month. During Ramaḍān, we experienced firsthand the immense value of fasting, both in nurturing our souls and benefiting our physical well-being.

It is important to remember that while fasting in Ramaḍān is obligatory, there are additional voluntary fasts that carry great reward. Among them is the fasting of six days in the month of Shawwāl, known as Sitta Shawwāl. Abū Ayyūb reported: The Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ) said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramaḍān and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Shawwāl, it will be as if he has fasted for the entire year.” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1164] How vast is the Mercy of our Lord! It is also worth noting that these six days may be observed consecutively or separately throughout the month.

Dear brethren, the continuity of good deeds is essential. One must not limit servitude to Allāh only within Ramaḍān. Allāh is the Lord of Ramaḍān, Shawwāl, and every other month. He is Ever-Living, and He deserves to be worshipped at all times. Indeed, His Rights over us remain until our final breath. Allāh says: “And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).” [Sūrah Al-Ḥijr (15): 99]

So, why should our commitment to the five daily prayers weaken after Ramaḍān? Why should acts such as voluntary fasting, recitation of the Qur’ān, charity, night prayers, and seeking knowledge be postponed until the next Ramaḍān? Would you be content if Allāh were to withhold His Blessings from you until that time when you resume your devotion? Certainly not.

Therefore, let us reflect deeply and strive to uphold our Dīn. Ramaḍān was a period of training and spiritual discipline. If one returns to previous sinful habits after it ends, then it becomes nothing more than a period of hunger and thirst. Ibn Rajab (Raḥimahullāh) reported: Ka’b Ibn Mālik (Raḥimahullāh) said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramaḍān and he says to himself that he will return to sinful disobedience when Ramaḍān is over, his fasting is rejected.” [Laṭā’if al-Ma’ārif 1/222]

I beseech Allāh to grant us steadfastness in worship throughout our lives. Aameen.