After performing fasting and various sunnah practices in the month of Ramadan, you should not slacken off in your worship because there are many special qualities of the month of Shawwal that should not be missed.

Etymologically, Syawal means improvement. In fact, during this month, Muslims are encouraged to improve their performance, quality of life, and even their worship. There are many special qualities unique to this month; read on to learn about the many good deeds you can perform.

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4 Special Features of the Month of Shawwal that Muslims Should Know

The month of Shawwal is known as the month of victory or hunting, because in this month Muslims throughout the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, more precisely every 1st of Shawwal.

During Ramadan, Muslims typically perform a series of acts of worship, as Ramadan is unique in that all acts of worship are multiplied. However, just because Ramadan is over doesn't mean you should slacken off on your devotions.

In fact, in the month of hunting, you should be more enthusiastic about worship because there are many privileges that you will get.

1.      Perfecting worship during Ramadan

After fasting during Ramadan and performing a series of acts of worship to gain rewards from Allah, the time of Shawwal doesn't mean everything is over. Instead, every Muslim is expected to maintain consistency in their acts of worship and even increase them.

To maintain consistency in worship, Muslims can perform recommended practices, including fasting for six days. This practice also features the special qualities of the month of Shawwal , perfecting worship during Ramadan.

2.      It's time to strengthen ties

Syawal is also the right time to strengthen ties between people, especially on the 1st of Syawal when all Muslims celebrate the day of victory together by visiting relatives, family and friends they have not seen for a long time.

3.      Prove your devotion to Allah SWT

The uniqueness of the month of Shawwal also allows it to be a time to demonstrate one's devotion to Allah SWT. This month is a test for Muslims to maintain the same intensity of worship as during Ramadan. Consistency means you have successfully demonstrated your devotion and steadfastness in worship.

4.      It is a sign that Ramadan fasting is accepted by Allah

Observing the sunnah fast during the month of hunting means that the fast completed during Ramadan has been accepted by Allah. This was stated directly by Ustadz Amien Nurhakim, who explained that Muslims who have made it a habit to fast even after Ramadan are fortunate.

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Practices to do to get the privileges of the month of Shawwal

To gain special privileges during Shawwal, Muslims are encouraged to perform several practices. The following are some practices that can be performed to gain special privileges during Shawwal.

1.      Sunnah fasting for 6 days

The first step you can take is to fast for six days, a voluntary fast. This fast has the same benefits as fasting for a year. Fasting after Ramadan doesn't have to be done for six consecutive days. You can do it alternately, as long as it's done during the Shawwal period.

2.      Performing sunnah fasting on Mondays and Thursdays

In addition to fasting for six days, you can also increase your good deeds by fasting on Mondays and Thursdays. Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is one of the practices recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The reason Monday and Thursday were chosen is because these two days coincide with the examination of one's deeds. Scholars believe that if the intention is to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, it can be combined with the fast of Shawwal.

This allows you to earn rewards for these two deeds. This is one of the special qualities of the month of Shawwal that cannot be found at any other time.

3.      Ayyamul bidh fasting

You can also fast during the Ayyamul Bidh, also known as the mid-month fast. It's observed for three consecutive days on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Hijri calendar. This fast isn't limited to this month of hunting; you can fast every month.

4.      Giving alms

Giving alms is one of the most recommended acts of worship during this month. Furthermore, giving alms can be done at any time, not just during Ramadan or Shawwal.

Allah SWT greatly loves those who diligently give alms. Almsgiving is one way to express gratitude for the blessings we have been given.

Not only during Shawwal, you can also perform other good deeds throughout the year. Follow these practices to reap the benefits of Shawwal .