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Heri Mahbub
Ramadan fasting has passed, but the spirit of refraining not to pass too. One way to keep the spirit of fasting is burning is to fast the six -day sunnah in the month of Shawwal. In addition, there is a halal bihalal tradition that sometimes prevents us from shouum when in unison.
Quran Cordoba - Interestingly, in the midst of an invitation to worship, Indonesian people are also busy carrying out the halal bihalal tradition - a typical form of the archipelago's typical of the Idulfitri.
Then, is there a connection between the two? Can we combine the spirit of sunnah fasting with social momentum like halal bihalal?
In the hadith narrated by the Muslim Imam, the Prophet Muhammad said:
Meaning: "Who is fasting Ramadan is then followed by fasting six days in the month of Shawwal, so as if he fasts throughout the year." (HR. Muslim)
Spiritually, Shawwal fasting is a form of continuation of the spirit of worship from Post Ramadan. After a full month to refrain, we are invited to not immediately "off" the charity of Saleh fasting. This shouum worship is also a form of gratitude to God for the blessings of completing Ramadan well.
However, the challenge arises when the Indonesian people undergo the halal bihalal tradition, which is usually filled with friendship activities, eating, sharing cakes and trips to relatives' homes. This activity is very pleasant - but often makes Shawwal's fasting plans delayed or even totally canceled, because it respects the eating agenda together.
Why is Shawwal fasting so special? One of them is because fasting follows the spirit of fasting Ramadan, which if calculated in reward such as fasting a year. In Islam, every good is multiplied to 10 times. So:
• Ramadan fasting = 30 days × 10 = 300 days
• Fasting 6 days Shawwal = 6 × 10 = 60 days
• Total = 360 days, equivalent to 1 year h
In fact, fasting and friendship are not conflicting. In fact, both worship can strengthen each other if done wisely, there is a dimension of sunnah, spiritual and social worship at the same time. Let's see from two sides:
The Koran guides the people to often stay in touch, don't decide. Islam really upholds friendship. Even the Messenger of Allah mentioned that who wanted to be extended by his fortune and extended his age, then he should connect the relationship.
The Prophet said about the virtue of friendship:
The Messenger of Allah said: "Who wants to be extended by his fortune and extended his age, then he should connect the friendship." (HR. Bukhari - Muslim)
In the context of halal bihalal, this activity is not only a cultural tradition, but also part of social worship. The name is indeed typical of Indonesia, the point is to apologize each other, strengthen family relations, and keeping ukhuwah is a noble charity after Ramadan.
So, fasting is more complete with social values through friendship.
We often feel reluctant to fast because we feel we cannot participate in "eating together" when visiting your home. But let's change the perspective: Instead our fast can be an inspiration for others to participate in practicing this sunnah.
No need to feel awkward. Simply convey politely that we are fasting in Shawwal. Most people will understand and respect the decision.
After all, we can still gather, chat, and share stories even though we don't eat together. That is the beauty of friendship - its warmth not only lies in food, but in the beauty of brotherhood. Fasting Shawwal inspired the meeting so that it further strengthened the meeting of faith in the heart.
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Also read: 4 privileges of the month of Shawwal and its practice
So that Shouum 6 days can still run without sacrificing friendship, here are some practical tips:
• Starting earlier: do fasting since the first week of Shawwal (the first day of haram fasting). Just one, or two days, that way, you can finish the next 6 days faster and still have time to regulate halal bihalal.
• Use the installment pattern: not required to be 6 days in a row. No need to sequentially, it's okay. Can be paid in installments twice a week - for example Monday and Thursday, or according to the empty schedule of the friendship activity.
• Choose a friendly time in the afternoon: That way, you can still be present and break the fast together, before sunset, this is more fun and the atmosphere of Ramadan is still felt when breaking the fast.
• Convey with flexible: If you have to come to the house of relatives while fasting, just say it kindly, if you can't eat food together, say, "I'm fasting Shawwal, yes. God willing, later stop by again when I can eat together."
Despite having a lot of virtue, already has intention and enthusiasm. This worship has its own challenges, it is not easy to practice it if you are not used to it, among them, because:
After a month of fasting, the body may have started to get used to it, but after Eid, many people eat more food. Starting from the chicken opor, a lot of diamonds, eventually it feels heavy again if it is not prepared properly.
The month of Shawwal is synonymous with delicious dishes such as rhombus, meat opor, and pastries. Refrain from fasting in the midst of a lot of good food requires strong determination. This is a challenge for those whose hobbies eat, need to be habituation.
Work activities or schools that are crowded after the Eid holiday can make it difficult for someone to manage time for sunnah fasting.
Some people feel "relieved" after Ramadan is over and is less motivated to continue the sunnah. In fact, this is precisely this the real test for the consistency of worship.
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Also read: Stay Light After Ramadan: Maintain the Spirit of Worship in the Month
Shawwal fasting and friendship are worship not two things that must be chosen by one. In fact, both of them can be undertaken harmoniously - one that maintains relationships with God, the other strengthens relations between humans.
This is proof that Islam is a comprehensive religion. Halal bihalal is part of a good tradition and needs people to preserve it. The worship not only teaches us to approach God, but also to establish affection with others.
So, don't hesitate to fast Shawwal in the midst of the halal bihalal tradition. Because that's where we find the complete beauty of Islam: worship and friendship, ruhiyah and social, connected between heaven and earth.
Wallahu'alam
