During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide embrace heightened spirituality, dedicating themselves to acts of worship, charity, and self-improvement. However, it’s important to recognize that maintaining this level of devotion can be challenging once Ramadan concludes.

Some individuals may struggle to maintain this level of devotion once Ramadan ends, leading to what’s often termed as “Ramadan Muslims” – those who exhibit increased religious observance only during the holy month. 

While they may embody the essence of Islam temporarily, there is nothing wrong in acknowledging the difficulties they face in maintaining this commitment beyond the holy month. What truly matters is that they are making a conscious effort to continue striving for improvement, remaining steadfast in doing their deen, and growing at their own pace.

What happens during Ramadan? 

During Ramadan, we immerse ourselves in worship, striving to strengthen our connection with Allah, seek forgiveness, and purify our hearts and souls. Fasting from dawn till dusk teaches us self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and gratitude for the blessings in our lives. The increased emphasis on prayers, recitation of the Quran, and acts of charity foster a sense of spiritual renewal and growth.

Challenges Beyond Ramadan

As the blessed month comes to an end, many of us face the challenge of maintaining the momentum of our spiritual journey. The routines and rituals that we embraced during Ramadan may seem more difficult to uphold amidst the distractions and demands of daily life. The temptation to revert to old habits and behaviors can be strong, leading some to become “Ramadan Muslims” who only exhibit heightened devotion during this particular month.

Be a servant of Allah and not a servant of Ramadan

It is essential to remind ourselves that Islam is not confined to Ramadan alone. The teachings of Islam encourage us to embody its principles and values every day of the year. 

“So glorify the praises of your Lord and be one of those who ˹always˺ pray, and worship your Lord until the inevitable (death) comes your way.” – Surah Al-Hijr, Verse 98-99

Consistency in our faith and actions is key to fulfilling our purpose as Muslims and contributing positively to society. We must strive to integrate the lessons and practices of Ramadan into our daily lives, transforming temporary devotion into lasting habits.

What can I do to sustain beyond the holy month?

To avoid being “Ramadan Muslims,” we must adopt strategies that promote ongoing spiritual growth and moral conduct. Here are some practical steps to help maintain the goodness beyond Ramadan:

1. Establishing a Daily Routine

Incorporate regular acts of worship, such as prayers, Quranic recitation, and supplication, into your daily schedule. Set specific times for these activities to ensure consistency and avoid neglecting them amidst the busyness of life. Remember, consistency is key to transforming temporary devotion into lasting habits. Make it a habit to track your prayers and khatam progress. Take one step at a time.

“So be patient ˹O Prophet˺ with what they say. And glorify the praises of your Lord before sunrise and before sunset, and glorify Him in the hours of the night and at both ends of the day, so that you may be pleased with the reward.” – Surah Taha, Verse 130

Concerned about missing prayer times? Make use of the customized pre-adhan reminders within the notification settings of the Muslim Pro app. These reminders ensure you receive timely notifications before the call to prayer, helping you manage your schedule and prioritize your religious obligations. By integrating these reminders into your routine, you can stay on track with your prayers and maintain consistency in your worship.

2. Cultivating Gratitude

Maintain a sense of gratitude by reflecting on the blessings in your own life, and expressing your appreciation through words and deeds. Keep a gratitude journal where you jot down things you are thankful for each day, fostering a habit of appreciation. 

 “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” – Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 152

Learn to be thankful for what you already have. Understand the concept of gratitude, and you will always be content with what you already have, instead of constantly wanting more. 

Remind yourself that those prized possessions are just dunya (worldly possessions) and true wealth lies in the contentment of the heart. By cultivating gratitude, you not only enhance your spiritual well-being but also cultivate a sense of contentment and fulfillment in life.

3. Continued Learning

Seek knowledge about Islam and its teachings, deepen your understanding of the Quran and Hadith, and engage in ongoing spiritual development. Utilize resources available to aid your learning journey. There are many new features within the Muslim Pro App catered to help you learn and understand the Quran, as well as an Iqra’ Quran Reading Bootcamp available on Qalbox. Make a conscious effort to scroll what’s beneficial for you rather than scrolling through social media mindlessly. 

 If you are a visual learner, explore various films, documentaries, and webinars available on Qalbox within the app. Instead of streaming mainstream media, make the conscious effort to watch something related to Islam, so you can learn through those shows. 

“So high [above all] is Allah, the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, ‘My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'” – Surah Taha, 20:114

This verse highlights the importance of seeking knowledge and asking Allah to increase one’s knowledge. It encourages believers to approach the Quran with patience and reverence, seeking to deepen their understanding of its teachings.

By actively seeking knowledge and utilizing available resources, you can continue to grow spiritually and deepen your connection with your faith.

4. Serving Others

Extend acts of kindness, charity, and community service beyond Ramadan, prioritizing the well-being of others and striving to make a positive impact. Volunteer at local organizations, participate in charitable initiatives, or simply lend a helping hand to those in need. Consider joining community service groups or forming your own with like-minded individuals to regularly organize events or initiatives aimed at uplifting those in need. 

Additionally, make it a point to donate to charitable causes regularly, whether it’s through monetary contributions or by donating items such as clothing, food, or educational supplies. By actively engaging in acts of service and charity, you not only fulfill your duty as a Muslim but also contribute to creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.

“Indeed, those who believe and do good will have the Gardens of Paradise (Jannah) as an accommodation” – Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 107

5. Seeking Forgiveness

 Be mindful of your actions and seek forgiveness for any shortcomings or mistakes, striving for self-improvement and spiritual purification. Engage in regular repentance and introspection, acknowledging your faults and resolving to rectify them.

“They are those who, upon committing an evil deed or wronging themselves, remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who forgives sins except Allah?—and they do not knowingly persist in wrongdoing?” – Surah Al-Kahf, Verse 135

Remember, none of us are perfect, and we all make mistakes. It’s essential to seek forgiveness from Allah, as He is the All-Forgiving and Most Merciful. Even if we may not be aware of all the sins we have committed in the past, Allah’s forgiveness is infinite.  

Reflect on your actions, seek forgiveness from Him, and strive to improve yourself continuously. Moreover, extend forgiveness to others, as holding onto grudges only weighs down your own heart. By practicing forgiveness and seeking reconciliation, you not only cleanse your own heart, but also contribute to fostering healthy relationships and a more harmonious community.

6. Accountability Partnerships

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself exemplified the importance of companionship in spiritual growth. He surrounded himself with a diverse group of companions who supported him in his mission and served as role models for future generations of Muslims. 

The companions (Sahaba) of the Prophet played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting Islamic teachings, demonstrating the transformative power of companionship on the spiritual journey.

“O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true.” – Surah At-Tawbah, Verse 119

This verse highlights the importance of choosing companions who are truthful and righteous. By surrounding yourself with individuals who embody strong principles of faith, integrity, and righteousness, you cultivate a positive and spiritually enriching environment that fosters growth and development.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your commitment to spiritual development can provide invaluable support and motivation. By forming partnerships with individuals who understand your goals and aspirations, you create a supportive environment where you can hold each other accountable and strive for continuous improvement.

Until we meet again, Ramadan.

As we bid farewell to Ramadan, let us carry its invaluable lessons in our hearts and minds, striving for unwavering commitment and consistency in our devotion throughout the year.

Our dedication to faith and righteousness should transcend the boundaries of Ramadan, echoing in every facet of our lives. Let us consciously strive to avoid the trap of becoming “Ramadan Muslims” by embodying the essence of Islam in our daily conduct.

By nurturing steadfastness in our devotion, integrity in our behavior, and excellence in our character, we will represent the principles of peace, compassion, and justice that Islam advocates. Together, let us embrace the journey of spiritual growth with determination and sincerity, pledging to uphold the values of Islam not merely during Ramadan but every single day of the year.

May our endeavors to maintain lasting habits of devotion and righteousness enrich our lives and fulfill our purpose as Muslims. Eid Mubarak once again to all, as we celebrate the culmination of Ramadan and embark on the continuation of our spiritual journey.