Alhamdulillah, we’ve been blessed with another Ramadan, filled with fasting, prayer, and precious moments of reflection. But here’s a thought – how can we keep that Ramadan spirit glowing, even when the month has passed?
Human nature is fascinating. We often start with high energy at the beginning of any new phase, like students at the start of a semester or fitness enthusiasts in January. There’s a universal burst of determination! But as time goes on, our initial zeal might dwindle. So, the real question emerges: How do we sustain the spiritual revival and renewal of Ramadan with consistency throughout the year?
Allah tells us in the Quran, “Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained on the right course – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'” (Fussilat: 41:30). This beautiful verse reminds us of the sweet fruits waiting for us if we stick to our path steadfastly and consistently.
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ، عَنْ مُوسَى بْنِ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ” سَدِّدُوا وَقَارِبُوا، وَاعْلَمُوا أَنْ لَنْ يُدْخِلَ أَحَدَكُمْ عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّةَ،
وَأَنَّ أَحَبَّ الأَعْمَالِ أَدْوَمُهَا إِلَى اللَّهِ، وَإِنْ قَلَّ
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also gave us precious advice. He said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6464). It’s not about making huge leaps every day; it’s about taking small, consistent steps in our faith.
We might not be in Ramadan, but our connection with Allah doesn’t have a pause button. Let’s make an effort to incorporate even the smallest acts of good deeds and worship into our daily routines. Maybe it’s performing two units of prayer at dawn, reciting a few verses of the Quran each night, even a small daily act of charity or helping someone. These might seem minor, but their impact is monumental when performed consistently.
Consider this analogy – it’s like being in a long-distance race rather than a sprint. Top athletes don’t stop training once a competition ends; they keep training to maintain their form. Likewise, our spiritual training shouldn’t end with Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised us, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” (Sunan Ibn Mājah 4240). Whether it’s through daily prayers, reading the Quran, or giving in charity, these consistent acts keep our spiritual muscles strong.
We don’t have the nightly taraweeh prayers outside of Ramadan, but how about adding two rakats of qiyam ul layl or maintaining the sunnah prayers daily?
Let’s remember that every small, consistent act we do is a step closer to Jannah. Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) showed us that even smiling at your brother is an act of charity. So, let’s keep that spirit alive, continue our good deeds, and always remember Allah in our daily lives.
Let’s not let our Qurans gather dust – even if it’s reading just a few ayat daily. Keep making dhikr, keep praying, keep fasting, and keep giving. Let’s be those who the angels talk about, those who stayed on the right course long after Ramadan has passed. Let’s race towards the pleasure of Allah, not just during Ramadan but every single day of our lives. May Allah help us to be consistent, and may He accept our efforts. Ameen.