Maintaining Spiritual Momentum After Ramadan
As Ramadan comes to a close, the mosques are full, shoe racks are overflowing, and parking lots are packed. Here’s what happens after Ramadan: the mosques are empty, the shoe racks are bare, and the parking lots are uninhabited.
But the true purpose of Ramadan is to train our Iman (faith) so we can maintain that spiritual momentum going forward.
One key factor is our mindset. During Ramadan, we often make a effort to change our routines and do more for the sake of Allah. But afterwards, the tendency is to revert to our “normal” way of life. This mentality of simply “getting through” Ramadan to just reach Jannah (Paradise) is flawed. Jannah is not cheap – we cannot increase good deeds in Ramadan only to indulge in sin the rest of the year.
It’s illogical to invest so much time and effort building up our good deeds in Ramadan, just to squander them the very next day. Allah loves consistency, even if it is small. So how can we maintain that Ramadan-inspired devotion?
صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ سَدِّدُوا وَقَارِبُوا، وَاعْلَمُوا أَنْ لَنْ يُدْخِلَ أَحَدَكُمْ عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّةَ، وَأَنَّ أَحَبَّ الأَعْمَالِ أَدْوَمُهَا إِلَى اللَّهِ، وَإِنْ قَلَّ ”
Allah’s Messenger ﷺ 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.”
Reconnect With Allah
The first step is to go back and cling to the rope of Allah, regardless of your situation. Shaytan will try to make you feel discouraged about losing good habits or relapsing into bad ones. But remember, Allah’s Mercy is ever-present. You can always come back to Him.
Some believe Eid is a time to reward oneself and take a break after their efforts in Ramadan. However, the true reward is in returning to Allah, not distancing yourself from Him. While it’s permissible to rest physically, be cautious not to let Shaytan exploit this and lure you away.
Positive Influences
Surround yourself with good companions – Muslim friends, colleagues, and family members who will remind you and help you stay steadfast.
Additionally, maintain the habit of remembrance (dhikr) – reciting Astaghfirullah, Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, even in small amounts throughout your day. This powerful practice can keep your heart clean and focused after Ramadan, preserving your khushoo and reflection.
“صلى الله عليه وسلم “ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me.
Continue Fasting
If you are healthy and able, consider continuing to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, as this was a practice of the Prophet ﷺ. Since your body is already accustomed to fasting, this is the best time for you to try doing those extra voluntary fasts..
Ultimately, the key is to avoid the traps of Shaytan and maintain a steadfast connection with Allah. Ramadan may end, but our commitment to spiritual growth and pleasing our Lord should not. With the right mindset, habits, and support systems, we can carry the essence of Ramadan throughout the year.