We know that Amaliah is like a Big Sis and sometimes our DMs have been filled with requests for advice on a range of life issues including relationships, friendships or work troubles.
We have started a new segment where we field dilemmas from the community and answer them as frankly as we can with love, truth and honesty.
Need some advice on a dilemma? Send them all here!
Salam. Every Ramadan, I kick off with a grand plan – reading the Quran every single day, praying Taraweeh, and waking up for suhoor. But unfortunately, somewhere in the middle, I tend to slack off. My Quran reading drops to maybe 10 Juz for the whole month, and suhoor turns into a midnight snack. This year, I really want to break that cycle and stay consistently proactive with my spiritual goals. Do you have any tips to help me keep that initial Ramadan fervour alive throughout the month? How can I stay spiritually motivated for the whole month?
Maya Areem responds,
Salam alaykum,
Firstly, I want to assure you that what you’re experiencing is completely natural and something many of us can relate to. It’s not uncommon to start Ramadan with grand plans and high aspirations, only to find ourselves struggling to maintain that initial fervour as the month progresses. Feeling a mid-Ramadan slump is completely natural, but remember, Ramadan offers us a spiritual energy that can help us push through. If you’re experiencing a dip in motivation, make the intention to continue and focus on the spiritual gains you’ve made so far. Even if you don’t achieve all your goals, the intention to continue striving is what truly matters.
Here are some simple and practical tips that can hopefully help you, inspired from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Set Realistic Goals: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised us to start with small, consistent actions rather than aiming for perfection. Set achievable goals for yourself, such as reading a certain number of pages from the Quran each day or performing some voluntary prayers alongside Taraweeh, that are realistic and sustainable throughout the month. Perhaps aim to finish a larger portion than you ever have done and not the entirety. You can also continue to read after Ramadan and make the intention to try and finish by the following Ramadan. Setting a smaller goal and surpassing it may feel more motivating!
Consistency is Key: Allah values deeds that are consistent, even if they are small. Allah SWT says in the Qur’an,
“Allah ˹alone˺ keeps a ˹precise˺ measure of the day and night. He knows that you ˹believers˺ are unable to endure this, and has turned to you in mercy. So recite ˹in prayer˺ whatever you can from the Quran. He knows that some of you will be sick, some will be travelling throughout the land seeking Allah’s bounty, and some fighting in the cause of Allah. So recite whatever you can from it. And ˹continue to˺ perform ˹regular˺ prayers, pay alms-tax, and lend to Allah a good loan.2 Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will find it with Allah far better and more rewarding.3 And seek Allah’s forgiveness. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:20).
So strive to maintain consistency in your efforts, even if it means starting with a smaller amount and gradually increasing over time.
Seek Allah’s Guidance: Make sincere du’a and seek Allah SWT’s help and support in staying steadfast throughout Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged us to ask Allah for strength and perseverance in our worship, especially during challenging times.
Have an Accountability Partner: Find a supportive friend or family member who shares similar spiritual goals and hold each other accountable. Regular check-ins and mutual encouragement can help you stay motivated and committed to your Ramadan goals.
Variety in Worship: Keep your spiritual routine diverse and engaging by incorporating various acts of worship, such as sadaqah, dhikr, and seeking knowledge through Qur’anic reflection or attending religious lectures. This can help prevent monotony and keep you motivated throughout Ramadan.
Forgive Yourself and Renew Intentions: If you stumble or fall short of your goals, remember that Allah is the Most Merciful and Forgiving. Renew your intentions and forgive yourself for any lapses, then recommit to your spiritual goals with a renewed sense of determination.
The Quran describes Ramadan as the month of guidance and mercy,
“Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Remind yourself of the spiritual benefits and rewards of engaging in worship during this blessed month.
Reflect on Progress: Take time to reflect on your progress throughout Ramadan and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Keeping a journal or checklist of your spiritual activities can help you track your progress and stay motivated.
I would also like to recommend the following articles that offer valuable insights and practical tips that may aid you in your Ramadan journey:
- The Spiritual Checklist: Preparing the Heart for the Month of Ramadan
- A Small Gentle Reminder to Myself to Keep Going This Ramadan
- 6 Islamic Apps to Help You Prepare for Ramadan
- 11 Goal Setting Tips From the Amaliah Community
- How Did the Sahabas Spend Their Ramadan?
Staying spiritually motivated throughout Ramadan is a journey, and it’s natural to encounter challenges along the way. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences this at some point. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine and seeking guidance from the Quran and Sunnah, you can strive to maintain your spiritual goals consistently and make the most of this blessed month, insha’Allah.
May Allah bless you with strength, perseverance, and sincerity in your worship during Ramadan.
Love + Duas,
Aunt Maya
If you would like some wisdom from Aunt Maya, send in your problems here! Please note Aunt Maya may consult the opinion of others from time to time and ask the Amaliah community for their advice too. Aunt Maya is not a licensed therapist or mental health professional.
