Ramadan teaches us important lessons in discipline and spirituality. However, it’s easy to fall back into old habits—rushing through our days, skipping prayers, and acting mindlessly once Ramadan ends. Ramadan is designed to help us follow Allah’s teachings all year long. By maintaining the good habits we’ve developed during Ramadan, we can preserve its spirit well beyond the month. In today’s blog, we’ll share ways to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive all year.
Continuously Connecting with Allah
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, our prayer and connection with Allah intensify. This period is an excellent opportunity to build a lasting bond with Him. By continuing to pray regularly and remember Allah sincerely, we can maintain this spiritual connection. The Qur’an reminds us: “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (Al-Baqarah 2:152). This verse urges us to think of Allah and express our gratitude not only during Ramadan but throughout the entire year. Practicing continuous gratitude and remembrance fosters a deep, enduring relationship with Allah.
Quran Reading as Daily Motivation and Inspiration
Regularly reading and understanding the Quran is crucial for keeping the Ramadan spirit alive. Allah says, “Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most suitable…” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9). Setting up a daily reading plan, even if it’s just a few verses, integrates this practice into your routine, nourishing your faith and maintaining spiritual growth from Ramadan. Let the recitation of these verses inspire and motivate you throughout your day.
Additional Sunnah Prayers
Continuing or starting Sunnah prayers like Dhuha and Tahajjud after Ramadan can enhance your spiritual routine. These prayers, regularly performed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, offer opportunities for personal reflection and connection with Allah. If you find yourself short on time and unable to engage in lengthy prayers, make sure to maintain the twelve Sunnah prayers daily. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the benefits of this practice, saying “Whoever is regular with twelve Rak’ah of Sunnah (prayer), Allah will build a house for him in Paradise: Four Rak’ah before Zuhr, two Rak’ah after it, two Rak’ah after Maghrib, two Rak’ah after Isha, and two Rak’ah before Fajr.” [Jami at Timidhi: 414]
Regular Fasting and Pay Missed Fasts
Islam encourages fasting on significant days outside of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Observe the fast of Ramadan and follow it with six days of Shawwal. That is like fasting perpetually.” (Sahih Muslim). Fasting on Mondays, Thursdays, and the white days (13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month) is also commendable and helps keep your spirituality in check throughout the year. For those who have missed their fast due to illness or tavelling, do make effort to repent and make up for the missed fasts.
Don’t Miss Your Daily Dhikr
Remain steadfast and recite your daily dhik. These prayers help to bring protection, mercy, forgiveness, blessings, and all the goodness of this world and the hereafter. As we often increase our recitation of dhikr during Ramadan, it’s important to maintain this habit throughout the year for continued blessings.
Making Sadaqah Part of Your Routine
Continuing acts of charity like those during Ramadan can keep the spirit of giving alive. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi). Consider setting up a monthly donation to a mosque or an organization to stay active in acts of kindness.
Supporting Community Initiatives
Staying active in your community helps maintain the unity experienced during Ramadan. This could involve supporting local mosque activities, participating in community development projects, or aiding educational programs. These actions not only benefit others but also enrich your sense of purpose and community connection.
Regular Community Gatherings
The fellowship experienced during Ramadan need not end with it. Participating in or organizing regular community gatherings can help maintain these connections. Whether it’s through study circles, social events, or communal prayers, staying engaged with your community can sustain the warmth and brotherhood of Ramadan.
Maintaining Healthy Family Bonds
Ramadan often brings families together. Continue this tradition by regularly gathering with your family throughout the year. This could be for weekly meals, family meetings, or special occasions, helping to strengthen ties and ensure that the family unit remains a core aspect of your spiritual and social life.
Guarding the Speech and Manners
During Ramadan, we are especially careful to avoid lies, abusive language, and backbiting. It’s crucial to maintain this caution year-round. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned that lying leads to Hell and reminded us, “The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.” (Bukhari 6029). He also stated, “I was sent to perfect good character.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 273 — Sahih). These teachings stress the importance of upholding good manners and integrity in our speech.
Sustaining Self-Reflection Beyond Ramadan
Ramadan offers a precious opportunity for self-reflection. Set aside time each day or week to think about your spiritual and personal development. This helps you recognize your strengths and address weaknesses, fostering continuous self-improvement.
Continuous Learning and Growth
Studying Islamic teachings during Ramadan sets a strong foundation for ongoing learning. Many Muslims start routines of reading texts like the Seerah, Aqidah, and Tafsir. To maintain this momentum, dedicate specific times each week for studying these texts to deepen your understanding of the Deen and strengthen your faith. Regular engagement with Islamic scholarship can also enrich your daily life and provide clarity and wisdom for handling our daily life challenges.
Maintaining Discipline
Every year, Allah gives us Ramadan as a chance to change our lives for the better. The discipline we practice during Ramadan is meant to help us throughout the year. Keeping a balanced lifestyle with well-timed meals, thoughtful speech, and intentional actions helps us maintain the purity and goals we set during Ramadan. This blessed month is an opportunity to develop good habits and grow in righteousness. Let us continue to keep up these good practices even after Ramadan ends, and aim to be stay on the path of righteousness. May Allah give us the taufiq to continue these changes. Insha’Allah.
And Allah Knows Best.
