We all know that one of the purposes of Ramadan is for us to develop Taqwa. Ramadan is like a training period for us. Hence we should try to follow that rhythm throughout the whole year!
Generally, habits take around 21 days to form. Therefore, after the 30 days of Ramadan, we should aim that whatever we learned in the month is carried forward to the rest of the year.
Here are three ways to help you sustain the Ramadan spirit even after it is over:
1. Spiritually
Doing Dhikr is an essential part of staying connected with Allah (SWT). It not only helps you earn great rewards but also gives you the spiritual strength you may feel is missing from your daily life.
Consider saying “Alhamdulillah” and “SubhanAllah” to thank and praise Allah for His countless bounties.
Witness how incorporating Dhikr makes you feel good and consistent with your spiritual obligations.
Make sure to recite a part of the Holy Quran every day, as much as you can manage, in the hustle and bustle of your routine. You can set goals to make it easier, like five pages a day?
Download Athan and read the most authentic Quran online:
Lastly, making Dua is also beneficial for your soul as it works as a positive affirmation. Practice praying to the Almighty after Athan, obligatory prayers, or whenever you feel the need to connect with the Most Merciful. Seeking forgiveness from time to time also ensures that you stay on the right path and do not give in to worldly distractions.
2. Intellectually
We all know there is much more to Islam than just offering prayers, giving Zakat, and reciting the Quran in Arabic. Our deen has an ocean of knowledge that welcomes everyone with open arms to learn and seek information not sought before.
Seeking knowledge about our deen is not restricted to just one month. It is a lifelong commitment with Allah (SWT).
The curiosity to know more and going into the depths of matters concerning Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is also part of Islam. The more we try to learn, the less it seems we know because there is so much to know after all.
Perhaps join a “Tafseer” (detailed interpretation of Quranic translation) course to understand the Quran. You can also take online lectures where you can meet like-minded people and gain knowledge simultaneously.
Expanding your mind is an ongoing process that requires consistency and determination from your end.
3. Physically
The essence of Taqwa is to avoid disobedience of Allah (SWT) and continue to refrain from all that Allah (SWT) has prohibited for us.
From not lying or backbiting to not committing acts like theft and getting involved in sinful activities such as premarital relationships - Taqwa teaches you the right way of life.
One can limit hanging out with people who encourage acts that are prohibited in Islam. Moreover, one can also avoid watching shows or listening to songs that evoke sinful thoughts into your mind.
Another important part here is to give importance to Salah and take out time for it in the busiest of hours.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
The first of man’s deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Salat. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful; but if it is incomplete, he will be unfortunate and a loser. (At-Tirmidhi)
Other than this, try voluntary fasting now and then. Not only does it cleanse your body, but it will also act as a great source of motivation for you. These can be the Shawwal Fasts and the ones observed in Muharram.
Fasting on Mondays and Thursdays is considered the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and has been said to bring great spiritual and health benefits.
May Allah (SWT) keep us on the right path and give us the motivation to make every month as blessed as Ramadan. Ameen.
