Just a couple of weeks ago we were all waiting in anticipation for Ramadan to come and in what felt like a blink of an eye, Ramadan had commenced and left us once more. Our bodies quickly adapted to the grueling initial days of fasting and by the mercy of Allah ﷻ the days became easier. Within the short period we have been able to achieve more in the month of Ramadan than we have had in the months prior and it raises an interesting question that we will return to. 

Today Ramadan can often feel commercialized with focus being averted from the true purpose and instead being overshadowed by food, extravagance, and Eid preparations weeks in advance. From Ramadan themed sales to viral food trends, it sometimes feels like the true essence of the month is buried under an avalanche of consumerism.

Decorating the home, cooking good food and hosting loved ones with aesthetic touches are not inherently bad. The problem comes when it internally moves us away from our primary objectives. As someone who frequents food blogs and pages, I myself have fallen victim to this. On more than one occasion I have been tormented by the amazing food content I have witnessed, like the cinnamon roll milk cake. A combination I have yet to try, but I can sense it would send you into a food coma.

Ramadan comes with challenges and all of us know within ourselves what those areas of challenges are. It is not easy to omit oneself from food, stand attentively during taraweeh, sleep fewer hours, increase the quantity of good deeds and more while maintaining our daily activities and commitments. Fortunately these challenges are not in vain.

Narrated by Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه :

Our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

This hadith exemplifies that the internal struggles we face are a means of goodness and the development of greater taqwa (God consciousness). 

In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183 Allah states:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

Translation (Sahih International):
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

Upon reflection of this verse and how the mental,spiritual and physiological virtues of fasting aid in greater self improvement it begs the question as to why we often confine this practice solely into the month of Ramadan. Granted the shaitan are locked up, the collective unity of worship is strong and there is an indescribable feeling during this time which makes it easy to hone in on our spiritual goals. With that being said it is beneficial for us to continue the momentum throughout the year.

If we can fast consecutively during Ramadan while maintaining our commitments and obligations, we can do the same beyond ramadan. Knowing that we have inshAllah accomplished this feat during Ramadan, we can rid ourselves of the belief that we don’t have enough time. To the sisters who have already established this sunnah (of fasting), May Allah ﷻ be pleased with you and give you the strength to strive for more.

On the contrary, if you have never done this before just know that it is okay. We all start somewhere. If you are reading this and thinking that you may not have it in you to do so, just know that you are capable. Often we have to trick our minds into believing we can do something until we actually can. To start, commit to the sunnah fasts throughout the year at intervals that are befitting to you. Fasting the 6 days of shawwal then completing one or a few days a month will get the ball rolling. Make a target goal that is easy for you to remain consistent with but also challenges you. 

Our Messenger ﷺ said:

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, 6464; Sahih Muslim, 782)

This hadith emphasizes the importance of consistency and the weight of small good deeds done often. It reminds us to stay vigilant over a long period of time. It is through consistent acts of worship that we gain the love of Allah ﷻ. 

If you are setting this goal, may Allah ﷻ make it easy for you. May He allow you to be amongst those who enter Jannah through the doors of Rayyaan (door of fasting).  

Furthermore keep an eye out for a more pragmatic guide in the weeks to come insha’Allah.

To conclude, if I have made any mistakes in this writing, they are purely from the whispers of shaitan and my own shortcomings. Any goodness, wisdom, or benefit that may have come from it is solely due to the mercy and guidance of Allah ﷻ. I ask Allah ﷻ to forgive me for any errors and to accept this effort from me, and I pray that He grants us all the strength to continuously strive for His pleasure.