How to Make the Most of Ramadan:
A Personal Journey, Not a Race -
Ramadan is a month of blessings and endless rewards, but too often, we fall into the trap of comparison—who can finish the most Quran, who prays the longest, who gives the most charity.
While striving for excellence is praiseworthy, Ramadan is ultimately a personal journey, not a competition.
Each person has their own path, challenges, and capacity. The key is to focus on sincere self-improvement and a deeper connection with Allah.
Here’s how to make the most of Ramadan without feeling overwhelmed:
1. Set Your Own Goals
Instead of looking at what others are doing, define what Ramadan means for you. Maybe this year, your goal is to pray all five daily prayers on time, establish a habit of reading even a few verses of the Quran daily, or simply be more mindful of your words and actions. Make your goals realistic and achievable, allowing for steady progress.
2. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Completing the entire Quran in Ramadan is a beautiful goal, but if rushing through it means missing the meaning, then a slower, more reflective approach may be better. Even if you deeply understand just a few surahs this month, that might be more beneficial for your heart than speed-reading through all 30 juz.
3. Strengthen Your Relationship with Allah
Ramadan is about drawing closer to Allah, not just ticking off a checklist of ibadah (worship). Spend time in sincere dua, pour your heart out to Him, and reflect on your relationship with your Creator. Whether through dhikr, personal prayers, or moments of gratitude, make sure your worship is heartfelt.
4. Avoid Comparison
Your Ramadan is yours alone. Comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary stress and feelings of inadequacy. Allah rewards sincerity and effort, not just grand achievements. The mother waking up for suhoor after a sleepless night with her child, the student balancing studies and worship, and the worker pushing through long shifts while fasting—all are striving in their own way and are equally valued by Allah.
5. Pace Yourself
Ramadan is a month, not a sprint. Many people start with high energy but burn out midway. Instead of doing everything at once, gradually build up your ibadah. If you can’t pray all night, start with just a few extra rak’ahs of qiyam. If reading an entire juz feels overwhelming, try half or even a quarter. Small, consistent efforts are more sustainable and impactful.
6. Take Care of Your Body and Mind
Fasting is an act of worship, but that doesn’t mean neglecting your health. Eat nourishing foods at suhoor and iftar, stay hydrated, and allow yourself to rest when needed. A well-rested and healthy body will help you worship with more focus and energy.
7. Embrace Modesty as a Form of Worship
Just as Ramadan is a time to purify the heart and mind, it is also an opportunity to reflect on how we present ourselves. Dressing modestly is not about societal expectations but about pleasing Allah and embodying the values of humility and sincerity. Use this month to reconnect with the concept of modesty, understanding that it extends beyond clothing to our speech, actions, and intentions. Ramadan can be a time to realign our choices with the purpose of seeking Allah’s pleasure rather than conforming to external pressures.
8. Be Kind to Yourself
Some days will be harder than others. Maybe you missed Fajr, didn’t complete your planned Quran reading, or felt distracted in prayer. Don’t let guilt consume you. Instead of giving up, renew your intention and keep going. Every sincere effort counts, no matter how small.
9. Carry Ramadan Beyond the Month
The goal of Ramadan isn’t just 30 days of worship—it’s to instill habits that last beyond it. Think about what you want to carry forward: maybe it’s the habit of waking up for tahajjud, being more mindful of your speech, or giving regular charity. Let Ramadan be the start of lifelong positive change.
Conclusion
Ramadan is not about competition; it’s about connection. It’s a journey of self-purification, sincerity, and growth. However you choose to worship, do it with intention and love for Allah. Whether you take small steps or big leaps, as long as you are moving toward Him, you are succeeding. May this Ramadan be a month of personal transformation and a deeper connection with your Creator. Ameen.
Love and salam
صـافية