The Human Cohesion Project — 23 March 2025

There is a point during Ramadan when the fast becomes routine. The initial novelty of the early mornings and the long days gives way to a rhythm that feels almost automatic. The body adjusts, the mind settles into the pattern, and the experience becomes familiar.

Yet, it is precisely in this repetition that deeper meaning can be found. In Islamic tradition, repetition is not about mere habit but about cultivating constancy and intention. The five daily prayers are a testament to this — a recurring cycle that punctuates the day, creating moments of pause, reflection, and reconnection.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spoke of the importance of regular, consistent actions, no matter how small: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are few.” (Sahih Bukhari)

In an age driven by novelty and change, repetition is often seen as mundane or uninspired. But the wisdom of spiritual practice teaches us that routine itself can be a form of devotion, not because it is exciting or new, but because it fosters dedication and perseverance. Just as a musician practices the same scales daily, or an athlete repeats the same drills, the purpose is not in the novelty but in the depth that comes from commitment.

In Sufi tradition, the practice of dhikr (remembrance) involves repeating the names of Allah, not to mindlessly chant but to carve a groove of presence into the heart. Over time, the repetition moves from the lips to the soul, becoming not just something one does but something one becomes.

It is tempting to dismiss repetition as mechanical or lacking in spirit, but in truth, it is through repetition that we refine our intentions. The fast, day after day, is not a mindless routine but an ongoing act of devotion, shaping our relationship with time, hunger, and discipline.

As we move deeper into Ramadan, the invitation is not to seek novelty in our practice but to embrace the depth that comes from persistence. The question is not how to make each day different, but how to find presence within the familiar.

Ramadan Kareem. May this be a month of finding meaning, not in constant change but in steadfast devotion.

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