Tackling the ‘Ramadan Blues’

Alhamdullilah (Praises to God) we were able to complete a month of Ramadan this year, being the first Ramadan since the pandemic where we got back to normality. The mosques were open, the face masks were off and the celebrations were ON! We also had a very exciting Ramadan at Accenture, especially with the amount of events and media we pumped out this year. The engagement was strong and the sense of community is only going to grow In Shaa Allah (If God Wills).

Whether we like or not, Ramadan is over and we are easing back into our daily routines.?One thing I am feeling strongly is the ‘Ramadan Blues’. That feeling we get, where we may feel tired or want to rush back to our pre-Ramadan habits. Now that we are no longer fasting and temptations are back at full force, how do we tackle the Ramadan Blues?

Here are 4 ways to keep up the energy until next Ramadan. Tips on how to tackle that lethargic feeling and how to stay headstrong!

1) Don’t test yourself unnecessarily

We may have come out of Ramadan feeling spiritually strong but it’s important to remember that we are human and we will make mistakes. The best thing to do is to not overwhelm ourselves.

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

For example, you might have done extra voluntary prayers in Ramadan and your goal is to do the same post-Ramadan. Now if you miss one of those days going forward, you may feel like you ruined your ‘streak’. Gamifying things is a nice way to incentivise us to do good but remember that it is ALLAH who is seeing your actions and who you aim to please. A friend once told me "don’t let the pursuit of perfection get in the way of doing good" and the same applies here!

You are better off trying your best, showing mercy to yourself with your mistakes, than giving something up because you feel you won’t give it that Ramadan-esque dedication. If you set out to do 4 rakats (units of prayer) every day of voluntary prayer, try set it to 2 and work up from there! And if you were to miss it - it’s OK. As you go back into your routines, whether it be work or studies, it is more important that you keep up doing good deeds consistently than overwhelming yourself. Judge yourself by your lowest point, not at your highest.

2) Check your intentions

During the month of Ramadan, we did all these extra acts of worship. Recitation, prayer, remembrance, charity etc. Now the month is over, it is expected that we will feel less inspired to do additional actions. It is important though that we did and continue to do these for the sake of Allah and not for the month of Ramadan.

It is easy to slowly forget our intentions and begin to let what others think impact our actions. You should try maintain those good habits you developed in Ramadan regardless of those around you and their decisions, and keep reinstating your intentions. Ramadan is not an excuse to do good, it is a chance to do better.

The mosques will be emptier; will you still go?

People still need help; will you still give to charity?

For example, one thing I really love about Ramadan is when people greet each other even when they are strangers.

?A man asked the Prophet, “Which Islam is best?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said “To feed the hungry and to greet with peace those you know and those you do not know.” (Source: ?a?ī? al-Bukhārī & Muslim)

We can still seek this reward regardless if it is Ramadan. Can you greet strangers without the comfort of Ramadan? Let’s try keep up the good deeds, regardless of the month we are in!

3) Fast!

Fasting is not only relegated to Ramadan. In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the 9th month, and is followed by the blessed month of Shawwal which commenced the day of Eid Ul Fitr. The amazing thing is that there are additional fasts we can do in the month of Shawwal which we can aim to complete, and use this glorious opportunity to maximise our efforts of Ramadan.

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

The days also do not have to be consecutive. You could do 2/3 days a week and complete the six day period like that, spaced out at your convenience. Better yet, and if you are feeling up to the challenge, you could try the weekly fasting sunnah!

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said “The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” (Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī)

Fasting is a great way to exercise self-control, practise reflection and express gratitude outside the month of Ramadan.

4.????Keep the energy going

Even though the blessed month is over, we cannot forget all that we have achieved in Ramadan. Remind yourself of all the hard work you put in and what you have accomplished. If Allah wills, those extra actions may be accepted!

But wait, you also achieved a great amount of knowledge in Ramadan. That knowledge doesn’t have to sit in a mental cupboard to only dust off and use for next year. Use all that knowledge to empower yourself and drive a positive outlook for daily life. Kindness, greeting strangers, smiling, helping out others; all of these are small ways to radiate positivity and embed a better version of you into daily life.

?I hope that this was helpful, as this was also a reminder to myself. May Allah accept all our efforts within Ramadan and beyond!