The beautiful month of Ramadan has passed, leaving most of us feeling sad and a little empty.

Days spent fasting have ended, nights spent doing Taraweeh and in worship have vanished, and family get-togethers for Iftar breaking fast have disappeared.

We miss the special feeling in our hearts – that one that kept us going despite our hunger and thirst. Many of us are afraid of the inevitable. That our busy schedules will catch up to us, making us fall back into our old routines and habits.

But, this doesn’t have to be the case. With a little dedication and some careful planning, you can keep the Ramadan momentum strong all year round.

Be Proactive in Shawwal, the Month After Ramadan

Shawwal is the 10th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar and begins its first day with Eid Al-Fitr. Many of us know it as the month after Ramadan and often don’t think much about it aside from Eid. However, there are also many opportunities for reward in it.

The six days of Shawwal are voluntary fasts one can observe in the month. Doing so holds immense rewards, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.”

Muslim

Fasting on the first day of Shawwal is prohibited, because this is when Eid Al-Fitr takes place. However, afterwards, one can fast for six days at any time during the month before its end. If it’s accepted by Allah (SWT), then the believer reaps the rewards of a year of fasting.

In turn, being the month straight after Ramadan, Shawwal is also a time to reflect on and continue the good habits we’ve built in the blessed month. To strengthen those habits, as well as our hearts and minds, for the months ahead.

Stay God-Conscious, Always

Firstly, it’s important to remind ourselves that the blessed month of Ramadan provides us with the perfect opportunity and the tools to reboot spiritually and to get closer to Allah (SWT). In fact, Ramadan is supposed to increase your faith and God-consciousness:

“Believers! Fasting has been prescribed for you–as it was prescribed for those before you–so that you may be conscious of God.”

Quran 2:183

But it shouldn’t end there. We should strive to be conscious of God at all times, not just during certain times of the year.

A simple way you can do this is through dhikr (Remembrance of God), through repeated du’a (supplications) or Qur’an recitations.

Prioritise Prayer Over Everything

During the month of Ramadan, many of us spend more time in devotion and prayer. One way to keep your Ramadan spirit alive and well throughout the year is by prioritising your prayers.

For example, if you usually pray late, start praying on time. If you don’t pray regularly, try sticking to the obligatory five. If you find yourself distracted during prayer, try being more present when you kneel in devotion to God. Consistency is key.

Build your relationship with the Qur’an

One of the key things Ramadan leaves us with is a closeness to the Qur’an. We listen to it, pray behind an imaam leading it, and try to increase our relationship with it. And with great reason!

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Recite the Qur’an, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite it”

Sahih Muslim

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “One who is proficient in reciting the Qur’an is associated with the noble, pious (angel) scribes. As for he who stammers when reciting the Qur’an and find it difficult for him, he will be granted a double reward.”

Sahih Muslim

In the month of Shawwal, try to double down on your relationship with the Qur’an. Here are some key tips:

• Set aside a time daily to recite it, even if it as less as 10 minutes
• Accompany recitation with memorisation (of chosen parts) and understanding through Tafsir
• Try to internalise what you are reciting and reflect on the meaning.
• Join a Qur’an class to improve your tajweed, and thus recite the Qur’an as it should be recite it
• Set goals for what you want to achieve in your Qur’anic journey – perhaps completing it once every few months can be an attainable goal (with the ultimate aim of completing it once a month!)

Fast Regularly

While we are obligated to fast during the holy month of Ramadan, remember you can fast regularly throughout the year.

In addition to six fasts of Shawwal, there are many opportunities to fast outside of Ramadan. In fact, Aishah (RA) narrated:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) used to try to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.”

Tirmidhi, Nasai, and Ibn Majah

Fasting is another act of worship and its rewards are immense, so don’t underestimate the magnitude of what you could gain by following our beloved Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Sunnah.

Give Generously

Ramadan is also known as the month of charity; it is narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous during this blessed month.

But remember, your generosity and charity don’t have to stop at Ramadan. In fact, giving charity holds special significance in Islam with the Prophet (ﷺ) saying:

“The believer’s shade on the Day of Judgement will be his charity.”

Musnad Ahmad

As we live in increasingly challenging times and in a world where the level of human suffering is unprecedented, a small amount of charity could go a long way for someone in need.

A great way to give to charity all year round is by finding a cause that you’re passionate about and setting up a regular monthly donation, even if it’s just $2. That way, not only will you take the hassle out of donating, but you’ll be creating long-term change.