Setting Intentions
Excited for Ramadan, you make plans and convert your highest aspirations to your expectations for the month: reading more Quran, going to the masjid for taraweeh, donating to various projects, and hoping to find some portion of the night for Qiyamul Layl.
However, the person creating these targets is not the same person tasked with implementing them when Ramadan comes around. The planner makes the plan while motivation, ambition, energy, and emotions are high. The doer must be able to execute the plan without those advantages, while hungry, tired, demotivated, and occupied with other responsibilities that come with this life.
For this Ramadan, set your intentions not only for the days when the doer has high energy and motivation—the sunny days—but also for the days when the doer is struggling, unmotivated, and drained—the rainy days.
Allah reminds us:
أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوٓا۟ أَن يَقُولُوا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ
"Do people think once they say, ‘We believe,’ that they will be left without being put to the test?"
(Quran 29:2)
Though we are encouraged to strive and do our best, the weakness of our humanity ought to be planned for, for it will rain in Ramadan, and if we plan for it now, we will be well equipped with our spiritual umbrellas to keep ourselves on track, continuing to seek the most from this month.
Have a plan for both good days and bad days
Ramadan is a marathon, not a sprint. Some days, you’ll feel energized and spiritually high, ready to complete a full juz, stand long in qiyam, and make abundant dhikr. Other days, exhaustion will set in—you might be juggling work, family, responsibilities, or simply feeling drained. Instead of relying on fluctuating motivation, plan ahead for both your best and toughest days.
If your ideal Ramadan day includes reciting a full juz, ensure you have a fallback for the days when that feels out of reach—perhaps reading just a page or even a handful of verses. If you usually stand for long taraweeh, allow yourself the option of praying shorter rak‘aat with deep presence instead of forcing yourself through fatigue. The key is to avoid an all-or-nothing mindset and to remember that even small efforts hold immense weight in the sight of Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6464)
By building a plan that accommodates both high-energy and low-energy days, you ensure that your Ramadan remains consistent and rewarding, no matter the circumstances.
Focus on quality over quantity
It’s easy to fall into the mindset of measuring Ramadan by numbers: How many pages did I read? How many rak‘aat did I pray? How many du’as did I make? While setting numerical goals can be useful, true success in Ramadan is not just about quantity—it’s about sincerity.
Allah reminds us in Surah Mulk:
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَٱلْحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٢
˹He is the One˺ Who created death and life in order to test which of you is best in deeds. And He is the Almighty, All-Forgiving. (Quran 67:2)
Notice how Allah says "best in deeds" rather than "most in deeds." This means that what matters is the sincerity, presence, and effort behind your actions, not just how much you accomplish. A heartfelt ayah, recited with reflection and love, is more powerful than a rushed khatam. A short but deeply focused dua is better than a long list of words recited mindlessly.
If you find yourself overwhelmed, shift your focus to intentionality. Make each act of worship meaningful—read with contemplation, pray with devotion, and engage in dhikr with mindfulness. Your efforts are not about keeping up with others; they are about strengthening your personal connection with Allah.
Make this Ramadan yours
Ramadan is not meant to be a one-size-fits-all experience. Your journey is yours alone. While it's inspiring to hear stories of people completing multiple khatams, praying all night, or engaging in acts of worship that seem unattainable, remember that Allah has given each of us unique circumstances, strengths, and capacities. Your Ramadan does not have to look like someone else’s to be meaningful.
The beauty of Laylatul Qadr is a perfect reminder of this:
A single night in which sincere worship is worth more than 80 years. That means no matter how your Ramadan is going, there is always an opportunity to make the most of it. Even if you feel behind, even if you didn’t start strong, and even if you’ve struggled—Allah’s mercy is infinite, and every small effort counts.
Instead of feeling pressured to meet external expectations, focus on what you can do with sincerity and consistency. Whether it’s five minutes of Quran, a whispered dua, or a simple act of charity, it all matters.
This Ramadan, embrace where you are, give your best within your own capacity, and trust that Allah values every effort you make. Your worship is seen, your struggles are known, and your efforts are appreciated by the One who matters most.
May Allah grant us the best of what we wish for in this month, and May Allah grant us the beneit of Ramadan that he granted to the Prophet ﷺ and the righteous that followed his way.
By Cameron Neary
