Ramadan is not just a month—it’s a journey. A journey of the heart, the soul, and the self. Sometimes, we enter Ramadan with big aspirations, eager to make the most of every moment. But as the days pass, we may find ourselves feeling overwhelmed. The key? Take it one step at a time.
Small Steps, Big Rewards
Allah reminds us in the Qur’an: "So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me." (Qur’an 2:152)
Every act of worship, no matter how small, is seen and appreciated by Allah. Whether it’s reciting one verse, making a single heartfelt du’a, or resisting anger when provoked—each effort brings us closer to Him.
Intentions Over Perfection
It’s easy to feel discouraged when we fall short of our goals. Maybe you planned to finish the entire Qur’an but can only manage a few pages a day. Maybe you wanted to pray tahajjud every night but can only do it once a week. That’s okay. Ramadan is about steady progress, not perfection.
Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, celebrate what you are doing and build on it. Here are some ways to keep moving forward:
- Qur’an Reading: If reading a full juz feels overwhelming, try setting a timer for 10 minutes and read whatever you can in that time. Reflect on just one verse deeply. You can even use Tarteel to ease recitation and explore the meaning and tafseer of each ayah.
Even the Prophet ﷺ said, “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small” (Bukhari & Muslim). remember coming across an ayah in the Qur’an where Allah says: “Indeed, the recitation of Fajr (dawn) is ever witnessed.” (Qur’an 17:78)
That verse hit me deeply. It made me realize that if reading the Qur'an during the day feels overwhelming, the best thing I could do was start small—right after Fajr. Even if it’s just one ayah or one page, that time is special. It’s witnessed by the angels, and you’ll feel its blessings unfold throughout your day.
So, I encourage you: make a promise to yourself this Ramadan—right after Fajr, before rushing into your day, take a moment to read even a single verse. Hold onto this habit even after Ramadan, and watch how your life transforms. I swear, this changed me for the better, and I know it can do the same for you. - Tahajjud: If waking up every night is hard, start by praying just two rak‘ahs before bed. The goal is to build the habit, not overwhelm yourself. Allah says: “So fear Allah as much as you are able” (Qur’an 64:16).
- Dhikr & Du’a: If you struggle with long du’as, pick one or two and say them with sincerity. Even repeating SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar throughout the day carries immense rewards.
- Fasting Beyond Food: If you slip up by speaking harshly or wasting time, don’t give up. Instead, make a conscious effort to guard your tongue and your time the next day. The Prophet ﷺ reminded us, “Whoever does not give up false speech and bad actions, Allah has no need for him to leave his food and drink” (Bukhari).
Every effort, no matter how small, is valuable. Take one step at a time, and trust that Allah sees and loves every sincere effort you make. Keep going—you’re doing better than you think.
A Journey of the Heart
Ramadan is a time of mercy, love, and transformation. It’s not just about fasting from food and drink—it’s about fasting from bad habits, harmful words, and negative thoughts. With every small step we take, Allah is guiding us closer to Him.
"And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways." (Qur’an 29:69)
So, if you feel like you’re not doing enough, remember: Allah sees your effort. Every moment of patience, every whispered prayer, every sincere tear is an act of worship. Keep moving forward—one step at a time—and trust that Allah will bring you closer to Him in the most beautiful way.
May this Ramadan be filled with ease, growth, and endless blessings. Allahumma Ameen.
Written by Kareema H
