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​As we reach the middle of Ramadan, it is natural for some to feel a dip in motivation or physical tiredness. However, we must remember the words of Allah and the Prophet ﷺ  to reignite our spirits. In a Sahih Hadith, the Prophet (pbuh) said that the smell of the fasting person's mouth is more beloved to Allah than the scent of musk. This reminds us that Allah appreciates every sacrifice made for His sake.

​The ultimate "end product" of Ramadan is to gain Taqwa (God-consciousness). As Allah says in the Quran:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous [achieve Taqwa].” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

​Here are the key goals to help us achieve that transformation:

​1. Building a Strong Connection with the Quran

​In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185), Allah connects the month of Ramadan specifically to the Quran:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَان

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran.

Consistency is the key. Do not let a single day pass without reciting. Every year, the Angel Jibreel ﷺ  would review the entire Quran with the Prophet ﷺ . In the Prophet's final year, they reviewed it twice. This is why we strive to complete the recitation and engage in Tadabbur (deep reflection) on the meanings. It tells us the importance of more engagement with al-Quran in this month.

​2. Attaining Self-Control

​Ramadan is a training ground for the soul. The Prophet ﷺ  taught us that the true "Mujahid" (struggler) is the one who fights against their own lower desires (Nafs) (Al-Tirmidhi: 1621). In various hadiths, we find the various forms that help to achieve this goal.

• ​Patience: If someone provokes or insults you, the Sunnah is to remain calm and say, "I am fasting." (Sahih Bukhari: 1904) and Sahih Muslim:1151)
• ​Beyond Hunger: If we cannot control our tongues or our tempers, Allah does not need us to simply go hungry. By making Halal things (like food and water) forbidden during the day, Allah trains us to stay away from Haram things for the rest of the year.

​3. Charity and Empathy (Sadaqah)

​The word Sadaqah comes from the root meaning "truth," (Sidq) as giving charity confirms the truth of one's faith. ​Ibn Abbas (ra) reported: ​"The Messenger of Allah ﷺ  was the most generous of all people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when Jibreel met him... he was more generous than the blowing wind." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3554). Fasting allows us to feel the hunger that the poor feel daily. It moves charity from a theoretical concept to a practical, felt experience of empathy. In Ramadan, little or big, we need to make some charities on a daily basis.

​4. Strengthening the Bonds

​From Taraweeh prayers to Iftar gatherings and Zakat al-Fitr, Ramadan is designed to heal relationships. Meeting, greeting and spending time together make the bonds stronger and repair the issues in relationships.

The Quranic ayat “Do not let the people of virtue and affluence among you swear to suspend donations to their relatives, the needy, and the emigrants in the cause of Allah. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love to be forgiven by Allah? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran: 24: 22) reminds of a position to be taken by Muslims in forgiving and pardoning.

Some people spread a false rumor about Aisha bint Abi Bakr (ra). The rumor was not true, and later Allah revealed verses in the Qur’an proving her innocence. Among those who repeated the rumor was Mistah ibn Uthatha (ra). He was poor, and Abu Bakr (ra) used to financially support him. When Abu Bakr found out, he was hurt and decided to stop helping him. But when the abovementioned ayat was revealed, Abu Bakr  (ra) said, “Yes, by Allah, I love that Allah should forgive me,” and he continued supporting Mistah.

​5. Reviving the Night Prayer (Qiyam)

​The Prophet ﷺ  said: "Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and hoping for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Sahih al-Bukhari: 1901). ​While Taraweeh is vital, the last third of the night (Tahajjud) is the most special time for private connection with Allah. During the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ  would tighten His waist belt (meaning he prepared Himself for intense worship), pray throughout the entire night, and encourage His family to do the same.

​6. Attachment to the Mosque

​We should strive to be like the person the Prophet ﷺ described as ​​"...and a man whose heart is attached to the mosques." (Sahih Bukhari: 1423). This month trains us to increase our physical and spiritual presence in the House of Allah.

​7. The Power of Dua and Dhikr

​Immediately after the verses of fasting, Allah says:

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ

 "And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me" (2:186).

• ​Dua Bucket List: Make a list of your deepest needs and ask during the "golden hours": before Iftar, during Tahajjud, and on Laylatul Qadr.
• ​Moist Tongue: Keep your tongue busy with the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) instead of idle talk or excessive phone use.

​Conclusion

By focusing on these seven steps, we can reach the ultimate goal: Taqwa. When we finish this month, may our hearts shine with purity and our sins be forgiven. May Allah accept our efforts and allow this Ramadan to be our best one yet.

About the author:

Sayyidat Athika is interested in reading and researching about parenting, spirituality and family leadership.