Ramadan is often described as a time of renewal, a month of spiritual elevation, deep worship, and transformation. Yet, for many, it can feel overwhelming.
The aspiration to make the most of this sacred month was always there, but the energy and motivation to act may not always have followed.
It is easy to believe that, without motivation, actions are meaningless.
Ramadan is teaching us a different truth
Every day, we have fasted, not because we always feel like it, but because we know it is best for us.
We have pushed through hunger and thirst to understand its higher purpose. This alone proves that we have the ability to act for our own good, even when we do not feel like it.
The same principle applies to our spiritual efforts. Motivation is not a prerequisite for action; it is a result of action!
We might never begin, if we wait until we feel ready before fasting, praying, or engaging in other worship.
Ramadan has made it clear to us that, by taking small steps — even without motivation — we train our minds and hearts to follow.
Striving comes before ease
Allah says,
Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” [1]
Ramadan is a training ground for self-discipline.
The hunger of fasting has not been erased by willpower, but by the deep conviction that we are striving for something greater.
And this practice extends beyond food and drink. It applies to our actions, thoughts, and habits.
Allah says,
And those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.” [2]
The key here is striving.
Before we are given guidance, ease, or fulfilment, we must first make the effort.
The struggle itself is so valuable.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.
Be eager for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not give up.” [3]
This hadīth tells us that our strength is not measured by how easy something feels, but by our willingness to keep trying.
The nafs (self) naturally resists discomfort and seeks ease, preferring immediate relief over long-term benefit. But Ramadan has taught us that true growth comes from overcoming that resistance.
By fasting, standing in prayer, and engaging in worship despite our desires, we have been training the nafs rather than being controlled by it.
This mastery over the self is what has undoubtedly strengthened our faith, refined our character, and deepened our connection with Allah.
Motivation follows action, not the other way
One of the biggest misconceptions about motivation is that it must come before action.
In reality, it is action that creates motivation.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.” [4a] [4b]
This a principle for life!
Small, consistent actions shape our thoughts and emotions over time.
Our brains are constantly forming and reinforcing neural pathways. Every time we engage in a behaviour, whether positive or negative, our brain strengthens that pathway, making it easier to repeat.
This is why, the more we avoid an action, the harder it becomes to start it; but the more we engage in it, the more natural it feels.
Think of it like a path in a field:
- If you walk the same route every day, the grass flattens, and the path becomes clear.
- If you stop walking that route, the grass grows back, and the path eventually disappears.
- If you start a new path, it may feel difficult at first, but over time it becomes just as easy to walk.
This is exactly how habits and emotions work.
If we consistently avoid prayer, social interactions, or engaging in uplifting activities, our brains reinforce avoidance pathways.
But if we push ourselves to take action despite feeling low, we create new pathways that make those actions easier and more fulfilling over time.
Modern psychology supports this approach.
Studies in the Lancet and JAMA Psychiatry show that re-engaging in positive actions, even when motivation is low, is one of the most effective ways to improve mood. [5] [6]
By taking small, consistent steps, we reshape our thoughts, strengthen our faith, and develop resilience.
Practical steps to reignite motivation
Commit to the smallest possible action
Do not aim for overwhelming change.
Start with what is manageable. Read a short portion of the Qur’ān.
Make a short du’ā once a day. Attend one congregational salah.
Each small act builds momentum.
Use Ramadan’s structure to anchor habits
The month is nearly over, but we can still seek to tie new habits to existing Ramadan routines and carry them into Shawwāl and beyond.
Read a little Qur’ān before breaking fast. Make dhikr after suhūr. Give in charity on Fridays.
By linking habits to fixed points in the day, they become easier to maintain.
Push yourself beyond your comfort zone
If staying at home feels easier, challenge yourself to attend the masjid.
If avoiding social interactions feels tempting, engage in a community initiative.
Every time you push past the initial resistance, you weaken its hold over you.
Recognise progress and reward yourself
Take time to reflect on your progress.
Write down moments of achievement, whether spiritual or personal.
Reward yourself for maintaining consistency, as positive reinforcement strengthens habits.
Formula for long-term change
Ramadan is more than a recurring spiritual event; it is a training ground for life.
We learn from it, that motivation does not come from waiting, but from doing.
The act of striving, of pushing forward despite internal resistance, is what brings ease and clarity.
The Prophet ﷺ reassured us,
Whoever walks towards Allah, Allah runs towards him.” [7]
Allah does not expect perfection.
He does not ask that we feel spiritually high all the time!
What He asks is that we take the steps, even when they feel heavy, knowing that He is meeting us with His mercy.
Do not wait for motivation. Act, even if it is small. Keep striving, keep asking Allah for help, and know that every effort, every prayer, every verse, every moment of discipline, is leading you closer to the light.
As Allah says,
And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah — then He is sufficient for him.
Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” [8]
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] al-Qur’ān, 94:6
[2] al-Qur’ān, 29:69
[3] Sahīh Muslim, 2,664; https://sunnah.com/muslim:2664
[4a] Sahīh al-Bukhārī, 6,464; https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6464
[4b] Sahīh Muslim, 2,818; https://sunnah.com/muslim:2818
[5] Richards, D. et al. (2017). The Lancet, 389(10077), 2214-2225.
[6] Cuijpers, P. et al. (2013). JAMA Psychiatry, 70(8), 828-839.
[7] Sahīh Muslim, 2,675; https://sunnah.com/muslim:2675
[8] al-Qur’ān, 65:3
