When it feels like you're not doing enough...

Assalaamu'alaykum, 

I had a moment this Ramadan, though we’re only a few days in, where it felt like this blessed month was slipping through my fingers. 

I haven’t done enough. I’m not making the most of it. I should be doing more. 

The thoughts swirled in my mind, until a heaviness settled in.

At the start, we set intentions, make ambitious plans and remind ourselves to pace our efforts. Yet, there’s this deep urge within us to race, to do everything…

Praying all the Sunnahs. Reading and reflecting on the Qur'an. Studying tafsir. Memorising surahs. Reciting morning and evening adhkar. Standing in the night prayer. Giving sadaqah generously. Continuously turning our hearts to du'aa, and more and more…

All in anticipation of receiving the full blessings of this beautiful month. 

While these are the best aspirations we strive for, if they’re not met with a healthy sense of what’s realistically doable given your own personal circumstances, energy levels and spiritual capacity - stacking them all at once can become counterproductive.  

Falling short of these high expectations often leads to disappointment, procrastination, distractions and self-criticism, creating a cycle that leaves you feeling immobilised and discouraged, rather than spiritually uplifted.

When I noticed this anxiety brewing within, a rising feeling that I wasn’t doing enough, I paused, took a step back and allowed myself a few centering deep breaths.

Then, I reflected on the past six days, acknowledging all that Allah had graciously enabled me to do.

I asked myself: Have my efforts improved compared to before Ramadan?

Alhamdulillah, the honest answer was yes.

Perhaps the growth wasn’t as dramatic as I had initially envisioned, but it was there.

Recognising this positive shift brought a sense of comfort and gratitude.  

The needle had moved forward and I took a moment to thank Allah for that. 

With the emotion of gratefulness washing over my heart and soul, it lifted some of the weight inside. 

In its place, I felt a renewed sense of energy and a fresh sense of purpose.

I was reminded to slow down and sit inside the pockets of what I’m already doing with a sharper focus on my intentions and a deeper purification of actions. 

To not just do with motion and cognition, but to bring my heart into it fully. Because I know that with sincerity and presence, my ibaadah will be elevated, InshaAllah.

And after all, our ibaadah isn't just about ticking off boxes, it's about the purity of our intentions. 

I like to think of our purest intentions as the finest fuel powering our engines, propelling us forward with sincerity and devotion. 

Because in the end, it’s not the sheer quantity of our worship that matters most, but the quality, the depth of presence, the sincerity of the heart and the love and trust with which we turn to Allah SWT.

Alhamdulillah, I can say I feel more at peace, grounded and motivated to keep moving that needle forward, preparing my heart for the last ten nights, hoping to witness Laylatul Qadr.

Allahumma Ballighna Laylatul Qadr

O Allah, let us reach the Night of Decree.

With trust in Allah’s mercy, I know that His help is near and He (Al Fattah) will open the doors to more ibaadah and even greater rewards, bi'ithnillah ta'ala.

To the dear soul who feels like their efforts are not enough, pause for a moment and try these three steps:

1. Find a quiet space. Take a few deep breaths, letting the rush of thoughts and worries settle. Open your mind and heart to the present moment.
2. Look back at the past few days of Ramadan. Notice even the smallest areas of growth - perhaps you've been reading a little more Qur'an, making more du'aa, or offering extra Sunnah prayers and Taraweeh. Let gratitude fill your heart as you acknowledge these steps. Know that your efforts are seen and valued by Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing), and deeply appreciated by Ash-Shakoor (The Most Appreciative).
3. Consider what would move the needle just a little further. Set a heartfelt intention to build upon what you've already started - perhaps an extra page of Qur'an, reflecting on just one ayah, memorising a single verse, or making more heartfelt duaas. Do it with sincerity, gratitude and presence of heart, knowing that if you are grateful, Allah will increase you [14:7].

Alhamdulillah, know that it all counts. Keep going, because the size of the deed is not what matters, but the weight of your intention and your personal effort. 

We are all on our own individual journeys, so don’t let comparisons or negative thoughts rob you of your Ramadan!    

PS: Take the Spiritual Confidence Quiz – discover your unique strengths and growth areas when it comes to showing up with faith-led confidence. Take the quiz here .

Reflection of the Week

Are you measuring your Ramadan by quantity rather than presence?

Reflect on the sincerity behind what you have done and identify ways you can bring more presence into your ibaadah, moving forward. 

Dua of the Week

رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.