Ramadan always arrives with an irreplaceable charm. It gently knocks on the doors of hearts long shut by worldly busyness. It paints the skies with a different hue—where nights come alive and days become a space for cultivating patience. Yet, there is a recurring irony: during Ramadan, the spirit of worship is high; but once it departs, so too does that fervor. Mosques return to silence, Qur’ans close once more, and the night loses its light.

After Ramadan, many people fall back into old habits: hurried prayers, dusty Qur’ans, and hearts closed off from reverence. It's as if devotion is only relevant in a particular month. Some even feel “liberated” when Ramadan ends, as if Ramadan was a prison and Shawwal is their freedom. This is a serious symptom. When worship becomes a seasonal routine rather than a spiritual need, that’s when faith begins to wither.

Then we must ask ourselves: for whom do we truly worship? Is it Allah we seek, or simply the spirit of Ramadan? If our devotion only blossoms in Ramadan, perhaps it is not Allah we are worshipping, but the momentary atmosphere. This is where we must reflect deeply: are we servants of Allah, or merely servants of Ramadan?

The Seasonal Phenomenon and Spiritual Crisis

Seasonal religious enthusiasm is nothing new. Across many faith-based communities, spiritual excitement tends to revolve around major events: Ramadan, Eid, the Prophet’s birthday, or even during times of disaster. But once the moment passes, the spiritual flame dims again. Worship turns into a hollow ritual—or is abandoned altogether.

Yet Allah emphasizes in the Qur’an:

"And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death)."
(QS. Al-Ḥijr: 99)

This verse is a spiritual declaration: worship is a lifelong journey that ends only at death. We do not stop worshiping just because Ramadan is over. In fact, Ramadan comes to reinforce our steps along this endless path.

Ramadan Is a School, Not the Destination

Ramadan is a school for the soul—a madrasah. It is not the ultimate goal, but a phase of spiritual formation. We are trained to rediscover ourselves, to recognize the boundaries of our desires, and to heighten our awareness of God’s presence. But the value of this process is not measured by how devout we are during it—but by how much change we bring out of it.

Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali, a renowned scholar from Al-Azhar, once said:
“It is not Ramadan that brings you close to Allah, but your humbled heart and consistent deeds after it.”

The real question, then, is not “What did we do during Ramadan?” but rather, “What did we carry with us after Ramadan?”

Shaykh Ali Jum'ah also once said:
“One who only worships in Ramadan is like a shopkeeper who opens their store just one month a year and expects great profit. Such a person is deceived by temporary zeal, not guided by love for Allah.”

The Companions’ Example: Fearing Ramadan’s End

The Prophet’s companions set a profound example in how they treated Ramadan. Their enthusiasm was not limited to the beginning—they wept at the end. Not because they missed skipping lunch, but out of fear that their deeds would not be accepted.

For six months after Ramadan, they would pray that their deeds were accepted. And for the next six months, they would pray to be reunited with the coming Ramadan. A never-ending spiritual cycle that reflects how Ramadan was just one chapter in a lifelong faith journey.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if small.”
(HR. Bukhari and Muslim)

This hadith is a foundational lesson in spiritual growth. Consistency outweighs intensity. Two nightly rak'ahs done regularly are better than a hundred performed on one odd night of Ramadan, only to be forgotten afterward.

Worship as a Way Home

In a world that is fast and loud, worship should be our way home. It is not a burden or an empty routine—it is a tranquil space where we rediscover our purpose. If we could fast, control our emotions, and dedicate time to the Qur’an during Ramadan, why must it all end with a turn of the calendar?

Yes, the devils are unleashed after Ramadan—but weren’t we equipped with spiritual armor for a whole month? Haven’t we been trained to be mindful fighters? Ramadan should leave a mark. If not, perhaps we only enjoyed its atmosphere—not its essence.

Staying Steadfast Beyond Ramadan

So how do we maintain spiritual momentum after Ramadan?

• Continue worship habits, no matter how small. Make Qur’an recitation, charity, or night prayers part of your routine—even in small doses. A little, done consistently, is better than a lot done occasionally.
• Don’t wait for another moment to change. Don’t wait for the next Ramadan, a disaster, or another “spiritual vibe.” Every day is a new chance to become better.
• Create a personal worship schedule. Writing down daily or weekly targets for Qur’an reading, voluntary fasting, or charity can help build consistency.
• Surround yourself with righteous communities. Worship is easier when nurtured in a supportive environment. Join study circles and spiritual gatherings.

Return to Being Allah’s Servants

We are not servants of Ramadan. We are servants of Allah. Ramadan is merely the vehicle to draw closer to Him. But the journey must go on. Allah never leaves—we are the ones who distance ourselves.

May we preserve the spark of faith ignited during Ramadan. And may we not simply become good for one month, only to return to old ways. For our Lord is the Lord of every month, every day, every moment.

Be God-centered, not Ramadan-centered.
كن ربانياً، ولا تكن رمضانياً

This article was written by a lecturer at the Faculty of Dirasat Islamiyah, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, and was published by Detik on March 29, 2025. The article can be accessed here.