What if I feel lazy this Ramadan? Lazy i.e Feeling Unworthy

The Mid-Ramadan Burnout

As we enter the second half of Ramadan, many of us begin to feel the weight of the month. The energy and enthusiasm of the first week may start to fade, and distractions slowly creep in, clouding our focus.

Changes in our sleep patterns, busy schedules, and the repetition of daily routines can leave us feeling drained. In moments like this, the heart needs a reset.

Bring yourself back when you are distracted

What if I feel a bit lazy this Ramadan? What if there are other things that are more ‘interesting’ than reading the Qur’an and standing in prayer? What if I’m just a bit overwhelmed with Ramadan as a whole?

The middle part of Ramadan is distracting for some of us. With Iftar parties, bazaars and the mere lazy feeling, we need to bring ourselves back to the purpose of Ramadan.

To do so, be aware of your habits, acknowledge your shortcomings, and find ways to lessen the distractions. Start by re-prioritising what matters.

Remember the group that is most at loss.

If you ever feel lazy in Ramadan and need a bit of a reminder about why you should continue to persevere, remember the saying of the Prophet ﷺ:

“There are people who fast and get nothing from their fast except hunger, and there are those who pray and get nothing from their prayer but a sleepless night.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 1690)

This Hadith was trying to point to a group of people who do not gain anything from Ramadan, when Ramadan is the best time to gain these rewards. Imagine a million dollars presented to you and you simply shrug it off. Ramadan is the million dollar ticket to forgiveness and the pleasure of Allah SWT.

Pick yourself back up slowly

While getting up from the slump may be excrutiating and challenging, small progress always prevails. Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.”

(Musnad Aḥmad 8600)

If reading 1 Juz is hard, then read a few pages, even if 1 page. If donating is hard, then give only a dollar. If 4 Rakaat of Tahajjud is hard, then do 2 instead. Slow down a bit, but don’t stop! When you slowly pick yourself back up with sincerity, ask Allah to give you strength and motivation!

Treat this Ramadan like your last

If there is something that can push us, it is the thought of death. Imagine if this was the final Ramadan for you. Would you still want to wait until the next time round to do the best you can? Wire your mind to make everyday matter, as if Ramadan will not return.

In a weak narration, it was said that the Prophet ﷺ reminded:

كفى بالموت واعظا

“Death is a sufficient reminder” (Tabrani)*

*Although the narration is weak and should not be confidently attributed to the Prophet ﷺ, the lesson it conveys can still serve as a meaningful reminder.

Remind yourself you are not too late

We often resort to unhealthy comparisons and succumb to our insecurities when we see others thriving in Ramadan, and ourselves slacking. This then dampens our own spirits, making us even less motivated to do better.

Remember that there is no such thing as too little or too late. Even if you reached the last day of Ramadan, and you want to start, know that every intention and effort will not go to waste. Find comfort in this Hadith:

Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “If the Final Hour comes while you have a shoot of a plant in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.”

(Adab Al-Mufrad)