Barely a few weeks post Ramadhan, most of us have drifted back into the same state we were in prior to the Holy Month, unlike when we revved up our Ibadah (submission to God) and almost turned our backs to the dunya (Worldly possessions). One may wonder why it is so hard to keep the same diligent practice, in order to search for this answer, maybe we can think about what can be done to maintain our gains.
Just like Rome, Islam was not developed in a day, not even within the period of one month, it took twenty three years of gradual revelation from Angel Jibril to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as he prepared for forty years to receive the divine message. After Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) taught his companions bit by bit about Islam, he was able to declare “this day I have perfected your religion for you” during his last Hajj (Pilgrimage) which took place ten years after Hijra (migration from Mecca to Medina).
Sometimes we get that spark of positive intent to boost our Iman (faith) which in itself is a blessing through our salah (prayer), fasting, reading the Quran or giving sadaqah (charity) and other good deeds. As a result, we build up the zeal to pray all the extra Sunnah (optional prayer) daily, optional fasting on Mondays and Thursdays and give a lot of charity. However, the intentions to improve on our faith becomes difficult, as time, family, work and finances overwhelm and occupy our schedule.
Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) 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”. One of the companions, Bilal was granted admission to Jannah (paradise) for simply praying two rakkah (sets) of prayer after every ablution, showing that a short simple prayer done consistently can account for larger deeds.
Despite your level of religiosity, one can always find something small to do in order to increase his/her faith. For example, if one has not been steadfast in prayer, it will be easier to start with just fardh (compulsory) prayers than to pile up with all the nawafil (supererogatory optional) prayers. If you were not so charitable before, start with giving small amounts every Friday even if you are able to give more. It might seem counter-intuitive but the long term benefit is immense.
Smaller habits are far easier to pick up and make them apart of your daily routine. There are things one does without much effort but if he/she were to see someone else starting out, one will wonder how they too coped in that position at one time. For instance, reading this article with ease was not the same case as when one was a child, which required him/her to connect the letters to make up a sentence, a paragraph and finally move up to reading an entire book on their own.
These smaller habits are also easier to perfect both in practice and in intention. It would be a waste to have been praying for so many years and fail to fulfill the pillars, conditions and obligations of prayer. However, while the nine conditions, fourteen pillars and eight obligations may seem like too much to accomplish for each prayer, it is okay to start small like that child who was learning to read the letters.
It takes less effort to start small. If you want to start giving out sadaqah (charity) but you want to give out more money than you have, then you will never be able to achieve this goal. However, if you lack the money but have the intention to give out charity, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said “even a smile is charity”. A group of the poorest Sahabas (Companions of the Prophet) once complained to Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) that the rich are taking all the rewards because not only did they perform the prayers but also were in a position to give out enormous amounts in charity. Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) replied “all good deeds are considered as charity, including saying tasbih (glorification) and smiling at each other”.
Other non-costly deeds include kindness and generosity to neighbors, looking out for your parents and kin and speaking kind words. Start taking the small step and always remember Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said “do not regard any good deed as insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face”.
Written By: Sadique AJ
Edited By: Fatma Adam
