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If we were to consider our spiritual growth journey, what is our spiritual age?

Are we spiritual infants, toddlers, teenagers, or adults?

We often talk about taking ‘baby steps’ towards Allah.

Yes, starting little and gradually increasing in devotion isn’t wrong, but we sometimes lack the sense of urgency that’s required.

Yes, our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stressed the importance of being gradual and not burning out, but he also taught us a religion that fully immerses us, shakes us from our slumber, and moves us with urgency.

Allah rewards a single good deed by manifolding it by at least ten.

One sin incurs only one punishment, or Allah may choose to forgive.

If we move towards Him, Allah moves towards us even faster.

If we walk towards Him, He runs towards us.

Even if we come to Him burdened with sins, so long as we acknowledge His Oneness, He meets us with equal forgiveness.

Understanding this, why do we treat our relationship with Allah mediocrally?

Why do we not make progress year after year during Ramadan?

Surely, instead of taking baby steps, we can take strides in our journey towards Allah.

If we understand the value of striving for His paradise and the beauty of being close to Him, surely nothing can deter us from taking these bold steps.

This is a time to move forward and uproot the tendencies of complacency in our journey towards Allah.

Happiness in observing religious occasions shouldn’t descend into heedlessness.

It’s a momentary break to start up again stronger than ever.

I’ve fallen off my daily Ramadan practices. What should I do?

Step 1: Forgive yourself. While Ramadan creates an environment of developing powerful habits, it can be hard to transition back to normal life with all of them.

Step 2: the 2-day rule.

This rule is a common habit-building strategy where missing a day of a new habit can happen, missing two days in a row should be strictly avoided.

This strategy helps prevent the formation of a new habit of not performing the habit.

Applying this rule helps sustain the positive behaviors cultivated during Ramadan, such as regular salaah, reading the Quran, or performing acts of charity.

Thus, the spiritual growth achieved isn't lost but rather built upon throughout the year.

Remember, following a prophetic life by the sunnah is a journey. We will falter, but when we take a step forward in the path, Allah comes ten steps forward.

Let these trials inspire us to do more, treat each day differently, and make significant strides in our spiritual journey and social commitments.

May Allah guide us to the best version of ourselves for our spiritual growth.

May we be blessed, may our efforts during Ramadan be accepted, and may every day ahead of us be a day we step closer to Allah.