It is a common observation that mosques are full in the first week of Ramadan and on the 27th night, but attendance fades in between. This inconsistency shows that many Muslims approach Ramadan as a seasonal event rather than a way of life. The challenge is to shift from ritualistic Islam to living Islam with love for Allah.
Why Does This Happen?
1 Short-Term Emotional Drive, Not Deep Commitment
Many Muslims begin Ramadan with excitement but lack a long-term vision. They see it as a temporary challenge rather than an opportunity to transform their life.
• They seek quick rewards (blessings, forgiveness) but don’t work on lasting change.
• They focus on external rituals (prayers, fasting) but not inner purification.
• They fear hellfire but don’t develop love for Allah.
• “And among them are those who worship Allah on the edge. If good befalls them, they are content; but if a trial befalls them, they turn back.” (Quran 22:11)
2 Focus on Fear, Not Love of Allah
Many are taught to worship Allah out of fear of punishment rather than love for Him. This creates a distant relationship one where Allah is seen as a strict judge, not a loving Guide.
• The Quran does not just warn; it also fills the heart with hope and love.
• The Prophet (saw) connected people to Allah’s mercy, not just His wrath.
• When we love someone, we obey them naturally this is the missing link.
• “Say, ‘If you love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins.'” (Quran 3:31)
• Remedy: Teach youth that Allah is not just to be feared but loved. He is the Most Merciful, who wants our success, not our destruction.
3 Worship Based on Habit, Not Understanding
Many pray, fast, and give charity without deep understanding. It becomes a habit rather than a heartfelt connection.
• They read Quran but don’t reflect on its meaning.
• They pray but don’t feel the presence of Allah.
• They fast but don’t experience spiritual transformation.
• “Will they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Quran 47:24)
• Remedy: Shift from rituals to reflection. Teach youth to read the Quran with meaning, engage in dua with sincerity, and pray as if they are standing before Allah.
4 The Mind (Nafs e Ammarah) Controls Life, Not the Heart (Qalb)
Most people follow their mind (nafs), which is filled with desires, ego, and distractions, rather than the heart (qalb), which is where Allah’s guidance resides.
• The mind seeks worldly success, but the heart seeks Allah’s pleasure.
• The mind gets distracted by dunya, but the heart finds peace in remembrance of Allah.
• The mind follows Shaytan’s whispers, but the heart follows divine wisdom.
• “Truly in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.” (Quran 13:28)
• Remedy: Teach youth to listen to their heart, not just their mind. The heart is where true faith, sincerity, and divine connection are born.
How to Infuse Love for Allah & Make Islam a Way of Life?
1 Transform Worship into a Love Relationship
Instead of telling youth to pray out of duty, teach them to pray out of love. Let them feel that prayer is a conversation with Allah not just a ritual.
• Practical Tip: Before salah, take a deep breath and say:
• “Ya Allah, I am here to talk to You. Open my heart.”
• “And establish prayer for My remembrance.” (Quran 20:14)
2 Teach the ‘Why’ Behind Worship
Instead of saying, “Pray because it is an obligation,” say:
• “Pray because Allah is waiting to hear from you.”
• “Fast because it purifies your soul, not just your stomach.”
• “Give charity because you are cleansing your wealth and heart.”
• “Allah does not want hardship for you, but He wants to purify you.” (Quran 5:6)
3 Connect Islam to Everyday Life
Many youth feel Islam is separate from their daily struggles. Show them that Islam guides them in every aspect:
• Work & Studies: “Trust in Allah, but tie your camel.” (Hadith)
• Relationships: “Speak good or remain silent.” (Hadith)
• Emotions & Stress: “Verily, with hardship comes ease.” (Quran 94:6)
• Remedy: Teach Islam as a life strategy, not just rules.
4 Inspire, Don’t Force
Instead of forcing youth to practice Islam, inspire them by living Islam beautifully.
• Don’t say: “You MUST pray!”
• Say: “Try talking to Allah when you feel lost it’s amazing.”
• Don’t say: “If you don’t fast, you’ll be punished!”
• Say: “Fasting makes you strong and connected to Allah.”
• “There is no compulsion in religion; truth has been made clear from falsehood.” (Quran 2:256)
5 Revive the Quran’s Role in Life
Most Muslims only read the Quran in Ramadan. The Quran is not just for reading it is for living.
• “This is a blessed Book We have revealed so that they may reflect upon its verses.” (Quran 38:29)
• Practical Tip: Encourage youth to pick one ayah per day and think:
• “How can I apply this in my life today?”
Final Thought: Shift From Fear to Love of Allah
• The Prophet (saw) did not just warn people of Hell – he filled their hearts with love for Allah.
• He led by example- his character attracted people to Islam.
He was patient and kind – people came to love Allah through him.
• He made people feel valued so they willingly embraced Islam as a way of life.
• “Say: ‘In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.'” (Quran 10:58)
• Let’s teach our youth that Islam is not a set of restrictions it is the key to true happiness, success, and inner peace.
• Action Point: How will you bring love for Allah into your daily life today?
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