Behind the brand
A gentler approach to Ramadan prep, when the online pressure tells you to do more, buy more, and prove more.
A quiet truth: In Ramadan, more output does not always mean more closeness. Sometimes, it simply means more overwhelm.
Ramadan is the month of return. A month that refines the heart, softens the soul, and brings us back to Allah with sincerity.
But for many practising sisters, Ramadan has started to feel heavy before it even begins. Not because of worship itself, but because of the culture surrounding it.
Somewhere along the way, preparation started to look like pressure. Like a checklist. Like a performance. Like if you are not doing the most, you are doing nothing.
What Ramadan culture has become
We are surrounded by content that turns Ramadan into a productivity challenge. Perfect routines. Hour by hour schedules. Qur’an targets presented like a race. Endless reminders that sound motivating, but quietly create panic.
Then there is the aesthetic side of it all. The Ramadan reset shopping. The new outfits. The décor. The need to make the month look like something online.
None of these things are automatically wrong. The issue is what they can produce in us when they become the focus.
When the pressure replaces presence
Most sisters reading this already care about their deen. They already pray. They already fast. They already want to grow. So the pressure does not inspire them, it burdens them.
Instead of feeling excited, they feel behind.
Behind on Qur’an. Behind on night prayer. Behind on charity. Behind on cooking. Behind on keeping up with everyone else’s Ramadan.
And slowly, worship can start to feel like a scorecard rather than a return.
A gentle reminder: The goal is not to impress people with your routine. The goal is to be accepted by Allah through sincerity.
De-influencing the “more is better” mindset
Here are a few Ramadan habits worth rethinking. Not to shame anyone, but to protect your heart, your energy, and your sincerity.
1) The perfect routine obsession
A routine can help you, but it can also harm you when it is built for an ideal life you are not actually living.
If your plan collapses the moment work gets busy, your child wakes up, your cycle starts, or your energy drops, you are not failing. The plan simply was not realistic.
Try this instead: choose a few anchors you can protect even on imperfect days.
2) Treating Qur’an like a race
Finishing the Qur’an is a beautiful goal. But racing through it without presence can leave the heart unchanged.
Try this instead: read what you can with reflection. Recite slowly. Repeat verses. Let the Qur’an work on you, not just through you.
3) Worship that becomes content
Sharing reminders can be beneficial. But if the habit becomes constant, the heart can start seeking validation through good deeds.
Try this instead: keep one deed hidden this Ramadan. A private charity. A private prayer. A private du’a list. Something that belongs only to you and Allah.
4) Shopping as “spiritual preparation”
New abayas, new prayer sets, new décor, new planners. It can feel like you are getting ready, but it can also become a distraction that steals time, attention, and contentment.
Try this instead: simplify. Rewear with confidence. Repeat outfits without guilt. Focus on what strengthens your heart more than what upgrades your aesthetic.
Ask yourself: Is this making my Ramadan easier, or is it giving me one more thing to keep up with?
A simpler definition of success
What if success looked less impressive to people, and more sincere to Allah?
Success might look like praying on time consistently, even if you do not add everything extra.
It might look like protecting your tongue when you are hungry and tired.
It might look like a smaller portion of Qur’an, read with presence, that actually changes you.
It might look like leaving one sin you have normalised, even if your routine looks simple.
A practical reset you can start today
If you want something actionable, here is a calm framework that works for real life.
Choose 3 non negotiables
These are the anchors you protect even on your hardest day.
- A nawafil Salah
- A daily Qur’an portion you can maintain.
- Morning and evening adhkar, or a consistent istighfar habit.
Choose 1 thing to reduce
Pick one habit that dulls your heart and makes worship harder.
- Mindless scrolling, gossip, unnecessary shopping, music, or anything you know steals your presence.
Choose 1 deed to keep private
Let something in your Ramadan be only for Allah.
- A hidden charity, a hidden prayer, a hidden act of service, or a private du’a list.
A final reflection
You do not need a louder Ramadan. You need a truer one.
One where your heart is present, your intentions are protected, and your worship is not fuelled by comparison.
May Allah grant us sincerity, consistency, and acceptance.
What is one thing you want to do less of this Ramadan, so your heart has more space for Allah?