Scholars Insights on Post-Ramadan Depression

Scholars Insights on Post-Ramadan Depression

Ramadan is a month of immense spiritual elevation, a time when hearts are softened, sins are forgiven, and believers experience a deep connection with Allah. The intense devotion, nightly prayers, fasting, and increased acts of worship bring unparalleled tranquility. However, as Ramadan ends, many Muslims experience a sense of sadness, emptiness, or even depression. This feeling, often referred to as post-Ramadan depression, arises from the sudden shift in routine and the loss of the structured spiritual environment that Ramadan provides.

Scholars remind us that this emotional state is a sign of true faith—it reflects a heart that longs for righteousness. However, Islam teaches that our devotion should not be confined to one month. The goal of Ramadan is to transform us, shaping our habits and strengthening our commitment to Allah throughout the year.

This article explores the scholarly insights on post-Ramadan depression, its causes, and practical ways to maintain spiritual consistency after Ramadan. By understanding the wisdom behind this transition, we can navigate these feelings with a positive perspective and continue our journey toward Allah with sincerity and steadfastness. May Allah help us sustain the blessings of Ramadan long after it has passed. Ameen.

Understanding Post-Ramadan Depression

Post-Ramadan depression is a common emotional state that many Muslims experience after the blessed month ends. During Ramadan, we engage in intense acts of worship—fasting, long prayers, Quran recitation, and increased charity—creating a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment. However, once Ramadan is over, life returns to its usual pace, and many struggle to maintain the same level of devotion, leading to feelings of sadness, emptiness, or even guilt.

One of the main reasons for post-Ramadan depression is the sudden drop in structured religious practices. The discipline of Suhoor, Iftar, and Taraweeh helps believers stay spiritually focused. When this structure disappears, some feel lost or disconnected from their faith. Additionally, the departure of Laylatul Qadr, the most sacred night of the year, leaves many longing for more opportunities to gain divine rewards.

Islamic scholars emphasize that this sadness is natural and a sign of strong faith. The key to overcoming it is continuing small, consistent acts of worship throughout the year. Voluntary fasting, night prayers, Quran recitation, and charity can help maintain the Ramadan spirit. Instead of seeing Ramadan as an isolated event, we should embrace it as training for a lifelong journey of faith and devotion.

Scholars’ Perspectives on Post-Ramadan Depression

Islamic scholars acknowledge that feeling sad after Ramadan is a sign of faith. It shows that a person values the blessings of Ramadan and fears losing the connection with Allah. However, they emphasize that Islam is not limited to Ramadan—it is a lifelong journey of devotion.

Imam Ibn Qayyim on Spiritual Momentum

Imam Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله said:

“The sign of an accepted act of worship is that it is followed by continued righteousness. If your worship ends with Ramadan, then you were merely worshiping Ramadan, not Allah.”

This statement highlights that the goal is not just worshiping Allah in Ramadan, but throughout the year. If we truly benefited from Ramadan, we should continue our devotion.

Imam Al-Ghazali on the Importance of Istiqamah (Steadfastness)

Imam Al-Ghazali رحمه الله taught that the real test of spirituality is what follows Ramadan:

“The righteous person is not one who worships Allah only in Ramadan, but one who continues in righteousness after Ramadan. A true servant of Allah is one who remains steadfast in all times.”

Allah commands istiqamah in the Quran:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ

“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast—angels will descend upon them [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve, but receive glad tidings of Paradise which you were promised.'”
(Surah Fussilat 41:30)

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen on Avoiding Regression

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen رحمه الله advised that after Ramadan, one must avoid falling back into heedlessness:

“Do not be like a person who stitches a garment, then tears it apart. Continue the good habits of Ramadan so that you do not regress into heedlessness.”

This is based on the Quranic warning:

وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّتِي نَقَضَتْ غَزْلَهَا مِنْ بَعْدِ قُوَّةٍ أَنكَاثًا

“And do not be like she who untwists her spun thread after it was strong.”
(Surah An-Nahl 16:92)

Practical Ways to Overcome Post-Ramadan Depression

Continue Fasting (Sunnah Fasts)

One of the best ways to maintain the spirituality of Ramadan and combat post-Ramadan depression is by continuing voluntary fasting (Sunnah fasts). The Prophet ﷺ highly encouraged fasting beyond Ramadan, as it keeps a believer spiritually engaged and provides immense rewards.

Among the most recommended Sunnah fasts is fasting six days of Shawwal. The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ ثُمَّ أَتْبَعَهُ سِتًّا مِنْ شَوَّالٍ، كَانَ كَصِيَامِ الدَّهْرِ

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.”
(Sahih Muslim 1164)

Additionally, fasting on Mondays and Thursdays was a habitual practice of the Prophet ﷺ. He explained:

تُعْرَضُ الأَعْمَالُ يَوْمَ الِاثْنَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيسِ، فَأُحِبُّ أَنْ يُعْرَضَ عَمَلِي وَأَنَا صَائِمٌ.

“Deeds are presented before Allah on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi 747, Hasan)

Another Sunnah fast is fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of every Islamic month, known as Ayyam al-Bid (the White Days).

Fasting beyond Ramadan not only helps maintain spiritual discipline but also brings physical and mental benefits. It strengthens self-control, purifies the soul, and keeps the body healthy. By incorporating Sunnah fasts into our routine, we can continue reaping the rewards and blessings of Ramadan throughout the year.

Maintain Tahajjud and Night Prayers

Even though Taraweeh ends after Ramadan, Tahajjud can continue throughout the year.

Allah praises those who pray at night:

وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ

“And in the hours before dawn, they would ask forgiveness.”
(Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:18)

Making dua and seeking Allah’s closeness during Tahajjud can revive the spiritual connection of Ramadan.

Keep the Quran Close

One of the most effective ways to maintain the spiritual momentum of Ramadan is by staying connected to the Quran. During Ramadan, many Muslims develop a habit of reciting, reflecting, and engaging deeply with the words of Allah. However, after Ramadan, this connection often weakens, leading to spiritual emptiness. To prevent this, we should make the Quran an essential part of our daily routine.

Allah describes the Quran as a guidance and healing:

وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلْقُرْءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌۭ وَرَحْمَةٌۭ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
“And We send down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy for the believers.”
(Al-Isra 17:82)

The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized the importance of consistent Quran engagement:

خَيْرُكُمْ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ الْقُرْآنَ وَعَلَّمَهُ.

“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 5027)

To keep the Quran close, set aside time each day for recitation, reflection, and memorization. Even if it’s a few verses, consistency is key. Listening to tafsir (Quranic explanation) and implementing its teachings in daily life strengthens faith. By making the Quran a lifelong companion, we can retain the blessings and guidance of Ramadan throughout the year.

Increase Charity and Good Deeds

Ramadan is a time of charity, but good deeds should continue afterward. The Prophet ﷺ said:

أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6464, Sahih Muslim 782)

Give sadaqah regularly, help others, and engage in acts of kindness.

Join Islamic Classes and Circles

To maintain the Ramadan spirit, engage in seeking knowledge by attending Islamic lectures, reading books, and joining study circles.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُفَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ

“When Allah wants good for someone, He grants him understanding of the religion.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 71, Sahih Muslim 1037)

Conclusion

Experiencing post-Ramadan depression is a natural emotional and spiritual response to the departure of this blessed month. It signifies a deep love for Ramadan and a yearning for the closeness to Allah that it brings. However, scholars remind us that true servitude to Allah is not limited to one month but is a lifelong commitment.

To maintain the spirit of Ramadan throughout the year, we must continue practicing the good habits developed during the month. Engaging in voluntary fasts, praying Tahajjud, reciting and reflecting on the Quran, and giving charity can help sustain our spiritual momentum. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized the importance of consistency in worship, even if the deeds are small, as they are most beloved to Allah.

Instead of seeing the end of Ramadan as a loss, we should view it as a new beginning—a chance to prove our sincerity in worship beyond Ramadan. By maintaining steadfastness, we can ensure that the lessons and blessings of Ramadan continue to enrich our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to stay firm in our faith, elevate our spiritual connection, and bless us with another Ramadan in His obedience. Ameen.