Last year, after Ramadan, I spoke with my cousin about how he was feeling, and he reflected, “The month was so blessed, but it went by so fast. We had iftar together every evening, recited duas, and attended majlis every night. It felt incredible to be surrounded by friends and community. It feels like a special guest has left us now that it’s over.”
His words resonated deeply. The arrival of Shawwal often brings a collective sense of loss among Muslims, particularly those who are away from family or live in isolated circumstances. The structured spiritual rhythm of Ramadan—fasting, prayer, and communal worship—creates a deeply fulfilling routine. But when the month ends, some experience what is commonly called “post-Ramadan depression.”
Why Do Some Experience Emotional Lows After Ramadan?
From an Islamic psychological perspective, the feeling of emptiness after Ramadan is natural. During the month, we experience a heightened spiritual connection and community engagement. The abrupt shift afterwards can feel unsettling for several reasons:
1. Loss of Structure and Purpose – Ramadan provides a clear framework of daily worship, fasting, and reflection. The sudden return to regular routines may leave a gap in spiritual focus.
2. Reduction in Spiritual Practices – Increased acts of worship (extra prayers, dhikr, Qur’an recitation) bring peace to the heart. When those acts decrease, some may feel distant from their spiritual self.
3. Loneliness and Social Withdrawal—Many find joy in shared iftars, taraweeh, and communal gatherings. After Ramadan, however, people may feel isolated, especially those in non-Muslim environments.
However, from an Islamic mindfulness and resilience perspective, the goal is not to leave Ramadan behind, but to integrate its lessons into everyday life. Rather than viewing Ramadan as an isolated event, we can see it as a training ground for sustaining mindfulness, gratitude, and resilience beyond the month.
Integrating Faith, Mindfulness, and Resilience After Ramadan
To maintain the psychological and spiritual benefits of Ramadan, consider these approaches rooted in both Islamic spirituality and psychological well-being:
1. Maintain a Daily Spiritual Routine
Ramadan teaches us discipline and consistency. Continuing salah on time, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and even fasting once a week (Sunnah fasts on Mondays and Thursdays) can help maintain spiritual focus. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if small.” (Sahih Muslim, 783)
Regular spiritual engagement reinforces mindfulness (muraqabah – awareness of Allah), helping to maintain emotional balance.
2. Practice Islamic Mindfulness in Daily Life
Islamic mindfulness (khushu’) in salah and tafakkur (deep contemplation) are powerful tools for mental well-being. Studies in positive psychology highlight that structured meditation, gratitude, and self-awareness reduce anxiety and increase resilience. Muslims can cultivate mindfulness by:
– Being fully present during salah (khushu’).
– Engaging in breath-focused dhikr (e.g., inhaling while reciting “Allah,” exhaling with “Hu”).
– Using gratitude journaling, writing three things to thank Allah for daily.
3. Stay Connected to Community
A key protective factor against post-Ramadan emotional lows is social support. The Qur’an reminds us:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:103)
Even if large gatherings decrease, staying in touch through study circles (halaqas), virtual meetups, or small iftars outside Ramadan fosters belonging and prevents social isolation.
4. Reframe Ramadan as a Beginning, Not an End
The Sahaba prayed for six months to reach Ramadan and for six months afterwards that Allah would accept it. This mindset reflects a continuous journey rather than a peak-and-decline cycle.
Setting post-Ramadan goals, such as memorising new duas, adopting small acts of charity, or improving character traits (akhlaq), keeps the spirit of Ramadan alive.
5. Embrace Patience and Self-Compassion
If post-Ramadan sadness arises, self-compassion is key. Feeling spiritually disconnected at times is normal; even the Prophet ﷺ had moments where revelation paused, leading to deep sorrow. The key is to return with patience (sabr) and trust (tawakkul), knowing that spiritual ups and downs are part of the journey.
Final Thoughts: Carrying the Light of Ramadan Forward
Rather than viewing the emotional transition after Ramadan as a loss, we can reframe it as an opportunity- a chance to integrate the lessons of Ramadan into everyday life. By maintaining mindfulness, sustaining small but meaningful acts of worship, and staying connected to our faith and community, we ensure that Ramadan is not just a month but a lifelong transformation.
May we all carry the light of Ramadan throughout the year, nurturing our hearts, minds, and souls in continuous growth.
About the Author:
Shazzy is a UK-trained and credentialed Mental Health Nurse and Counselling Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working with a range of clients, including children, teens, parents, and young adults.
Shazzy is autistic and ADHD herself and has autistic and ADHD children, and therefore understands the neurodivergent (ND) experience from both a personal and professional point of view from many angles. Shazzy works from a neurodivergent affirming perspective.
You can contact Shazzy at: Positivelyliving@protonmail.com or see her profile at: https://cmw.org.au/profile/shazzytharby/
