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Why Small Things Matter: Starting Good Habits this Ramadan
Discover how Ramadan offers the perfect opportunity to build small, consistent habits that will strengthen your faith throughout the year.
Assalaamualaikum, Welcome to Issue #15 of the Salam ☪️ Perth newsletter.
There is no doubt that Ramadan brings out the best of us because it's a time of spiritual renewal, strengthening our connection with the Quran, and most importantly, doing our best for the pleasure of Allah. It's a month where our worship is at a peak. Therefore, it is the perfect opportunity to start cultivating small, consistent habits that can last throughout the year.
In this issue, we focus on the importance of small deeds, because when done consistently, carry great weight. And Ramadan provides a perfect opportunity to build these habits.
Let’s go!
— Zinda & Ahmed, Team Salam ☪️ Perth
Why are small deeds important?
The prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Take on only as much as you can do of good deeds, for the best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little.”
This is a good reminder of Allah's mercy, because, He has not burdened us with what we cannot do. Instead, the emphasis is on consistency in our deeds, even if they are very small. Whether it's prayer, dhikr, or acts of kindness, they matter greatly in Allah's sight.
Since we are in a heightened state of spirituality during Ramadan, and it is easier for us to get back on track, creating a consistent habit, and making small acts of goodness as part of the daily routine is more achievable. And the best approach would be to have the intention of sticking to this habit not just for a month, but for the year ahead.
What are some small deeds with bit rewards?
The rewards we get for our deeds are certainly a knowledge that is only with Allah. But these could be considered as a good start.
Regular dhikr, or remembrance of Allah. Why not start a regular dhikr routine? Even if it's just a few minutes every day, this can be easily sustained beyond Ramadan.
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "(The following are) two words (sentences or utterances) that are very easy for the tongue to say, and very heavy in the balance (of reward), and most beloved to the Gracious Almighty (And they are): Subhan Allahi wa bi-hamdihi; Subhan Allahi-l-'Adhim"
Immediately after each prayer, or early in the morning during school run, or on the drive to work, are good options during the day, and can be done very conveniently and consistently.
Smile more. It's easy to become irritable while fasting, but keeping a cool head and greeting and interacting with people and maintaining good manners is a simple way to earn rewards during this month. It is something that can be easily continued even after Ramadan.
Abu Dharr narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said : "Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you."
As mentioned in the Hadith, even though a smile may seem like a small act, is considered an act of charity in Islam. It not only brings joy to the person receiving the smile but also strengthens community bonds and reflects good character.
Maintain family ties. Ramadan is a time when families come together, especially for Suhoor to break fast. Make it a habit to check on loved ones, whether through a call, message, or simply spending quality time together.
"Worship Allah ˹alone˺ and associate none with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, ˹needy˺ travellers, and those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful—
those who are stingy, promote stinginess among people, and withhold Allah’s bounties. We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment."
This verse emphasises the importance of doing good not only to Allah but also to one's parents, relatives, and others, showing the significance of kinship in Islam. It highlights that maintaining family relationships is an act of righteousness, and Allah is pleased with those who uphold these bonds.
"Give to close relatives their due, as well as the poor and ˹needy˺ travellers. And do not spend wastefully."
As we increase our charity, let's not forget our most important obligations. The above verse underscores the responsibility towards family, especially those who are in need.
Think beyond Ramadan
Ramadan certainly intensifies our worship. Take advantage of it and consider as a training ground for building good habits that can sustain beyond the month. The regular prayers coupled with Sunnah prayers, reading and engaging with the Quran, automating donations to a good cause, and all the other examples given before can set you on the right track.
Reflecting on yourself and your deeds can be a powerful way to self-assess. Often small acts of goodness can have a bigger impact than large gestures. Remember, consistency is the key.
May Allah accept our deeds, keep us steadfast in our worship and make our deeds pleasing to Him. Aameen.
Featured Image Credit: Generated by DALL-E, OpenAI (2025). Serene Prayer during Ramadan.
Jazak Allah Khairan, May Allah Reward You Goodness!
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