A Lesson in Sustained Effort
Jummah Mubarak, sis! We're at the finish line with only one day of fasting left. While it's bittersweet that Ramadan is coming to a close, we must embrace the lessons from ants. Ants exemplify hard work, perseverance, and a long-term vision. Their lifestyle imparts vital teachings on sustaining effort beyond a fleeting season. The message here is that Ramadan is a time for dedicated worship, and we should strive to maintain this spirit throughout the entire year. Additionally, ants remind us that true success stems not from short bursts of effort, but from consistent and ongoing contributions that uplift not only ourselves but also those around us. Just as Ramadan has been a time of collective devotion, akin to the ant preparing for life's winters, we should cherish those good deeds and acts of worship, letting them guide us from one Ramadan to the next.
Surah An-Najm | 53:39-41
وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَـٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ ٣٩ وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُۥ سَوْفَ يُرَىٰ ٤٠ ثُمَّ يُجْزَىٰهُ ٱلْجَزَآءَ ٱلْأَوْفَىٰ ٤١
“and that each person will only have what they endeavored towards, and that ˹the outcome of˺ their endeavors will be seen ˹in their record˺, then they will be fully rewarded,”
This ayah beautifully reinforces the idea that continuous effort and perseverance, like that of the ants and our worship in Ramadan, will be recognized and rewarded by Allah swt. It encourages us to maintain the spirit of Ramadan beyond the month itself.
Lessons we take from Ants:
Work Ethic
Ants exemplify an extraordinary work ethic, diligently spending their time collecting food, constructing and maintaining their colonies, and supporting the survival of their communities. Even when confronted with challenges—such as heavy burdens or shifts in their surroundings—they remain undeterred and do not give up. Instead, they seek out alternative paths, collaborate, and persevere until their objectives are met.
Lesson: Our commitment to worship, self-discipline, and good deeds during Ramadan should not be regarded as a one-time effort but as a practice we strive to sustain, even when facing difficulties. If we can engage in Qiyam (night prayers) and fast for a consecutive 30 days, we possess the ability to uphold these habits beyond the month of Ramadan.
Preparation for the Future
Ants do not only focus on their immediate needs; they collect food and resources to help them endure tough seasons. For instance, during the summer, they accumulate food in anticipation of winter when supplies are limited. This process demands foresight, patience, and commitment.
Lesson: Ramadan equips us for the “winters” of our faith—periods when our enthusiasm wanes, distractions multiply, or obstacles arise that challenge our connection to Allah (swt). The efforts we engage in during Ramadan—prayers, fasting, charity, and self-discipline—should be preserved within us like essential provisions for the remainder of the year, ensuring we remain spiritually nourished even when our surroundings are less supportive.
Unified Strength and Support
Ants function in unison within their colonies. No single ant works in isolation; they divide tasks, assist each other, and ensure the entire community flourishes. When one ant discovers food, it communicates with others to provide assistance in transporting it. In times of danger, ants unite to protect their colony.
Lesson: Our acts of worship and good deeds during Ramadan should encompass more than personal advancement; they should also focus on aiding and uplifting those around us. To preserve the spirit of Ramadan, we must continue to motivate our family and friends to engage in acts of worship, contribute to charity, and enhance the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within our communities.
Consistency Over Time
One of the most profound lessons we can learn from ants is their unwavering consistency. They do not exert effort for a brief period and then cease; instead, their work is ongoing and intentional, securing both survival and growth over time.
Lesson: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated, "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small." (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) Just as ants persist in their endeavors throughout the year, we too should continue our good habits after Ramadan concludes. While we may not be able to sustain the same intensity of worship, we can commit to maintaining certain essential practices—such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, reading a few ayahs of the Qur’an each day, or regularly giving small donations to charity.
Halaqah Tingz
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’d like to highlight over 160 women in the Halaqah Tingz Community. This community started from a gap being filled in the DMV area and since then, we have grown so much. This growth would not be possible without the sisterhood created from sincere love and commitment from the women in our community. They’ve shared knowledge, laughter, coffee, and ways to grow in many areas of their lives. Without each and every one of you, this space would not be possible.
In recognizing the vital contributions of these women, we celebrate not only their individual achievements but also the collective strength and resilience that defines us. Each woman brings her unique experiences, skills, and perspectives, enriching our gatherings and discussions.
As we honor Women’s History Month, let us reflect on the importance of empowering one another. Together, we foster an environment where each voice is heard and valued, allowing us to thrive both spiritually and personally. Today, we stand united in gratitude and appreciation for the incredible women of Halaqah Tingz. Thank you for being the heart of our community and for your unwavering commitment to growth and learning.
