Ramadan Guide for Reverts & New Muslims

Imagine this: the crescent moon is spotted, the air is filled with a sense of peace, and the whole Muslim world is preparing for a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. And now, as a new Muslim, you’re about to experience your very first Ramadan!

 

Exciting? Definitely. A little intimidating? Maybe. But don’t worry! We’re all in this together, and step by step you’ll learn how you can make the most of this special month with ease.

 

So, let’s start with the basics;

What is Ramadan, and Why is it So Special?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the holiest times for Muslims worldwide. It’s the month when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and fasting during this month is an act of worship that brings us closer to Allah.

Allah says in the Quran:

"O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness)."
-Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183

In simple terms, fasting isn’t just about not eating or drinking. it’s a complete exercise in self-control and personal growth. It teaches discipline, as you train your body and mind to resist immediate desires, like food and water, for a higher purpose. It builds patience, helping you stay calm and composed even when hunger or fatigue kicks in.

At the same time, fasting nurtures gratitude by making you appreciate the blessings you often take for granted, like a simple sip of water or a warm meal. And most importantly, it encourages mindfulness of your actions, words, and thoughts. You become more aware of how you treat others, how you speak, and how you spend your time, trying to be the best version of yourself.

Ramadan isn’t just about what you give up, it’s about what you gain: a stronger connection with Allah, a purified heart, and a renewed sense of purpose.

How Does Fasting Work? (The Basics)

Fasting in Ramadan means:

No eating or drinking from dawn (Fajr prayer) to sunset (Maghrib prayer).

No smoking or intimate relations during fasting hours.

Focusing on good deeds, prayer, and self-discipline.

Fasting isn’t 24/7! You start the day with Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and break your fast at Iftar (sunset meal).

Allah reminds us:

"Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until sunset."
-Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187

So, it’s totally okay (and encouraged) to eat before dawn and after sunset—just no snacking in between!

Who Has to Fast? (And Who Gets a Pass?)

Fasting is required for all adult Muslims, but there are exceptions:

✔️ If you’re sick or have a medical condition
✔️ If you’re traveling long distances
✔️ If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on your period
✔️ If you’re elderly or too weak to fast

If you miss a fast for a valid reason, you are required to make it up later once you’re able to. This applies to temporary conditions, like illness or travel. However, if you are unable to fast permanently, such as due to chronic illness or old age, then you must feed a poor person for each missed fast as compensation (fidyah).

What’s a Typical Day Like in Ramadan?

1. Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) – The Power Breakfast

Happens before Fajr (dawn prayer).

Best foods? Oats, fruits, eggs, dates, and lots of water—you need energy!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Eat Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing."

-Sahih al-Bukhari 1923 Book 30, Hadith 32

2. The Fast Begins – Time for Worship & Patience

After Suhoor, you pray Fajr and officially begin your fast.

Avoid bad habits (gossip, arguing, wasting time) and focus on good deeds.

Read the Quran, make dua, and try to stay productive.

3. Iftar (Breaking the Fast) – The Best Moment of the Day!

Happens at sunset (Maghrib prayer).

Sunnah to break your fast with dates and water.

After Iftar, perform Maghrib prayer and enjoy a balanced meal (don’t overeat!).

4. Taraweeh & Night Worship

Taraweeh prayers are special prayers are the additional units of prayers performed after Isha.

You don’t have to pray all 8 or 20 rak'ahs, just do what you can!

This is also the best time to read the Quran and make lots of dua.

There is no specific reference in the Quran or in Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim that explicitly states the number of rak‘ahs (units) for Taraweeh prayers. However, the obligation of Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayer), which includes Taraweeh, is encouraged in several hadiths.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his past sins will be forgiven."

-Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2008 Book 31, Hadith 1.

How Many Units Should You Pray in Taraweeh?

There is no fixed number mentioned in authentic hadiths from Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim. 

However, it is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pray 11 rak‘ahs (8 rak‘ahs of prayer + 3 rak‘ahs of Witr).

Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked about the Prophet’s night prayer, and she said:

"He never prayed more than eleven rak‘ahs (at night), in Ramadan or otherwise."

-Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1147 Book 19, Hadith 28.

During the time of Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab, the people prayed 20 rak‘ahs, which became a common practice in many mosques.

Since Taraweeh is a Sunnah prayer, there’s no strict rule on how many rak‘ahs you must pray. Whether you pray 8, 20, or even more, what truly matters is your intention and effort.

Some nights, you might have the energy for 20 rak‘ahs, and other nights, you might manage only 8, and that’s okay! The key is to pray with sincerity and do what you can without feeling pressured. Ramadan is about strengthening your connection with Allah, not about numbers.

Even if you can only pray a few rak‘ahs, it still counts.

What If I Struggle with Fasting?

Totally normal! If fasting feels hard, here are some tips:
✅ Hydrate well – Drink plenty of water between Iftar and Suhoor.
✅ Eat wisely – Avoid salty and sugary foods that make you thirsty.
✅ Stay busy – Engage in prayer, reading, or light activities to keep your mind off hunger.
✅ Take naps – If you’re tired, rest. Fasting doesn’t mean you have to exhaust yourself!

And remember, it gets easier with time. The first few days are the hardest, but your body adapts quickly!

Other Ramadan Essentials

🔹 Dua (Supplication): Ramadan is the best time to ask Allah for anything!
🔹 Charity (Zakat & Sadaqah): Giving to those in need multiplies your rewards.
🔹 Quran Recitation: Try to read at least a little bit every day.
🔹 Avoiding Bad Habits: Ramadan is a detox for the soul; no lying, arguing, or gossiping!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink."

-Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6057 Book 78, Hadith 87.

So, fasting isn’t just about what goes into your mouth, it’s also about what comes out of it!

Eid al-Fitr: The Celebration After Ramadan 

After a month of fasting, it’s time for Eid al-Fitr, a day of celebration, food, and gratitude!

Before Eid prayers, every Muslim must give Zakat al-Fitr, a small charity to help those in need.

Eid is a time for:
Special prayers at the mosque
Big family meals
Giving gifts & helping others

It’s basically like the Muslim version of Christmas, but better!

Don’t Stress, Just Do Your Best!

If this is your first Ramadan, take it one step at a time. You don’t have to be perfect. Allah rewards effort, and every small act of worship counts.

Make your own Ramadan goals:
✔️ Pray more regularly
✔️ Read at least a few verses of Quran daily
✔️ Make one new good habit every day
✔️ Give charity, even if it’s small

Most importantly, enjoy the journey. Ramadan is a gift, and every moment is an opportunity to grow closer to Allah.

May this Ramadan be easy, fulfilling, and full of blessings for you! 

Got questions? Need support? Reach Out, because there’s always a community ready to help!