What tips do you have for first Ramadan? Also, I need to know some rules...

Question

I want to revert to Islam and I am preparing to do my first Ramadan.

I know that nothing should pass my lips during the day. I am slightly concerned about being able to do Ramadan, in general and for certain specific reasons.

I am moving to Marrakech after the first day of Ramadan (probably Sept 2nd.) I know you do not have to fast when travelling, but what days does this apply to.

Also, I am worried because the days are very long in Marrakech and it is very hot there.

Finally, I will be starting a new job 2 days after arriving. I will be teaching kindergarten, so I expect it will be pretty hectic and I am not really sure how I can conserve energy.

Please offer me tips for getting through this successfully.

Pease be upon you!

Answer 1

Assalamu Alaikum, Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

My dear Sister Allah always gives strength and Eiman to enable all  Muslims to stay stead fast during their fast.  Eat a rich meal that has lots of nutrition, drink a can of ensure for all vitamins, minerals and proteins, drink 8 oz glass of milk which ever you like, eat some dates also.  Believe me within a day or two your body will adjust the eating timings and soon you will not even remember the lunch time or coffee breaks. There is lots of blessings of Allah in fasting and it make your Eiman and your body strong to be able to fast even in hot summers.  I started fasting in hot summer at age 7  and never stopped since then.  I am 65 now.

1. Remember if you don't feel good, don't fast and instead feed some person two meals instead.  It is required in Islam.

2. Once you make your intention to fast and start your fast, don't  break the fast unless there is life threatening situation.

3. Breaking fast in the middle of day or even ten  minutes earlier is very serious infraction.  Penalty for breaking fast is feeding 60 adults one or two meals each.  I read it 40 years ago and don't trust my memory any more.

4. Memorize this short Dua if  you don't know. Read it  before you start your work. You will not make mistake any any work you do  with the help of Allah.  Subhanallah wal Hamdu Lillah Wa La Elaha Illallah, Wallaho Akbar.  Don't forget to say your prayers.  Memorize Ayataul Kursi.  It is  in Surah Al-Baqarah. It is a powerful Dua to recite before leaving house and before going to bed.

5. You probably know that you must keep yourself covered from head to toe except your face and hands.  Wear white cotton clothes as much as you can. White color reflects sun rays and loose cotton clothes are cooler for air can pass through these.  Wear loose outfits, so you have some air between your body and what you are wearing.  It works like insulation to keep you cooler.  Avoid walking in sun in afternoon unless you have a thick towel to cover your head in Morroco.

May Allah guide you on to the straight path of Islam, forigve your past mistakes, give you strong Eiman (faith) and strength.

Your brother in Islam, Adul-Majeed

Answer 2

Abu Huraira related that Rasulullah (pbuh) said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).

Aisha related that Rasulullah (pbuh) was asked whether one should fast when on a journey, and he replied: Fast if you like, or postpone it if you like (Bukhari, Muslim).

`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Ahmad]

Hope that Helps

Answer 3

MashaAllah, Sister,

Congralations of making the best choice for this life and the life of hearafter.

First of all i'd like to say that you can browse the Q/A form www.islam-qa.com/en, they have answers about the questions that you have.

Sister I am also a revert and this is going to be my 5th Ramadan---MashaAllah. I reverted in few days of the month of Ramdan in 2004. and guess what i started to fast the next day of my revetaion. Its not that i didnt feel hungry, i did feel exermaly hungry, but to my surprise i wasnt ever that hungry that i couldn't control my hunger. SubhanAllah

Sister, remmber one thing that Allah makes it easy. Ones i went out with my friends and it was quite hot and i was fasting. Latter my friends bought the drinks and they were so surpriced that how come i am so patient :) not drinking. then were like Allah makes it easy,. so surly sister Allah makes it :)

so i know its going to be tough for first few days:) try to stay indoors as much as you can. InshaAllah you will be fine. Its a great time to make dua, durning Ramadan.

Sister although we have to starve during Ramadan, but its such a great feeling that you'll just love it. bcoz you are doing it for the sake of your Lord alone. :)  

Answer 4

Definitely suggest that you purchase a book on 'Kitaabus - Saum - Fasting', this would be most beneficial to you!

The Shariah: being on a journey and subjected to hardship, the traveller has valid reason for not observing Fast, but will be required to observe missed Fast at a later date!

Clear your doubts, most certainly you can manage Ramadaan Fasting!

Use this opportunity ...

Dua's of a fasting person are surely accepted!

Try to complete recital of the whole Qur'ãn.

May you fulfill all the essential Shar'ee requirements of Fasting and acquire the rewards of Ramadhaan. Ameen.

INSHA'ALLAH(SWT).

Answer 5

ok, so you can wake up for suhoor, which is breakfast time during ramadan, you have to eat something before the fajr athans, and from then on, you cannot eat or drink anything, and if you forget and ACCIDENTALLY eat something, which you probably will, Allah knows if you really forget or your just pretending to forget.

and if you are on your period, you cannot fast or pray. until you are done, when you are completely done, shower and after ramadan you will need to make up however many days you were on your period.

you cannot eat anything from sunrise, fajr, to sunset, maghrib.

its a sunnah to break your fast with a date, cause thats what our prophet muhammad, salallahu 3alaya wa salam, used to do during ramadan.

oh and trust me, the first few days will be hard, im not going to lie, but i promise, it will get easier.

May allah help you through, and guide you, inshallah, ameen.

mashallah, i love hearing about reverts in islam.

Answer 6

Worries and anxieties are just in people's mind. Why not see it for yourself first and, insha Allah, you will find it much easier than you previously thought it was. Allah does not burden people more than they can bear. If you know some Islamic Center or Islamic Office in your area, try to coordinate with them and I am sure they will be very happy to help you and may even provide you some free booklets on how to prepare and cope with Ramadan.

Welcome to the fold of Islam. Wa alaikum salam.

Answer 7

Please e-mail me. I'm currently in a class that covers all the rulings and guidelines of Ramadan.