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On Being A New Muslim in Ramadan (Q & A Session)

Kaighla Um Dayo
26 May, 2017

Asalamu Alaikum brothers and sisters,

More and more people are entering Islam and experiencing their first Ramadan. While the holy month of Ramadan brings joy and increased faith, for new Muslims, it also brings many questions to mind. For this reason, we are pleased to offer a live session just for new Muslims in Ramadan.

This session will be dedicated to answering all the questions new Muslims have about the holy month, extra prayers, and fasting in Islam.

You don’t even have to be “new” to participate. Those who are newly practicing are welcome to join the session.

The session host will be writer and once new Muslim, Kaighla um Dayo. Join us Thursday, June 1st, from  2-4 PM GMT  (5–7 PM Makkah) (9-11 AM Chicago)

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If you won’t be available during this time, but you have questions that need answers, don’t worry! You can email your questions in advance to [email protected], and our counselor will include them in the Live Session.

Thursday, Jun. 01, 2017 | 17:00 - 19:00 GMT

Session is over.
DISCLAIMER
Views expressed by hosts/guests on this program (live dialogue, Facebook sessions, etc.) are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  

I come from a shame based religion. And found that most things were done because humans are inherently evil-- original sin, etc. When I came to Islam, I was glad to learn about the fitra and that humans are basically on the path to God as a part of our nature. But now I am wondering if fasting the month of Ramadan is a way for us to be punished for being sinful through the year?



Asalaamu alaykum brother,

This is such a wonderful question, mashaallah, and very intuitive.

Many converts struggle with shame and guilt when coming to Islam because so many of us were raised in such cultures. Islam, however, is not shame-based, despite what cultural interpretations may let on. Allah is The God of Mercy and he extends mercy and love and a welcome table to those who seek Him, regardless of their sins.

Yes, human beings are on the path to God by nature, and are not inflicted with an “original sin” because of the choices of Adam and Eve. I congratulate you on learning this fundamental truth.

In truth, Ramadan is a wonderful mercy and should not be seen as a punishment in any way at all. Fasting Ramadan renews the heart, reminds the soul of death, and refocuses the intentions. However, one added benefit of fasting Ramadan is that God forgives the sins of the previous year.  

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Prophet Muhammad said: 

Whoever fasts the fast of Ramadan believing and expecting its recompense from Allah, and passes this month with ibadah (worship), his/her past sins are forgiven (Tirmidhi).

May Allah purify our intentions to seek His pleasure and satisfaction with us, and may our sins also be forgiven, inshaAllah.

I hope this helps. Please keep in touch. Salam. 

I started to fast in the month before Ramadan so that I can get used to fasting, as I am a new Muslim. So, I got used to fasting pretty quickly. I thought it would take some time to adjust, but Allah made it easy, MashaAllah! But now my question is how will I feel when my menses comes and I have to stop fasting. I really don’t want to stop. What can I do to cope?



Asalamu alaykum sister,

I recall this being such a very hard topic for me to handle when I was thinking of converting to Islam. Alhamdulillah, Allah has made the fast easy for you! I can assure you, though, that when your menses comes, fasting would not be an easy thing! The cramps, the discomfort, the aches and pains, … none of these would add to the experience of fasting in the least.

When your menses does come, try to look at it as a gift from Allah rather than a time-out card. He wants you to rest and rejuvenate from the long fasting days, and he gives you, as a woman, this chance. Don’t feel like Ramadan is over when you’re not fasting, as Allah has given us so many ways to seek his favor and draw near to Him that can still be done when not fasting.

Allah loves you and wants to be near you and it’s no different when you are unable to fast because of your period. Take the zeal and energy you have and throw it into self-care, charity to others, and inner renewal until your period ends and you can join the fasting party again.

I hope this helps. Please keep in touch. Salam. 

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How can I feel less lonely in Ramadan? I am fasting alone and wake up to eat alone and pray alone and break my fast alone. I try to make it to Tarawee, but sometimes I am too tired from fasting and working. Do you have any tips?



Asalaamu alaykum Ralph,

I have been where you are, and it is not easy, not at all. This isn’t how Ramadan was meant to happen, isolated and alone.

But, this is the situation for many, many converts. I noticed you said you try to make it to taraweeh, implying you might live near a masjid. If so, I would encourage you to contact them and ask if you could be connected with any other converts near you so that you could meet up to break your fast if possible.

If there are not other converts near you, you could still perhaps meet up with other Muslims who are welcoming and enjoy iftar with them. But if you don’t live near a masjid, this is even more challenging. If you are active on social media, there are many convert support groups where you could “virtually” connect, so in that way you don’t feel so alone.

Lastly, try to remember that although taraweeh is a wonderful thing, it is not required. If you can’t make it to the masjid for taraweeh because you are too tired or because you don’t live near enough to a masjid, don’t feel badly. Taraweeh prayers are just extra prayers and don’t have to be in congregation; you could pray a few extra rakaat (units of prayer) in your room alone, as well. Ramadan is the month of mercy, and it seems you are truly seeking Allah’s mercy as best you can. Allah sees your good intentions.

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I hope this helps. Please keep in touch. Salam.