Salam,

Welcome to the family, sister Rachael! May God guide and bless you and your loved ones. Ameen.

With respect to proper start and end times for fasting, my best advice would be to connect with a masjid (mosque) in your vicinity. Most masjids will post a schedule online, or have printed copies to post on your fridge. If you have access to internet, it should be easy to find sunset times for your location. As soon as the sun sets you should break your fast with a quick bite, offer the Maghrib (sunset) prayer, then start your iftar meal (the meal after the day of fasting) straight after that.

Starting the fast can be tricky, especially if it’s cloudy or you live in a valley or something. If you have a smart phone, there are many apps that will offer Fajr and Maghrib times as well. However, I would recommend getting in touch with your local masjid for best results. You can also hook up with other new Muslims who are just as excited and nervous as you are.

Although I was born into a Muslim family, I did not become devout until I reached adulthood. I remember the first time that I intended to fast the whole of Ramadan. I was so enthusiastic that I started 10 days early and fasted straight through to the end of Ramadan. Not supposed to do that, but I didn’t know any better at the time. Again, stay close to other devout Muslims for best results.

May God accept your fasting and good deeds throughout Ramadan and beyond, and make you a scholar of Islam to lead the way for your fellow countrymen. Ameen.

Please keep in touch. Salam.