Prepping for Ramadan as a Revert

Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, self reflection, and spiritual growth for Muslims globally. However, for many reverts, this can be a time of challenge and courage. As a new revert, I've only celebrated Ramadan once but I quickly realized I have a lot to prepare for this upcoming Ramadan in order to get the most blessing out of it. I’ve listed several tips to prepare for this Ramadan with plenty of resources in hopes of entering Ramadan with ease for all new and old reverts this year InshAllah.

Set Intentions & Make Dua

Niyyah (intention) should be the first step in anything you do for the sake of Allah swt. The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of intention in many of his teachings and actions. He once said, “Actions are judged by intention, so each man will have what he intended,” (Bukhari and Muslim). Hence, remember to make the intention to do anything for Allah swt in order to get the reward for it. For example, if you intend to go to the mosque to learn from a speaker, “Whoever goes to the Masjid for the purpose of learning or teaching knowledge, receives the reward of Hajj whose Hajj was perfect,” (Tabarani, Hadith: 7473). So don't forget to always make your intentions clear! 

Practice making dua for everything you embark on. Here are a list of dua’s to look at during Ramadan: The Ultimate Ramadan Dua List 

Quran 

Arabic is not my first language, so reading and reciting the Quran has been a major struggle. Hence, picking up Quran classes online, at the mosque, or through a friend has helped me immensely when it comes to appreciating the beauty of the Quran through tajweed. Build a connection with the Quran by utilizing Arabic study sessions, memorizing new surahs, and simply learning the beauty behind the Quran. Here is an amazing lecture to watch to grasp the meaning behind the Quran: “When the Quran Changes You” by Omar Suleiman. 

So, start building a strong relationship with the Quran. After all, “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard to distinguish between right and wrong.” [Quran 2:195]. So practice how to read and recite the Quran through free youtube videos or classes at your local mosque. 

Do not skip suhoor  

If you take anything from this section, please don't skip suhoor. Set up multiple alarms if you have to, but you'll be digging your own grave by skipping suhoor. In terms of Iftar, the body is eager for food so wait half an hour before indulging in larger meals. Therefore, break your fast with three dates (sunnah) and limited amounts of fluids and low carbs. Before dawn, have lots of fiber and low spiced foods to preserve more water in your body. Watch this list of “Healthy Foods for Suhoor” for an easier fast throughout the day. 

Build a community of friends 

Reverts typically don't have Muslim families to spend Ramadan with for Suhoor, Iftar, and Eid,, so having a group of Muslim friends to reach out to for company makes up for all the alone time. If you don't have any Muslims friends yet, try attending masjid events or jummah to meet people in your community. They will most likely invite you over for iftar and offer guidance while being a support system during Ramadan. For reference, I met a girl at Jummah a couple days before Ramadan started and she said I can come over for iftar every night during Ramadan since she didn't want me to be alone. May Allah grant every revert with friends like this who are warm enough to look after reverts, especially during Ramadan. 

Seeking Knowledge to Remove Bad Habits 

One of the beauties of being Muslim is that there is always something more to learn. Considering the importance of worship in Ramadan, learn fiqh behind everything from salah, dua, charity, etc by watching lectures or reading books about the rulings and blessings of Ramadan and fasting. Before Ramadan began, I attended several lectures and events regarding the preparation for Ramadan. From these lectures, I learned what to do and what not to do. A suggestion of daily routines included: Fast everyday of Ramadan (when necessary), commit to all 5 fard prayers with punctuality, recite the Quran according to your ability, attend taraweeh at the mosque, and give charity according to your capacity. Therefore, avoid: gossiping, overeating at iftar, oversleeping, being unproductive, and holding grudges with people before Ramadan begins.

Here are a list of popular books for reverts to read during Ramadan to be extra prepared: 

1. The Quran
2. “The Sealed Nectar Biography of the Noble Prophet PBUH”
3. “Don't Be Sad” by Dr. A’id Al-Qarni
4. “The Disease and the Cure” by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyyim 
5. “Daily Wisdom” by Abdur Raheem Kidwai 
6. “Prayers of the Pious” by Omar Suleiman 
7. “The Prophets of Mercy” by Mohammad Elshinawy & Omar Suleiman 
8. “Big Little Steps: A Woman's Guide to Embracing Islam” by Dr. Myriam Francois

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” - Prophet Muhammed (PBUH)

Request Religious Accommodations for Ramadan & Eid

Know your rights at work and school this ramadan. Utilize the linked templates below to avoid challenges and focus on growing your faith during this blessed month. Examples of accommodation requests include: opting out of physical activities while fasting, prayer rooms/spaces, job reassignments, flexible scheduling for Jummah, iftar, and taraweeh, day off for Eid, etc. 

Letter Template 

Dua for Reaching Ramadan 

"O Allah, preserve me until Ramadan, safeguard Ramadan for me, and receive my deeds with acceptance"

Allahumma sallimni ila Ramadan, wa sallim li Ramadan, wa tasallamhu minni mutaqabbala

اللهم سلمني إلى رمضان، وسلم لي رمضان، وتسلمه مني متقبلا