How do I prepare for my first Ramadan as a revert?
In Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib): no eating, drinking or smoking. You make the intention to fast in your heart, eat suhoor before dawn, and break the fast at sunset with dates and water. You do not have to do everything in your first year; start with the fast and the five prayers.
By Benjamin · Last updated
The day of a fast
- Suhoor: eat before Fajr. There is blessing in suhoor, and you can eat until Fajr time begins.
- The fast: from Fajr to Maghrib, no food, drink or smoking, and avoid bad speech and anger.
- Iftar: at the Maghrib adhan, break the fast with dates and water, pray Maghrib, then eat.
- If you eat or drink by mistake, out of habit, your fast is not broken. Stop and continue.
The dua for breaking the fast
ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الْأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ
Dhahaba adh-dhama'u wabtallatil-'urooqu wa thabatal-ajru in shaa Allah
The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is confirmed, if Allah wills
Who does not fast
Allah says: "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship" (Quran 2:185). If you are unsure for medical reasons, ask your doctor and an imam.
- Travellers on a long journey and people who are ill: they make up the days later, before the next Ramadan.
- A woman during her period or post-natal bleeding: she makes up the days later.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women, if fasting would harm them or the baby.
- Elderly people who cannot fast, and anyone with a lasting condition that prevents it: they feed one poor person for each day (fidyah).
- Children before puberty.
Nights and the end of the month
- Taraweeh: a sunnah night prayer after Isha, in sets of two rakat. Mosques pray 8 or 20, and both are valid. Even two rakat are rewarded.
- Laylatul Qadr: one of the odd nights of the last ten. The Quran says it is better than a thousand months (97:3).
- Eid al-Fitr: on the first of Shawwal. Give Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer, wear your best clothes and celebrate.
Prayer times today: London · Birmingham · Manchester · Bradford · All UK towns
Common questions
Do I need to say the intention to fast out loud?
No. The intention is in your heart, made before dawn.
What if I miss suhoor?
Your fast is still valid. Eating suhoor is recommended because it makes the day easier.
Do I have to pray Taraweeh?
No. Taraweeh is sunnah, not obligatory. The five daily prayers come first.
Can I go to a mosque iftar as a new Muslim?
Yes. Most mosques welcome newcomers, and an iftar with the community is a good way to meet people.
Practise it with audio
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