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Ramadan for new Muslims: a plan for your first fast

Short answerIf this is your first Ramadan, begin with a sincere intention and a gradual plan: eat suhoor before dawn, break your fast with dates and water, learn the basics of prayer, and do not exhaust yourself. God does not burden a soul beyond its capacity, and missed days can be made up. Most of all, live the month with good company and Quran.

Two weeks before

  • Learn Al-Fatihah, short surahs, wudu and the prayer (see the Wudu & Prayer page).
  • Try two practice fasts to know your body, and reduce coffee gradually.
  • Gently tell your family and colleagues your schedule, and share our colleague guide.

Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal)

Hadith
تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً

Take suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.

Al-Bukhari 1923, Muslim 1095
  • Choose protein, whole grains and plenty of water; go easy on salt and sugar.
  • Have it close to dawn without passing it.

Iftar

Break your fast with dates and water, pray Maghrib, then have a moderate meal. Remember that supplication at iftar is a time of hope for acceptance.

Work and family

  • Ask for flexibility in meetings and lunches where possible, and do not be shy to explain.
  • Do not compare your fast with others; God knows your effort.
  • If you cannot fast every day, fast what you can and make up later, and consult your doctor if you have a medical condition.

Quran and worship

Ramadan is the month of the Quran. Start with a page a day and increase gradually, attend taraweeh at the mosque if you can, and give charity even if small.

Quran
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

¡Oh, creyentes! Se les prescribe el ayuno al igual que les fue prescrito a quienes los precedieron, para que alcancen la piedad.

Al-Baqarah 2:183

Preguntas frecuentes

What if I break my fast by mistake?

If it was forgetfulness, your fast is valid; if deliberate, make up the day. Do not lose heart: continue the rest of your day.

Los textos y traducciones están en revisión por sabios.