Ramadan Guide for New Muslims 2026

Congratulations on experiencing your first Ramadan! This guide is designed specifically for new Muslims (reverts/converts) to help you navigate this blessed month with confidence.

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Welcome to Ramadan

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar - a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. As a new Muslim, this may feel overwhelming, but remember:

• Allah rewards intention - Your sincere effort matters most
• Start where you are - Do what you can, build gradually
• Ask questions - No question is too basic
• Be patient with yourself - This is a learning journey

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When is Ramadan 2026?

• Start: February 28, 2026 (Saturday)
• End: March 29, 2026 (Sunday)
• Eid al-Fitr: March 30, 2026 (Monday)
• Duration: 29-30 days

View complete Ramadan calendar →

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The Basics of Fasting

What is Fasting (Sawm)?

Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, and intimate relations from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).

Fasting Schedule:

Time	What Happens
Before Fajr	Eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)
Fajr (dawn)	Fast begins, Fajr prayer
During the day	No food, drink, or intimacy
Maghrib (sunset)	Fast ends, eat Iftar, Maghrib prayer
After Isha	Optional: Taraweeh prayer

Your First Few Days:

It’s normal to feel:

• Hungry and thirsty (especially first 3-5 days)
• Tired or low energy
• Headaches (often from caffeine withdrawal)
• A sense of accomplishment!

Tips: These feelings typically reduce after the first week as your body adjusts.

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Step-by-Step: A Day of Fasting

1. Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)

When: Eat before Fajr time (check your local prayer times)

What to eat:

• Complex carbs: oatmeal, whole grain bread
• Protein: eggs, yogurt, cheese
• Fruits: dates, bananas
• Plenty of water

Tip: Set an alarm for 30-45 minutes before Fajr to eat.

2. Fajr Prayer

After eating, pray Fajr prayer (2 rakats fard). If you’re still learning, do your best or watch a video guide.

3. During the Day

Allowed:

• Brushing teeth (be careful not to swallow water)
• Showering/bathing
• Applying medication (eye drops, necessary injections)
• Unintentional swallowing (dust, saliva)

Not allowed:

• Eating or drinking
• Smoking
• Intimate relations

4. Iftar (Breaking Fast)

When: At Maghrib (sunset) time exactly

Sunnah way to break fast:

1. Say: “Bismillah” (In the name of Allah)
2. Eat dates (odd number: 1, 3, or 5) or drink water
3. Say the dua: “Dhahaba al-zama’ wa abtalat al-‘urooq wa thabat al-ajr in sha Allah” (The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills)
4. Pray Maghrib
5. Eat your main meal

5. Isha and Taraweeh

After Maghrib, pray Isha (4 rakats fard). Taraweeh (optional night prayer) follows - this is highly recommended during Ramadan.

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Who Must Fast?

Fasting is obligatory for:

• Adult Muslims (past puberty)
• Those who are physically able
• Those who are mentally sound

Exemptions (don’t have to fast):

• Travelers (can make up later)
• Sick people (can make up when healthy)
• Pregnant/breastfeeding women (if concerned for health)
• Menstruating women (must make up after Ramadan)
• Elderly who cannot fast (pay fidya instead)
• Children (encouraged to try but not obligated)

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Common Questions from New Muslims

”What if I accidentally eat or drink?”

If you genuinely forgot, your fast is still valid! Just stop eating/drinking when you remember. The Prophet (ﷺ) said Allah forgave you if you forgot.

”What if I can’t fast the whole month?”

Do what you can. Fast as many days as possible. Make up missed days later. Allah knows your situation and rewards your effort.

”I don’t know how to pray - can I still fast?”

Yes! Fasting and prayer are separate obligations. Work on learning prayer while you fast. Many new Muslims are still learning prayer during their first Ramadan.

”What if I get too sick or weak?”

You may break your fast if you’re genuinely ill or fear harm to your health. Make up the day later when you’re able.

”I’m embarrassed - I don’t know the prayers/duas”

Everyone was a beginner once. Use transliterations, prayer apps, or even pray in your own language while learning Arabic. Allah understands all languages.

”Can I brush my teeth while fasting?”

Yes! Just be careful not to swallow toothpaste or water. Many scholars recommend using miswak (natural tooth stick).

”What if I’m around non-Muslim family/coworkers?”

You don’t need to hide your fasting. Politely decline food offers by saying you’re fasting. Most people are respectful and understanding.

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Tips for Your First Ramadan

Physical Tips:

1. Stay hydrated - Drink lots of water between Iftar and Suhoor
2. Eat balanced meals - Avoid overeating at Iftar
3. Get enough sleep - Adjust your schedule if possible
4. Take it easy - Reduce strenuous activities if needed
5. Avoid caffeine withdrawal - Gradually reduce before Ramadan

Spiritual Tips:

1. Set simple goals - Don’t try to do everything perfectly
2. Read Quran - Even just a few verses daily
3. Make dua - Talk to Allah in your own words
4. Attend community events - Meet other Muslims
5. Learn gradually - Focus on one new thing each day

Practical Tips:

1. Find a mentor - Connect with someone at your local mosque
2. Download apps - Prayer times, Quran apps, dhikr counters
3. Prepare food in advance - Cook on weekends
4. Set alarms - For Suhoor, Iftar, and prayer times
5. Join iftar gatherings - Mosques often host community iftars

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What to Expect

Week 1: Adjustment

• Body adjusting to fasting
• May feel tired, headaches
• Learning the routine

Week 2: Getting Easier

• Energy improving
• Routine becoming natural
• Spiritual awareness increasing

Week 3: Momentum

• Fasting feels normal
• Increased focus on worship
• Preparing for last 10 days

Week 4: Last 10 Days

• Most important nights (Laylat al-Qadr)
• Increased worship
• Preparing for Eid

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Essential Duas to Learn

Intention for Fasting (at Suhoor):

“Nawaitu sauma ghadin ‘an ada’i fardi shahri Ramadan hadhihi al-sanati lillahi ta’ala” (I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the obligation of Ramadan this year for Allah)

Breaking Fast (at Iftar):

“Allahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu” (O Allah, I fasted for You and I break my fast with Your provision)

General Dua:

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni” (O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me)

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Resources for New Muslims

Online:

• Our Prayer Times Calculator
• Ramadan Calendar 2026
• Taraweeh Guide

At Your Mosque:

• New Muslim classes
• Iftar gatherings
• Mentorship programs

Apps:

• Prayer times apps
• Quran apps with translation
• Islamic learning apps

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You’re Not Alone

Remember, millions of Muslims around the world are fasting with you. This is a shared experience that connects the global Muslim community.

Some encouragement:

• Your effort counts, even if it’s not perfect
• Every Muslim started somewhere
• Allah is the Most Merciful - He knows you’re trying
• Ask for help when you need it
• Celebrate your progress

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Related Guides

• Iftar Countdown Timer - Track time until Maghrib
• Complete Ramadan 2026 Guide
• Ramadan Calendar
• Fasting Guide
• Ramadan Duas
• Ghusl Guide for New Muslims

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Welcome to the Muslim community, and Ramadan Mubarak!

Last updated: January 7, 2026