Becoming Muslim during Ramadan

Becoming Muslim during Ramadan is perfectly valid: conversion is immediate, whatever the period. The fast of the remaining days of the month then becomes obligatory for you; the days passed before conversion are not due.

Ramadan is also the best moment to begin: an atmosphere of prayer, shared tables and a welcoming community.

Becoming Muslim during Ramadan: do not postpone

Never postpone your shahada to next month: conversion is valid immediately, in Ramadan as in any other month, and Islam erases what preceded it (Sahih Muslim 121). Some people believe one must "enter Islam cleanly" after Ramadan: that is a baseless delay, all the more as the month of the Quran is when mosques are most alive and most welcoming.

The fast of the remaining days

Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down as a guide (Quran 2:185), and its fast is prescribed to Muslims. For the new convert: the days of the month passed before your shahada are not asked of you; the remaining days are, from the dawn following your conversion.

A fast begun mid-month is a fast of discovery: lighten your day with the sahur (pre-dawn meal), the iftar (breaking at sunset) and calm rhythms the first days.

Living one's first Ramadan

• The iftar: mosques offer breaking-of-fast meals, free and open: it is the best place to meet the community from the first evening.
• The tarawih prayer: night prayer of Ramadan, supererogatory; attending it even briefly is the simplest of learnings by example.
• The Night of Destiny (Laylat al-Qadr): sought in the last ten nights, it is the great night of forgiveness; a new Muslim can multiply invocations and readings there.
• The zakat al-fitr: at the end of the month, every able Muslim gives it for the needy; you will be held to it too, your mosque will indicate the amount.

And if you do not fast all the remaining days because of a real difficulty, your Islam remains intact: ease is a rule of the religion. The month following your conversion, you will fast the complete Ramadan with everyone.