What if I take my shahada in the middle of Ramadan?
In most cases, you simply start fasting from the next dawn. You don't need to make up any Ramadan days from before your shahada. If you convert during the daytime, scholars differ about the rest of that day, but many recommend staying away from food and drink until sunset out of respect for the month.
What happens on the day you convert
- You take your shahada at night, before Fajr: make your intention and fast the next day. Everyone agrees on this.
- You take your shahada during the day: you were not Muslim at dawn, so the fast is not required for that day. Many scholars recommend that you refrain from eating and drinking for the rest of the day, as a way of honoring Ramadan, and then you start properly the next day. A few scholars say you should make up that day later. Ask your imam which view he follows.
- From the next day: you fast like every other Muslim.
Don't stress about the exact details of the first day. The important thing is that you begin sincerely and ask about anything you aren't sure of.
The days before your shahada
You do not need to make up any day of Ramadan that passed before you became Muslim. The Quran says that those who turn away from disbelief will have their past forgiven:
The Prophet ﷺ also told Amr ibn al-As, "Are you not aware of the fact that Islam wipes out all the previous (misdeeds)?" (Sahih Muslim 121). So you begin with a clean page, and your first fast counts from the day you start. See Do I have to fast Ramadan in my first year as a Muslim?
Getting started: a simple plan
- Set your intention in your heart the night before: you will fast tomorrow for Allah.
- Eat suhoor before dawn, even something small like dates, yogurt and water.
- Break your fast at sunset with dates or water, and eat a balanced meal.
- Contact your local mosque. Many have iftars and volunteers who love to help new Muslims through their first Ramadan.
- Learn the basics of prayer slowly. Fasting and learning to pray at once can feel like a lot, so take it a step at a time.
For a longer guide, see How do I prepare for my first Ramadan as a new Muslim?
If you can't fast
The normal exemptions apply to you from the day you become Muslim: illness, travel, periods, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and old age. If you can't fast on some days, make them up later. The special night prayer, taraweeh, is optional, so don't worry if you can't join. See What is taraweeh and do I have to pray it?
- Start fasting from the next dawn after your shahada.
- You don't make up days before you became Muslim (Quran 8:38).
- For the day of conversion, many scholars recommend staying away from food until sunset. Ask your imam.
- Normal exemptions apply, and learning takes time.
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