5 Practical Ramadan Tips for First-Timers 

Ramadan is an annual practice where Muslims worldwide partake to deepen their faith. And as someone that’s joining the practice for the first time, simply thinking of long hours without food can be a daunting task. 

But never fear – as we’re here to give you some tips to make your first Ramadan a successful one.   

Tip #1: Make Your Ramadan Commitment – And Stick to It 

Intent is very important in the Muslim faith – everything you do has to be backed with the right intent. After all, success in everything starts with the right mindset. 

So, to start things off, it’s best to set your commitment as you enter the Ramadan season. This will help you focus throughout the holy month, especially when things start to become more challenging. Moreover, your commitment will give your efforts more meaning and make reaching the finish line more rewarding. 

Tip #2: Proper Ramadan Planning and Preparation 

Now that we have a good starting point, it’s time to set ourselves up for success.  

One great tip is to set your activities strategically. Remember, you’re working on limited energy due to fasting, so spread out other tasks around if possible. If you can, allot some time for power naps to conserve energy. 

However, Ramadan planning isn’t just for scheduling your activities; it also includes proper meal preparation. With long hours of fasting to consider, you’ll need dishes that will effectively nourish your body while being easy to prepare. Dates, soups, and lentils are some great food items to stock up on, as they help replenish lost nutrients and fluids while being easy on the tummy.   

Tip #3: Stay Hydrated During Ramadan 

Staying on top of the hydration game can’t be more emphasized in preparing for the holy month. It can be hard to function when your body is lacking fluids, so managing your water intake when able will prove very useful. Some ways to improve hydration include: 

• Drink water several times at night, even when you’re not feeling thirsty 
• Add fresh fruit like watermelon and fresh veggies to your suhoor and iftar meals 
• Coconut water is a great source of electrolytes and hydration, so have some in stock if possible.  
• Avoid caffeinated drinks during Ramadan as they can cause dehydration 

Tip #4: Devoting More Time to Prayer and Meditation 

In the previous tip, we’ve talked about setting up a proper schedule, right? Make sure that your schedule is packed with prayer times and room for meditation. These are critical for Ramadan, as it is a season to reflect on the words of the Quran along with understanding their teachings. 

Devoting time to reading the Quran, praying, and meditating can help you focus throughout the day. As such, the time allotted for these activities should be free of any distractions to make them worthwhile.  

Tip #5: Be Involved in Community Activities 

Facing Ramadan for the first time can be a challenge. Thankfully, your local community is there to provide support and helpful tips to keep you on the right track. The season is a great opportunity to be more involved with activities where you can practice your faith. 

Ask your local community or mosque regarding activities during Ramadan. They usually have gift-giving and charity drives where you can participate, whether as a volunteer or by giving pre-loved items. Spending time during communal prayer time can also be a way to deepen your relationship with Allah.  

Take the Ramadan Season a Day at a Time 

Ramadan is a sacred season meant to cultivate a deepen one’s faith. While it may be filled with challenges, it’s all intended to enhance the experience and prove one’s devotion to Islam. We hope that these tips can help you succeed in your first Ramadan.  

Ramadan Kareem from your ijaraCDC family.