During the month of Ramadan, many families seek meaningful ways to increase their good deeds and enrich their worship. Ramadan was prescribed as a means of attaining God-consciousness through fasting, a practice observed by faith communities before us. Working together to feed the poor, hosting iftar gatherings, or attending tarawih prayers at the masjid are all spiritually uplifting activities and a beautiful way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories. As we fast, break our fast, and stand in prayer together, that shared striving nurtures a loving and compassionate community. Yet even with the best intentions, some members of our community can be overlooked. For many new Muslims, especially those navigating their first Ramadan without family support, the month can feel isolating and overwhelming. Imagine what it would look like if we intentionally opened our homes and hearts to ensure they do not have to walk this sacred path alone.
The majority of the Prophet Muhammad's companions were converts. They learned the rulings and practices of Islam in real time during the twenty-three years of revelation. They had the immense blessing of observing the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, firsthand, asking questions, witnessing his character, and receiving his guidance and compassion directly. After his passing and the rapid expansion of the Muslim world, new Muslims learned from the Companions and their students. As Islam spread into distant lands, preserving and transmitting knowledge became more complex. This reality led to the development of schools of law and, eventually, madrasas and institutes of knowledge, where Muslims could learn the faith's foundational teachings.
Today, however, many people who accept Islam do so in isolation. While some are embraced by a supportive community, many begin their journey alone, learning through books, online resources, or social media. Some live far from a mosque or lack access to a trusted imam. It may be tempting to say, “Allah will guide and help them,” but this mindset risks dismissing our responsibility. Supporting new Muslims says as much about our own spiritual condition as it does about theirs. Allah says in the Quran:
“Whoever does good, it is to their own benefit. And whoever does evil, it is to their own loss. Your Lord is never unjust to ˹His˺ creation.” (Quran, 46:41)
Clearing the Path
It is our responsibility to make things easier for our newest brothers and sisters in faith. This does not mean assuming the role of savior or overlooking the knowledge and lived experiences that converts already bring with them. Nor does it mean imposing our cultural norms, personal interpretations, or preferred religious rulings, or treating them as though they are children in need of constant correction. Rather, it means offering thoughtful support where it is welcome and needed or removing obstacles that may hinder their progress.
An exercise we can try as a family is to purposefully seek out newcomers in our communities and extend a helping hand, especially in the days leading up to and throughout Ramadan. Ask them if they need assistance and offer your time if they have any questions. Doing so revives the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, models compassion and service for our children, and brings immense reward in the Hereafter. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like one who did it.” (Sahih Muslim, 1893)
If you guide someone through their first Ramadan fast, you may benefit each time they fast for the rest of their life. Whatever you spend helping them, whether time, resources, or wealth, to ease their struggle will be replaced with something better. In this way, Allah multiplies the reward for the believers and increases love between their hearts. Allah says:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (Quran, 2:261)
Embrace a Convert Quick Ramadan Guide
You may be wondering, “But what can I say or do that will be helpful and not unintentionally offensive to a new convert?” As someone who embraced Islam in my early twenties and benefited greatly from the support of generous, selfless Muslims around me, I can offer some guidance for families who want to welcome a convert into their homes during this time.
Here are a few practical tips:
1. Educate with Gentleness
Gift a thoughtful book about Ramadan or invite the convert to a Ramadan prep lecture at your local masjid. You could even organize a small informational gathering at home, so they understand what to expect before the month begins. Avoid overwhelming them with too many rulings at once. Focus on clarity, encouragement, and gradual growth.
2. Open Your Doors for Iftar
Invite a convert to break their fast with your family, whether in your house, at the masjid, or even at a restaurant. Consider extending the invitation to their non-Muslim relatives so they can witness the beauty of Ramadan firsthand. For many converts, the hardest part of Ramadan is not the hunger, but the loneliness.
3. Help Them Explain Ramadan to Their Families
Many new Muslims struggle to answer questions from non-Muslim relatives about fasting. Ask if they would like support in explaining Ramadan to their family members. A simple conversation, shared meal, or phone call can ease misunderstandings and reduce tension.
4. Accompany Them to the Masjid
Offer to attend tarawih prayers together. Walking into a masjid alone for the first time can feel intimidating, especially during Ramadan when attendance is at its peak. If they have children, you can help supervise them or even arrange a playdate with your own kids, so the convert does not feel torn between worship and parenting.
5. Organize a Family Quran Reading Session or Study Group
Invite a convert to join your family for a simple Quran reading or study circle. Take turns reading a few verses and reflecting briefly. This increases worship, builds confidence, and fills your home with barakah.
6. Do Not Forget the Eid!
For many converts, Eid is a lonely time. Invite them to your Eid celebration. A simple invitation can transform what might have been a painful day into a joyful memory. Insha’Allah, what begins as a Ramadan invitation may grow into a lifelong friendship.
7. Check In After Ramadan
Occasionally, the gloomiest time of the year for some converts comes after Ramadan ends, when community excitement fades, and they are left to maintain new habits alone. A simple message or visit after Eid can mean the world.
Perhaps most importantly, do not treat new Muslims as projects to manage or charity cases to oversee. They are not “others” or “less than” those who were born and raised in the Deen. Converts may be first-generation Muslims in their own families, but they are our brothers and sisters in faith. Speak to them naturally, laugh with them, include them sincerely, and avoid gestures that feel patronizing or performative. “Adopting” a convert into our family is reviving the way in which the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, fostered ties of brotherhood between the Muhajireen and the Ansar. We can be like the Ansar this Ramadan by drawing new Muslims closer to the community with sincerity, humility, and respect. In doing so, we may find that Allah draws us closer to Him.
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