I just became Muslim. Do I have to fast?
Question · One of the most asked questions about Ramadan
I took my shahada a few weeks ago and Ramadan is starting soon. I'm still learning how to pray. Do I have to fast the whole month right away, and what about past years?
Short answer
Yes, once you are Muslim, adult and able, fasting Ramadan is obligatory from the first full day after you accept Islam. You do not make up fasts from before you became Muslim.
Detailed answer
Welcome to Islam. Yes, fasting Ramadan is obligatory for every adult Muslim who is of sound mind, healthy and not travelling, and that now includes you. Your obligation begins with the first full day of Ramadan after you accept Islam. The good news is that you have nothing to make up from the years before.
What the Quran and Sunnah say
Allah says: "Tell those who disbelieve that if they stop, what has passed will be forgiven for them" (Al-Anfal 8:38). The Prophet said: "Islam wipes out what came before it" (Muslim). So past Ramadans, and past mistakes, are not counted against you.
If you accept Islam during a Ramadan day, many scholars recommend not eating for the rest of that day out of respect, but you do not need to make that day up.
The same exemptions apply to you
- If you are sick or travelling, you may postpone and make up the days later (Al-Baqarah 2:184).
- Women do not fast during their period or bleeding after childbirth, and make up those days later.
- Those who cannot fast at all because of a long-term illness or old age feed a poor person for each day instead (fidya).
- If you take regular medication, speak to a doctor, ideally one who understands fasting, before Ramadan.
In practice
- Intention: simply resolve in your heart to fast tomorrow; no special words are needed. See the intention for fasting.
- Timings: eat suhoor before dawn and break your fast at sunset. Check your city on our prayer times page.
- Keep learning to pray. Prayer is the most important pillar after faith. Do what you can and grow step by step.
- Find community: many mosques hold free iftars and warmly welcome new Muslims.
A gentle word
Your first Ramadan may feel hard, and that is normal. If you eat or drink by mistake because you forgot, do not panic: forgetting does not break the fast. Ask questions, be patient with yourself and remember that Allah rewards effort. If your family is not Muslim, see fasting when your family is not Muslim, and for the basics read who has to fast in Ramadan?
These answers give the general ruling based on the Quran, the Sunnah and the mainstream view of scholars. For a personal situation, ask a qualified scholar you trust.
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