Ramadan Journal- Day 1 of The Nura

My first day of Ramadan was eeventful' to say the least. Before bed last night I had decided that I would wake up for Fajr, eat and drink, pray, then go back to sleep. I intended to fast from that time until Dhuhr (afternoon prayer) and work my way up each day. However, things didn’t go according to plan...

I get text updates five minutes before each of the five daily prayers, and the vibration from my phone generally wakes me for Fajr without disturbing my mom. Even though I didn’t manage to fall asleep until around 2 a.m. I didn’t wake up for prayer! For some unknown reason my text didn’t come through. Nonetheless, I held to my plan to fast until Dhuhr. When the time came around I retreated to the bathroom and performed ablution and then prayed. After which I drank a hearty glass of water and downed a bowl of chicken Ramen. I have, in the past, gone long periods of time without food, but you never realize just how much you need water, until you can’t have it.

Later, I dialed 1-877-WHY-ISLAM and talked to a Muslim man who helped me to recite the Shahadah in Arabic and started the process of sending me a large welcome package. In one to two weeks a package will come to my house with my very own Qur’an, a prayer rug, a hijab, a book to teach me Arabic, a book to teach me the prayers, and many other wonderful resources. Alhamdulillah, there are so many ways out there for young reverts to get help every step they take.

Alongside fasting food, I’m fasting warm water. I avoided the water this morning as I battled to shampoo my hair, but tonight, I embraced the water. Turns out, I REALLY like warm water.

My day came to a sad end when my mom informed me that I still have to go to church tomorrow. I don’t know what to do because Sunday School is on my favorite topic, Islam. I know I will get frustrated, so I need to make dua and ask Allah to help me keep my mouth shut. I don’t know my stuff well enough yet and I don’t want to look like an ill educated hot head.

I will wake up for Fajr this time, I will find something to eat before I begin fasting, and I will fast until Asr, Inshallah. I want to say that I admire those of you who keep the fast every day through the month of Ramadan. I hope that I can one day possess your strength. Ramadan Blessings Everyone.

The Nura