[juliannamed]

I'm looking for recommendations for a new Muslim on how to prepare for their first Ramadan. Any videos, books, articles, or advice would be appreciated.

[ApporpSothe]

I'm looking for recommendations for a new Muslim on how to prepare for their first Ramadan. Any videos, books, articles, or advice would be appreciated.

Ok....my tips:

1. The first two to three days are the hardest; they're the days in which your body starts adjusting to not having any water or nutrients for a a considerable length of time. If you're gonna take any days off from work, school, or what have you, these are the days to do it on.

2. Cut down on caffeine consumption or the cigs (if you smoke) the week before. Having to deal with dehydration headaches are bad enough and a lot worse when also having to deal with a caffeine withdrawal (and yes, if you drink caffeine regularly, you will have withdrawals...everything is very very noticeable during Ramadan).

3. If you can, schedule yourself to sleep a bit more during the day...not too much! It does help out quite a bit though.

4. Most important thing: have a good sized, nourishing meal before you start the fast every morning. I am talking oats, dried fruits, nuts, and stuff like that. And make sure to drink quite a bit of water during this time as well. You will notice the difference.

5. Limit the physical activity. If you're out in the sun or anything, wear a kaffiyeh dipped in water. Saw that on Dual Survival--works amazingly well. You won't even sweat in Arizona type heat (where I live).

6. When you break the fast, best thing to do is eat something sugary. At that point your blood sugar levels are quite low and boosting them up is the best way to experience a noticeable improvement. Dates are the traditional way to break your fast--for a reason. They're packed with sugar. I personally like having a Gatorade as well.

7. Cook some good foods to eat after the fast. Believe me, food never tastes better than it will after having fasted all day long.

[Nikkytas]

Try fasting "normal times" in non-Ramadhan months (like right now). After getting used to it, then fast according to the rules from Fajr - Maghrib. Remember it's the intention that is important and Allah will look after the ones who are seeking His pleasures.

[hs6KnlcW]

I remember, there was an urdu book "akabir ka ramzan" by shk-ul-hadith zakaria sb (ra). Not sure if it is available online, googling might help. this will be a good source of encouragement.

If any brother has the online version, please attach here.

[hs6KnlcW]

Got the online version here...


http://www.central-mosque.com/fiqh/rampious.htm