First-time Ramadhan fasters share their experience

Ramadhan in the Sultanate of Oman is more than a month of fasting. It is a season of reflection, unity and spiritual renewal. For first-time fasters, it can also mark the beginning of a deeply personal transformation. One such journey is that of a young Ukrainian woman who embraced Islam and is observing her first Ramadhan as a Muslim, an experience she calls life-changing.
Raised in what she describes as a typical Ukrainian family, religion was more tradition than belief. Christian holidays were observed culturally and discussions about faith were rare. After moving to Oman as a teenager, she encountered a society where religion shaped daily life. Yet for years, she identified as an atheist.

Her search for truth led her to attend church for a period, but she struggled with certain theological concepts. Unable to reconcile her questions, she stepped away again, uncertain of her path.
One year, out of curiosity rather than conviction, she decided to fast during Ramadhan, even though she had not yet embraced Islam. “I fasted without intention”, she recalls. “But it made me feel calm and peaceful”. The discipline of fasting sparked deeper reflection. What began as an experiment became a turning point.

Her growing interest in Islam led her to the Educational Centre of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, where conversations helped clarify her doubts. Shortly before Eid Al Adha, she pronounced the Shahada. “I was seeking the truth and needed guidance on how to get closer to God. Alhamdulillah, I found it”, she says.
This year, fasting carries intention and purpose. Preparing for her first Taraweeh prayers, she felt a different kind of excitement. “When you fast for the sake of Allah, it becomes easier, even pleasant”, she explains.

Like many first-time fasters, she initially found it challenging to maintain prayers and wake for suhoor. But gradually, the routine became natural. Hunger and thirst were not the defining experiences. Instead, she discovered how little the body truly needs and how strong spiritual motivation can be.
Her first Taraweeh prayer left a lasting impression. Standing among worshippers, she felt unity and belonging. “It felt like a breath of fresh air”, she says.

Ramadhan also reshaped her habits. She reduced social media, avoided unnecessary distractions and focused on mindfulness. “Fasting is not just about stopping food and drink”, she reflects. “It is about stepping away from distractions and focusing on what Allah wants us to be”.
For her, this first Ramadhan is more than an obligation. It marks a new chapter rooted in clarity, discipline, faith and community.