A Revert's Journey Through Ramadan
Assalamu alaikum everyone. I wanted to share my experience as a revert living in Italy, a predominantly Catholic country. I embraced Islam six months ago after growing up Catholic and then spending many years as an atheist. Alhamdulillah, since my shahadah, I've read the Qur'an and started exploring the hadiths. For the past couple of weeks, I've been maintaining my prayers consistently after some earlier struggles. This is my first Ramadan, and I really wanted to experience it fully despite some health considerations and the social challenges it brings. Everything feels new-waking for suhoor, adjusting meal times, preparing for iftar. I've been trying to include the sunnah prayers too, though today I'm uncertain if time will allow; the fard prayers will definitely be performed. I'm sharing this because my journey has felt somewhat solitary, though my family-after their initial surprise-has been supportive. Alhamdulillah, I'm managing the fast and prayers (though today I had to break it and feel quite disappointed), but I'm struggling to find time for reading hadiths or revisiting the Qur'an alongside family responsibilities. I wish this blessed month could be more reflective for me. Perhaps I need some advice. I haven't visited a masjid yet, partly due to shyness and some internal conflicts about my past identity. I also encounter harsh criticisms about Islam online that confuse me, because personally, Islam has brought me peace, clarity, and purpose. It inspires me to do good, and my life has transformed since I found Allah. Forgive this lengthy reflection; it's my first attempt to connect with the community. May Allah (SWT) bless you all and make this Ramadan easy for everyone.