Dealing with Family Tension During My First Ramadan as a New Muslim
Assalamu alaikum, brothers and sisters, This is my first Ramadan as a revert, and I'm genuinely struggling with a situation at home. I live with my family, and they're not supportive of Islam due to some political views they hold (we're of Iranian background, and they link Islam with certain political issues back home). I get that they have their reasons, but it's making things really tough for me. Ramadan is starting, and I've been prepping myself physically and spiritually to fast properly-adjusting my meals, getting my body ready, and mentally preparing for the month. I'm really committed to observing it. The issue is, my parents have already started arguments with me about why I'm not eating during the day. It escalates into shouting matches, and they view my fasting as supporting something negative, while for me, it's a deeply personal and spiritual act, not a political statement. I'm unsure how to navigate my first Ramadan in a house where fasting leads to so much conflict. I don't want to disrespect my parents, but I also don't want to abandon something that feels crucial to my faith. Has anyone else experienced their first Ramadan without family support? How did you manage it? Did you fast discreetly, or did you try to talk to your family about it? Any tips would be greatly appreciated right now. JazakAllah Khair.