For reverts in Doha, their first Ramadan is a transformative journey of discovery, spiritual challenges, and profound beauty, a stark contrast to the familiar rituals many Muslims have embraced since childhood.
“Sometimes I wonder if I would have embraced Islam if I hadn’t come to Qatar. Honestly, I doubt it,” says Sherla, a 38-year-old woman, her voice soft and contemplative as she reflects on her first Ramadan as a revert in Doha.
“I feel like a child, taking her first steps—stumbling, uncertain, but moving forward,” she adds with a gentle smile, as if finding solace in the vulnerability of her journey.
Born and raised Catholic, educated in a Catholic school, Sherla’s path to Islam has been nothing short of transformative. It has been a raw, full-of-discovery experience—at times overwhelming but profoundly meaningful. “It all started at the Fanar Masjid at Souk, where I declared my faith in One God (Allah) and His messenger.”
Her declaration of faith, the shahada, marked the beginning of a spiritual awakening—a journey that would soon test her faith in ways she never expected. For Sherla, the arrival of Ramadan brought with it an intense, personal challenge. Unlike many Muslims raised in the traditions of fasting, she was encountering each aspect of this holy month for the first time.
“I am discovering that the Qur’an is at the heart of this month,” she says, her voice tinged with reverence. “Though I can’t read Arabic, I’ve just bought an English translation, and I try to read it every day.”
The physical demands of fasting—the long hours without food or drink—have been challenging for Sherla, but it’s the mental and spiritual demands that have truly left a mark on her. “I thought fasting would just be about hunger and thirst,” she admits. “But I realised it’s about our behaviour—how we treat others, how we speak. It’s about controlling our desires, our thoughts.”
Sherla’s understanding of Ramadan goes beyond the physical abstention from food and drink; it touches the soul. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and hoping for reward will have his past sins forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari) It’s this promise of purification that Sherla holds close to her heart.
Though she didn’t grow up with the familiar routines many Muslims follow, the nightly Tarawih prayers have been a revelation. “The sense of peace I feel when I stand next to other Muslims, praying together, is unlike anything I’ve ever known,” Sherla says. “I never expected that connection—especially not as someone new to the faith.”
Sherla’s first community iftar in Doha became a pivotal moment for her. “I felt like I belonged somewhere,” she says, her voice breaking slightly as emotion fills her chest. “The Muslim women in the community welcomed me with open arms. They made me feel heard. It means so much.”
Ramadan in Doha has become more than just a season for Sherla; it’s a season of spiritual rebirth—a time to let go of the past and embrace a new chapter in her life. With every prayer, every fast, and every community gathering, she is discovering deeper connections to her faith. As the Qur’an says, “Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good.” (Qur’an 16:128)
Yet, Sherla’s journey is not the only one unfolding in the quiet corners of Doha. Sofia*, 35, a recent revert, is still navigating the delicate steps of her own spiritual path.
“I have been Muslim for only a couple of months,” she reflects shyly. “I am trying to memorise small suras so I can perform my prayers. These prayers have given me a peace I’ve never felt before. I want to perform them as much as possible during Ramadan.”
Though Sofia is eager to experience the beauty of the Tarawih prayers, she still finds herself hesitant. “I haven’t prayed in the masjid yet, and I wish to pray Tarawih, but I’m still learning about it. Sometimes, it feels overwhelming,” she admits, the uncertainty in her voice palpable.
For Sofia, this first Ramadan in Doha has been a delicate dance between joy and sadness. The absence of her own family weighs heavily on her heart. “Watching families gather for iftar, sharing meals and laughter—it’s tough at times,” she says, her voice tinged with longing. “I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness knowing that I may never fully experience that, especially since my family doesn’t share the same beliefs.”
Sofia’s family still doesn’t know about her conversion to Islam. Her decision was not an easy one, especially given her family’s strong Hindu roots. “It was hard to let go of that bond with my family,” she reflects quietly. “I am hiding the fact that I have changed my religion. I am afraid of how they will react.”
Despite the emotional toll, Sofia remains committed to her faith. Ramadan nights are often filled with restlessness as she prays for her family’s guidance. “I make sure to pray that my parents are guided towards Islam,” she says softly. “I know that Allah does not reject the prayer of a fasting person.”
Even as Sofia grapples with feelings of isolation, Ramadan has brought her a sense of peace she had long been searching for. “I speak to Allah all the time. I know He hears me. And I am sure He will help me and guide me,” she says with a quiet conviction that belies her uncertainty.
Sherla and Sofia, two women from different walks of life, are united by the bond of faith. Their journeys may be filled with challenges and uncertainties, but they carry with them the belief that every sacrifice they make—every moment of hardship—is an investment in a future they can only begin to imagine. In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “Indeed, with every difficulty, there is relief.” (Qur’an 94:6)
As they move forward, one Ramadan at a time, they hold on to the hope that, God willing, every step they take brings them closer to their Creator—strengthened by the faith that their sacrifices will be worth it when they stand before Allah on the Day of Judgment.
(*Name changed to protect identity)
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