Ramadan in the UAE: Fasting is the greatest thing that happened to me as a new Muslim, says convert – News

Muwonge, who converts to Islam in 2022, says religion of peace answers many of his questions about spirituality and God

One of the challenges new converts to Islam often face is the first month of Ramadan fasting.

While many people may have fasted for a day or two, for those who have never done it, staying away from food and water for an entire month from sunrise to sunset can be a daunting task.

This was the case for Joshua Muwonge from Uganda, who arrived in Dubai in 2017 and converted to Islam last year.

Some doubts and anxieties can be a common occurrence for many, like him, who may be recent converts to the faith. Yet despite all the challenges of fasting, Muwonge says it’s one of the greatest things he’s experienced as a new Muslim.

Muwonge converted to Islam in 2022, just months before Ramadan. “I was lucky to fast for the entire month of Ramadan last year,” lamented the Ugandan expatriate.

“In February, I took my oath at Al Manar Center under the guidance of Dr. Shaikh Ayaz Housee. Fasting was hard but Dr. Ayaz guided me to overcome my food and water cravings during fasting,” said Muwonge .

Since Muwonge lives in a shared apartment, it is difficult for him to get up to fast and prepare food. “I was working in Dubai and staying at Umm Al Quwain company accommodation. I found it a bit difficult because my roommates had other faiths. So I had to continue my sabbatical without disturbing them,” said Muwonge .

Although the initial days were tough, by the middle of Ramadan in 2022, Muwonge had gotten used to fasting and a changed schedule. “I didn’t get tired until iftar. The second half became easier for me.”

This year, he said, things have gotten a lot easier. Muwonge said: “Last year I fasted during Ramadan and traveling left me dehydrated and exhausted, but this year, since I live in Deira, fasting has become easier as my travel time has been greatly reduced, unlike As boring as it used to be.”

Since Muwonge converted to Islam, he has managed to invite hundreds of his fellow countrymen to convert to Islam, and this year, all these friends gathered to celebrate the fast and prepare Iftar together. “Last year, Ramadan was a lonely time because I didn’t have anyone. This year, I was fasting with my brothers. We got up, fasted, went to the mosque to pray, and studied the Quran together,” Muwonge said.

Muwonge, who grew up in an Orthodox Christian family and community, said he had the impression of Islam from media reports before arriving in the UAE. “Before I came to the UAE, I had a different view of religion. However, when I arrived in Dubai and was exposed to Islam and Muslim people, I realized that everything I heard or read about Islam was related to The truth is far from it. I realize the beauty of religion and seeing the Muslim way of life is an inspiration to me,” Muwonge said.

Explaining his journey to Islam, Muwonge said his first contact was with his colleagues and friends. “They explained Islam to me and a few days later, I had a strange dream inviting me to join the religion,” Muwonge said.

During his weekly break, Muwonge asked his friend to introduce him to an academic because he wanted answers to some of the questions that were troubling him. “I had a lot of questions about religion and God. This scholar managed to provide satisfying answers to those questions, which led me to embrace the religion of peace,” Muwonge said.