Kato, a Ugandan expat living in the UAE, made a life-changing decision two months ago by embracing Islam. For him, it was a profound personal and direct connection with Allah that drove his faith journey.

"The main reason I chose Islam was the sense of a close and direct connection with Allah," Kato shared. "I felt that Islam offered a more personal relationship with God, where Allah is always aware and available to assist."

With his first Ramadan approaching, Kato expressed excitement and gratitude. To prepare himself, he has already been practicing fasting before officially converting. He does not expect difficulties adjusting to fasting and looks forward to fully experiencing the month.

Even before converting, Kato admired certain aspects of Ramadan: "One of my favourite parts is breaking the fast; it's the most rewarding moment of the day. I enjoy the sense of togetherness when sharing iftar with others, as it strengthens my feeling of being part of a family".

Kato. Photo: Supplied

Kato emphasised the significance of staying engaged with the Muslim community, especially as a new convert. Attending gatherings and learning from scholars help him deepen his understanding of Islam. He values being around knowledgeable people who guide him in his faith.

Shirley, a Chinese expat living in the UAE who spoke to Khaleej Times in December, converted to Islam a month ago. "Since childhood, I have been fascinated with Middle Eastern culture, particularly fairy tale stories and Arabian history," Shirley explained.

Upon moving to Dubai nearly a year ago, Shirley had the opportunity to interact with and make Arab friends who introduced her to Islam. They encouraged her to study Islamic culture, which led her to explore the religion further.

"I realised that the Quran and Islamic teachings aligned with what I had been searching for in life," Shirley noted. Wanting to learn more, she initially visited an Islamic centre. Her understanding was limited, but as she delved deeper, she felt happy and fulfilled, finally finding her belief. She felt a newfound sense of peace and contentment after embracing Islam.

Shirley. Photo: Supplied

With Ramadan approaching, Shirley is excited yet uncertain about what to expect. She has already attempted fasting in February and found it manageable. "I plan to visit the mosque at night and participate in prayers." She is also happy she found a Chinese Muslim friend in her neighbourhood who will help guide her during Ramadan.

"Ramadan is a time to strengthen my connection with Allah," Shirley noted. Although she is still learning about the significance of this holy month, she is eager to embrace it fully. Her Muslim friend explained that Ramadan is a period for spiritual growth, which inspired Shirley to commit wholeheartedly to the experience. She acknowledges that daily life can be distracting, but Ramadan allows her to focus on her spiritual development.

Olivia, a Finnish convert who embraced Islam two years ago, recounts that she decided to embrace Islam following the passing of her mother. "I felt empty and was seeking a drastic life change while distancing myself from negative influences," she said.

Seeking guidance, she spoke with a friend who converted years ago. "It led me to read the Quran, watch Islamic lectures, and attend sessions at the Islamic Centre in Dubai, where I deepened my understanding of the faith," Olivia noted.

As Olivia’s interest in Islam deepened, she attended a seminar about Ramadan at a local mosque. During the event, a woman, assuming Olivia was already Muslim, invited her to pray. However, Olivia chose to listen from outside the prayer area. "As I stood there, listening to the prayer, I felt something stir in my heart. My eyes welled up with tears. It was a feeling I can't quite put into words," she recalled. 

Overwhelmed by the moment, Olivia knew it was time to take the next step in her spiritual journey. That day, after the prayer concluded, she recited the Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith), embracing Islam in what she describes as a profound, life-changing moment. 

Olivia recalls fasting with friends in previous years out of respect but without religious intent. Her first official Ramadan was transformative, and she found joy in the rituals. She attended prayers at a mosque in Dubai, where she met a supportive sister who became like a second mother. “She guided me through my prayers, provided meals, and made sure I never felt alone,” she recalled.

The warmth and kindness she experienced in the Muslim community helped her navigate the early stages of her faith journey. Olivia describes Ramadan as one of the happiest times of her life, during which she also met her husband.

Nadine, a Swiss resident living in the UAE who embraced Islam in October 2024, is preparing for her first Ramadan with excitement, nervousness, and deep respect. Having grown up without a religious background, she was drawn to Islam after moving to Dubai, where the Al Salam Islamic Centre became a guiding force in her spiritual journey. 

"Right now, I see fasting and the spiritual discipline of Ramadan with awe, but I trust that with time, guidance, and practice, it will become a natural and fulfilling part of my journey," Nadine shared.  As she approaches the holy month, she is eager to fully immerse herself in fasting, prayer, and self-discipline, seeing it as an opportunity for spiritual and personal growth.

Despite initial challenges, such as adjusting to early morning suhoor meals and fasting without her usual morning coffee, Nadine is embracing the experience with gratitude, knowing that millions of Muslims worldwide are sharing the journey alongside her.

Support from the Muslim community has been central to Nadine’s transition, with friends and mentors at the Al Salam Islamic Centre offering guidance and encouragement. She plans to attend communal prayers at the mosque on weekends and participate in iftar gatherings with colleagues and loved ones.

For Nadine, Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink but about developing self-discipline, strengthening her faith, and engaging in acts of charity. She hopes to emerge from her first Ramadan with a deeper connection to Islam, carrying the lessons of gratitude, patience, and generosity beyond the holy month.