KUALA LUMPUR: Fasting for the first time, new convert Ridzwan Syah Abdullah found it difficult to wake up for sahur.
"I have to set the alarm clock to make sure I get up to eat. I am still getting used to the routine," said the 24-year-old Royal Malaysian Air Force officer.
Ridzwan, who converted to Islam in November last year, admitted that initially, he found it difficult to abstain from eating and drinking for many hours.
"But as the days progressed, I have been able to cope better as I've understood the real purpose of fasting and the goodness it can bring to a person's spiritual belief and health."
He said his cooking skills, too, were improving as he prepared meals with his friends for the breaking of fast.
"My friends joke that I can soon open my own stall at a Ramadan bazaar."
For Nur Aishah Sitha Abdullah, 39, who embraced Islam when she married Zainul Madzi in June, fasting was not something new.
"I used to fast even before my conversion. So, not eating and drinking during the day is not a problem for me. However, I am still training myself to stay clear of negative thoughts and be careful with my actions so they do not nullify my fast,"
Aishah said her husband had been helping her understand the rules of fasting and had taught her how to perform the terawih prayers.
"This holy month is meaningful to me, not only because I am fasting for the first time as a Muslim, but also because I will be celebrating my first Raya with my husband."
Another convert Maimunah Sheikh Abdullah, 53, said she felt that fasting had helped her become more focused.
The new converts were participating in a Quran recitation class at the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia.
The department conducts the classes on a daily basis for new converts.
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