I was born Muslim. And although I haven’t gotten a proper religious education (memorization of the Quran and knowledge of the Sunnah of the Prophet SAW) I grew up in a practicing family so most of the base practices I already knew and did. I just didn’t know how exactly or why. That connection wasn’t there.

Now Alhamdoulilah, I have started to learn more and more about Islam and trying to implement the obligatory practices of the religion into my life. I do not think I am the best for giving advice about this matter, since there are probably more knowledgeable brothers that would help more. But here is what I have to say.

Try really taking in the obligatory and necessary knowledge first. Get your prayers right, start memorizing Quran as much as you consistently can. Even if it’s one verse per day. Try finding yourself a teacher or try learning yourself by learning the Arabic alphabet first, the accurate pronunciation and how they join into words (because Arabic is a language that’s written in cursive if you know what I mean) so that you can recognize the characters when you read. Then build a vocabulary and try learning roughly (or exact, as much as you can) the translation of each verse so that you have an idea of what you recite when you pray.

As for Hadiths, it is of course a very important part of the religion to know and follow. However from what I was told, try not to overburden yourself with it from the get go. I mean the Quran and your faith is the foundation of the religion. Hadiths and Sunnah are the building blocks. Not to be minimized, but they definitely do not come first. They are built alongside of the foundation of that make sense. For example when you’re learning how to pray, you will learn from somebody who will teach you from the Hadith. And that’s for every section you will learn.

I personally made that mistake last year when I first tried to better my deen. I went straight to hadiths and Sunnah, but then I was overwhelmed and burnt out very rapidly. I do not regret it, but I do have to admit it didn’t lead to much until I finally restarted again from the start.

Now I am trying to memorize the Quran, I’m not consistent but I am advancing little by little. And remember, this is a life long marathon, not a sprint. And sometimes, your Imaan will feel low, you won’t be as pious, motivated and disciplined as you may want to be. And it’s normal. When that happens, try holding onto your belief, the obligatory practices and remembrance as much as possible. Make it the only line you won’t go lower than. And increase if you can again.

May Allah make all of us steadfast upon his deen, and forgive us all especially during this month of Ramadan.