I Asked Local AI Models "How to Prepare for Ramadan?" (Breakdown Inside)

about 20 hours ago

Ramadan is tomorrow or the day after, depending on moon sighting. So I thought it'd be fun to ask AI Chatbots specific questions about Islam and see how things go. In the previous article, I tested online models and the answers were usually good. This time I opted to try the local models I already have on my system.

In this article, I compare MoE Models of various sizes and architectures. All downloaded from HuggingFace (links below.) All tested on an AMD 7640HS APU with DDR5 RAM. Models I tested are (in this order):

Models I tested are (in this order):

Qwen3-30B-A3B (2507) Abliterated (At Q4 Quantization)
Qwen3-30B-A3B (2507) Instruct (At 2.70 ByteShape Quant)
GLM-4.7-Flash-REAP-23B-A3B-UD (At Q3 Quantization)
Ling-mini-2.0 (At Q4 Quantization)
SmallThinker-4B-A0.6B-Instruct (At IQ4_NL Quantization)
LFM2-8B-A1B-absolute-heresy (At IQ4_NL Quantization)
EuroMoE-2.6B-A0.6B-Instruct-2512 (At Q6 Quantization)

DeepSeek, Kimi, and GLM are open weight models, while ChatGPT, Claude, Grok and Gemini are models by big corporations.

https://img.leopedia.io/DQmXgDv3vvd3Qbes9KhBHB3ZP1ugvnc5kFHhb2DKEEnAkHs/RamadanKareem_ChatGPT2_VeniceAI_TcP28gY.webp

So, here you go:

The Prompt

Ramadan is 2 days from now. How should I prepare myself as a Muslim? Avoid generic advice. Your response must fit in 500 words or less.

I asked all the models below this exact prompt, to make comparisons between them so fair.

Local AI Model Responses

Below is a table comparing all the models I tested. I noticed the answers quality wasn't dependent on size, and they all understood the assignment well. Sadly, GLM4.7-Flash kept thinking and didn't give me a response, it just stops in the middle of thinking despite trying a few times.

I guess, I'll stick to non -thinking models in my current PC setup:

Model	Response Desc.	Words	# Advices	Size	File	Speed	Correct	MD
📚 Qwen3-30B (Abliterated)	Creative, sensory-focused prep	494	9	30B-A3B	15GB	11 t/s	❌	✅
📖 Qwen3-30B (2.70bpw)	Philosophical, introspective	388	8	30B-A3B	10GB	14 t/s	✅	⚠️
⚡ GLM-4.7 Flash	No response generated	—	0	23B-A3B	11GB	9.2 t/s	❌	❌
🐣 Ling-mini 2.0	Community-focused, practical	465	6	16B-A1B	9.5GB	30 t/s	✅	✅
💭 SmallThinker 4B	Generic but solid advice	278	4	4B-A0.6B	2.5GB	43 t/s	✅	✅
🌊 LFM2-8B	Balanced physical-spiritual prep	238	11	8B-A1B	5GB	28 t/s	⚠️	❌
🇪🇺 EuroMoE 2.6B	Family-focused, best small model	317	6	2.6B-A0.6B	2.3GB	55 t/s	✅	✅

Qwen3-30B-A3B-Instruct-2507-abliterated.IQ4

Ramadan begins in two days—this isn't just a calendar shift; it's a spiritual recalibration. To rise to the occasion, don't just prepare for Ramadan: become Ramadan. Start today with a ritualistic Iftar-Prep Day. Before sunset on the eve of Ramadan, gather your essentials: dates (preferably Barhi or Ajwa), fresh juice (mango or pomegranate), and a small tray of sahoor snacks—oats, chia pudding, boiled eggs, hummus with flatbread. Label each item with intention: “This date is for the first Taraweeh.” This tactile act turns preparation into worship.

Next, create a Ramadan Mood Board—a physical or digital collage of sensory cues. Include images of moonlit mosques, close-ups of hands holding prayer beads, audio clips of qiyam prayers, and a playlist blending nasheeds like “Salam” by Maher Zain with raw, unprocessed Arabic calligraphy. Place this board where you’ll see it daily—the kitchen wall, bedroom door, or even your phone lock screen. Let visuals whisper reminders throughout the day.

Then, design a 36-Hour Pre-Ramadan Reset:

Day 1: Fast from dawn until Maghrib without water. Break fast with only dates and water. After Isha, spend 45 minutes reading one chapter (surah) of the Qur’an aloud—record yourself.

Day 2: Begin writing your Ramadan Journal. Not just a diary, but a living document: set three personal goals (e.g., complete one full recitation of the Qur’an, memorize Surah Al-Kahf, improve dua after Fajr). Add a weekly reflection sheet at the back.

Now, transform your home into a Ramadan sanctuary. Declutter one room completely—your prayer space, study nook, or dining area—and dedicate it to spiritual rhythm. Use scented candles (rosemary, oud), place a small bowl of dried rose petals near your mihrab, and hang a single verse on the wall that will guide you through Ramadan’s phases:

“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and say: ‘Salam!’” (Al-Imran 3:102)

On the morning before Ramadan starts, wake up for Fajr two hours early. Perform wudu slowly, imagining each drop of water carrying away sins. Then, during Fajr, silently offer a dua al-mustajab—a supplication based on your journal entries. Ask for clarity in worship, consistency in ibadah, and deeper connection with Allah.

Finally, prepare your sahoor kit: a labeled box containing everything needed for pre-dawn meals—the night before. Include spices like cardamom and cinnamon, a reusable thermos for warm milk or soup, and a small notebook titled “Dua Pages.” Each day, write one new dua from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—start with his famous du’a after Taraweeh:

“Allahumma inni sa’altuka ar-rahmah wa talaqa qalbi biha…”

And don’t forget one non-negotiable habit: every evening after Maghrib, spend ten minutes listening only to the Qur’an, eyes closed, without distractions. Let the recitation wash over you—not just hearing words, but feeling them in your bones.

By the time Ramadan begins, you won’t have simply prepared—you’ll already be in Ramadan. Your home breathes it. Your body remembers it. And when the first moon appears, you’ll greet not just a month—but a transformation.

Qwen3-30B-A3B-Instruct-2507-2.70bpw (Byteshape Quant)

You have two days to prepare—not for ritual, but for transformation. Start not with fasting, but with intention: Ramadan isn’t about endurance; it’s about recalibration. The real preparation happens before Fajr, when the world is still dark and your breath hasn't yet stirred into motion.

First, delete one digital distraction—not just apps, but the habit of checking them first thing. Replace that moment with silence. Sit on the floor, eyes closed, and ask yourself: What do I need to hear tonight that I haven’t heard all year?

Second, choose one Quranic verse you’ve avoided because it unsettles you. Don’t read it lightly. Read it aloud, then sit with its discomfort. Let it live in your chest. This is not performance—it’s confrontation with truth.

Third, stop pretending you’re ready. You aren’t. That’s why Ramadan exists. Prepare by admitting you are unprepared. Write down three things you've neglected—your father’s voice, a friend’s loneliness, the quiet guilt over missed prayers—and commit to addressing one during Ramadan. Not later. During.

Fourth, plan meals around presence, not convenience. Skip the late-night scroll. Cook something simple—olive oil, dates, bread. Eat alone at least once. No phone. No noise. Just the sound of chewing and silence. This is how you reclaim time.

Fifth, don’t wait for “good” feelings. When exhaustion hits, don’t say, “I can’t.” Say, “I am here anyway.” You're not preparing for strength—you're preparing for surrender.

Sixth, designate one night as non-ritual: no Taraweeh, no dua list, no effort. Just sit. Watch the sky change. Let your mind wander without purpose. This is where God meets you—not in prayer, but in stillness.

Seventh, avoid self-judgment before Fajr. If you feel lazy, angry, or distracted, that’s data—not failure. Track it. Note when you snap, when you forget, when you crave distraction. These aren't sins—they’re signals.

Finally, do not prepare for Ramadan like a task. Prepare like someone returning home after years away. Bring nothing. Leave everything behind. The real preparation isn’t fasting—it’s letting go of the idea that you need to be worthy first. You don’t need more discipline. You need fewer illusions.

Two days from now, open your door before dawn. Don’t check your phone. Don’t plan your meal. Stand there with empty hands and ask: Who am I when no one sees? That moment—before the sun rises—is the only preparation worth having.

GLM-4.7-Flash-REAP-23B-A3B-UD-Q3_K_XL

...Sigh.

This model kept going into thinking loops and it's too long to paste here, I'm just putting it as an entry for archiving purposes.

Ling-mini-2.0-Q4_K_M

As Ramadan approaches, it's essential to focus on both spiritual and practical preparations to make the most of this blessed month. Here’s a tailored approach to help you prepare:

Spiritual Readiness:

Intention (Niyyah): Begin by setting a clear intention for Ramadan. Reflect on why you want to observe it—whether it’s for increased closeness to Allah, seeking forgiveness, or self-purification. Write down your intentions and keep them visible.

Tawajjuh (Purification): Start purifying your actions. Identify areas where you may have fallen short recently and commit to improving them. This could be through regular prayer, recitation of the Quran, or reducing backbiting and slander.

Nightly Reflection: Spend time in the last third of the night (Laylat al-Qadr) reflecting on your day. Ask Allah for guidance and forgiveness, and resolve to change any negative habits.

Physical Preparation:

Dietary Adjustments: Gradually adjust your eating patterns. If you plan to fast, start waking up slightly earlier each week to ease into Suhoor (pre-dawn meal). Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and water-rich foods to stay hydrated.

Fasting Practice: If possible, begin fasting for shorter durations before Ramadan to build stamina. This will help you adapt better to the physical demands of prolonged fasting.

Mental and Emotional Readiness:

Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness by setting aside time each day for meditation or journaling. Use this time to connect with Allah, seek His pleasure, and gain clarity on your goals for Ramadan.

Empathy Training: Engage in acts of kindness and empathy. Volunteer at local charities, visit the sick, or simply offer sincere compliments. This will not only prepare you emotionally but also deepen your connection with others.

Practical Preparations:

Wudu Station: Set up a designated area at home for Wudu (ablution). Ensure it’s clean and stocked with necessary items like water, towels, and cleaning supplies.

Quran Memorization: If you’re committed to memorizing the Quran, increase your daily recitation and review sessions. Break down the target into manageable portions to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Supplication Kit: Prepare a small kit with essential supplications (duas) for various occasions—starting, breaking fast, sleeping, etc. Regularly recite these to seek Allah’s blessings and protection.

Social and Community Engagement:

Mosque Visits: Start attending Taraweeh prayers at the mosque. Familiarize yourself with the prayer schedule and try to participate actively. This will enhance your spiritual experience and provide a sense of community.

Iftar Gatherings: Organize or join iftars with friends and family. Sharing meals strengthens bonds and creates an environment of warmth and generosity, which are central themes of Ramadan.

By focusing on these specific areas, you can ensure that Ramadan becomes a transformative period in your life, filled with spiritual growth, physical well-being, and emotional fulfillment. May Allah accept your efforts and reward you abundantly. Ameen.

SmallThinker-4B-A0.6B-Instruct.IQ4_NL

Preparing for Ramadan involves intentional acts of worship, spiritual focus, and community support to deepen your connection with Allah (SWT) and strengthen your faith. Here’s how to approach it:

Prioritize Suhoor & Iftar:

Plan meals ahead: Choose nutrient-dense suhoor (pre-dawn meal) rich in protein and fiber. Include complex carbs like oats or whole grains.

Prepare Iftar thoughtfully: Focus on simplicity—avoid processed foods. Try dates, lentils, or fresh fruits. Dedicate time each day to cook or arrange the space for Iftar.

Engage in Sabr (Pre-Dawn Prayers):

Spend quiet moments before dawn praying five times. This calms the mind, increases gratitude (shukr), and sets a positive tone for the day. Even 5 minutes counts.

Increase Dhikr (Remembrance of God):

Recite Quranic verses daily during suhoor and iftar. Use short, meaningful passages that resonate with you. Consistency builds devotion.

Practice Tawakkul (Trust in Allah):

Accept life’s uncertainties without anxiety. When challenges arise, remind yourself, ""Allah is sufficient"" (Quran 2:286). This cultivates patience and resilience.

Foster Community Connection:

Share iftar with family/friends. Join local mosque prayers or study groups to combat isolation. Support others’ struggles; compassion strengthens your own faith.

Mindful Reflection & Charity:

Journal about blessings and areas for growth. Perform obligatory charity (zakat al-fitr) at sunset, emphasizing generosity over perfection.

Avoid Pitfalls:

Steer clear of gossiping, excessive alcohol, or negativity. Focus on gratitude, forgiveness, and acts of kindness.

Ramadan transforms Ramadan into a profound spiritual journey. By aligning actions with core Islamic values—prayer, self-discipline, and empathy—you deepen your relationship with Allah while nurturing personal virtues. Start small but commit consistently; every act of worship matters.

LFM2-8B-A1B-absolute-heresy-iQ4_NL

Two days from Ramadan begins—time to deepen your preparation beyond routine. Start by aligning your intention (niyyah): set a sincere, personal goal for fasting, such as purifying the heart or strengthening empathy with the less fortunate. This focus transforms Ramadan from habit into spiritual discipline.

Next, refine your pre-dawn meal (suhoor) with nutrient-dense foods—oats, dates, yogurt—to sustain energy and avoid midday weakness. Pair this with hydration: drink water slowly before dawn, then limit fluids post-sunset to prevent dehydration.

Review Quranic recitation: memorize key verses like Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183) on fasting’s purpose, or Surah Yunus (10:25) about patience. Recite them aloud daily to internalize their meaning. Pair this with reflection—journal how you’ll embody compassion, self-control, and gratitude during fasting.

Prepare your home environment: declutter spaces to reduce distractions, set a consistent prayer schedule (especially tarawih), and minimize digital interruptions to honor focused worship. Share intentions with family—mutual accountability deepens commitment.

Physically prepare: begin light exercise to build stamina, and adjust sleep patterns early to ease adjustment. Mentally, anticipate challenges—hunger, fatigue—and plan strategies, like keeping healthy snacks nearby.

Cultivate mindfulness: pause before meals to acknowledge blessings, turning each act into an act of devotion. Finally, spiritually prepare by reducing negative habits—gossip, impatience—replacing them with intentional acts of kindness. Let Ramadan be not just fasting, but a reset: a month where every choice reflects growth in faith, patience, and service. Act now—your preparation today shapes the depth of your experience tomorrow.

EuroMoE-2.6B-A0.6B-Instruct-2512.Q6_K

As Muslims preparing for Ramadan, here's how to approach this holy month with intention and mindfulness:

Purify the Mind & Body – Begin by reflecting on your intentions (niyyah). Focus on spiritual growth rather than external achievements like shopping sprees during Eid al-Fitr! The Prophet Muhammad said that every action has an impact—so choose wisely (Sunan Ibn Majah #3649). Eat lightly before dawn; avoid heavy meals post-iftar. Practice dhikr, reciting blessings upon Allah daily until Suhoor/Iftar time begins at sunset. This habit fosters gratitude and connection throughout the day.

Family First – Breakfast together strengthens bonds within households while embracing generosity (zakat ul-fitr matters!). Share food generously but remember humility over excessiveness. If you can afford it, donate extra groceries to those who cannot join us spiritually due to financial hardship today. Let kindness be our norm instead of just rituals.

Stay Hydrated & Active Post-Fajr Prayer – After breaking fast early morning prayers are encouraged (if available), ensuring fullness without overeating later helps maintain health amid fasting hours. Light exercise afterward also aids digestion after long periods of abstinence.

Mindful Shopping Habits – Resist impulse buys leading up to Ramadan! Plan purchases thoughtfully using resources from Islamic finance principles (halal credit cards if needed!) and consider sustainable brands aligned with ethical values. Compare prices fairly in advance or use apps tracking halal products discreetly.

Social Engagement Strategically – Invite friends for iftar gatherings where conversations remain respectful yet joyous despite dietary restrictions. Avoid debates about politics, religion outside valid contexts unless they align with compassion (#IslamicDialogue). Prioritize quality interactions rather than quantity during this sacred month.

Remember: Success lies not only in grand gestures but small acts that nurture inner peace—like saying ‘subhanallah’ before eating a date; these moments compound into profound spiritual rewards.* May we all find meaning beyond mere tradition as Muslims striving toward self-improvement through patience and devotion.

Breakdown of Individual Advices Per Chatbot

Also has the advices from the SOTA models from my previous experiment:

Advice	📚 Qwen3-30B (Abliterated)	📖 Qwen3-30B (2.70bpw)	⚡ GLM-4.7 Flash	🐣 Ling-mini	💭 SmallThinker	🌊 LFM2-8B	🇪🇺 EuroMoE	Count
Set specific worship goals	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	4/7
Suhoor food prep (protein, complex carbs)	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	3/7
Digital detox/delete apps	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	3/7
Hydrate heavily	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	1/7
Physical activity/walking	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	2/7
Practice fast before Ramadan	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	2/7
Journaling/reflection	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅	❌	5/7
Reduce negative habits	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	3/7
Pay zakat before/during Ramadan	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	1/7
Create Ramadan mood board/sensory cues	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Transform home into sanctuary (declutter, decorations)	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	2/7
Prepare labeled "sahoor kit" box	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Confront one avoided Quranic verse	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Designate one non-ritual night (no Taraweeh)	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Track negative emotions as data	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Set up wudu station at home	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Prepare supplication/dua kit	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Empathy training (volunteer, visit sick)	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Family breakfast together	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	1/7
Donate extra groceries	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	1/7
Resist impulse buys before Ramadan	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	1/7
Say dhikr before eating dates	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	1/7
Share intentions with family for accountability	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	1/7
Light exercise after Fajr	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	1/7
Eat alone mindfully (no phone)	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Wake 2+ hours early before Ramadan starts	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	1/7
Memorize specific Quranic verses	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	1/7
Minimize digital interruptions	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	❌	1/7