Ah, it is the time of year again. Ramadan, in which Muslims fast and will also be bombarded with questions regarding the fasting. Naturally there are a few things that many Muslims want everyone to know about the month of Ramadan.
1. Ramadan is not about starving yourself.![]()
Although there is a huge emphasis on the fasting part, this seems to be the only part that most people know of. The fasting is actually in addition to a focus on being a better person. Fasting is not easy and it helps a person to focus on all the blessings that they have been given and allows them to understand the greater suffering that is happening in places where food and water is a scarcity. There is a huge spiritual aspect to fasting that goes into the month of Ramadan.
2. Yes, you can eat in front of me.
Honestly, you eating is not going to change how much more or less hungry we will be. Although we do appreciate the consideration! A little insider though, I watch more cooking videos in this month than I do in the rest of the year combined. Your turkey sandwich isn't doing much.
3. No, we are not going to die. We promise.
I mean we always could but that would not be in any way connected to fasting. Actually, there are limitations placed on the elderly, the pregnant and the very ill that protect them from over-exerting themselves from fasting. Only the able bodied make the fasts.
4. We do not fast for 30 days straight.
What?! *gasp* Yes shocking isn't it. In reality the actually fasting is not done for 24 hours, every day, for 30 days. That's a recipe for death. The fast is completed from sun up to sun down, meaning that different countries around the world fast for different times. In the US this year, that time will be for about 16 hours.
Here's a good video with the breakdown of the longest fasting periods from around the world.
5. Ramadan is the holiest month of the year.![]()
Ramadan is very easily the most well- known month of the Islamic calendar and carries a bounty of blessings. We have our celebration of Eid at the end of the month and during the 30 days there will be many times when friends are invited over for delicious food when breaking the fast. Really this is a win for everybody.
Happy Ramadan to all!
