"Muslims Starve For An Entire Month?"
It is that time of the year again, when Muslims are getting Ramadan ready. It is the ninth month of the lunar calendar where fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset. Part of the preparation process is slowly letting your co-workers and friends know that you will no longer be joining them for lunch. It is usually followed by a few questions, and the first one starts with “Can you have water?” Followed by, “So you starve for an entire month? It is safe to say, there needs to be clarification.
Maybe We’re Not that Different…Maybe?
A monotheistic connection.
Yom Kippur, Lent and Ramadan share a commonality, they are all spiritual reboots. Those who subscribe to these faiths spend this sacred time, praying and repenting. It is all centered around the theme of sacrifice with the goal of bringing one closer to their purpose and God. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. It is observed through a 25 hour fast and those who follow the Jewish faith abstain from food, physical pleasures as well as work. Christians observe Lent for approximately six weeks or 40 days. Many Christians fast as well as give up certain desires or items during this time.The sole purpose of Lent is to prepare for Easter and renew one’s commitment to the teachings of Christ. Ramadan requires Muslims to abstain from eating and drinking during a specific time frame. The amount of time differs, depending on the country one lives in. As the fast is observed from sunrise to sunset for one month. It is a spiritual and physical purification. It is also a test of self- restraint. One must avoid gossiping and arguing and increase good deeds. Through the process of fasting, one is walking in the shoes of those who are less fortunate and thus increasing the likelihood of engaging in charitable acts. In all three faiths it is not about what is being given up, it is a spiritual declutter to focus on one’s heart and relationship with the creator.
When Do You Eat?
Before fasting, Muslims eat a pre- dawn meal called Suhoor. This is a very early power meal, that differs from person to person. Some people indulge in a full-on buffet, whereas others opt for a smoothie. The fast is broken during sunset, with a glass of water and a date. A tradition, that started with the Prophet Muhammad over 1400 years ago. Dates are loaded in nutrients, vitamins and energy. It helps the bodies glucose levels stabilize.
Iftaar/Dinner-Before Ramadan, everyone promises themselves they will not eat fried foods and its like most New Years resolutions, there is no follow through. Especially when these fried foods only make an appearance during this month. What follows is, the best meal of your life. Think of all your favorite foods, Thanksgiving, birthday dinners, Sunday brunches and it would be the equivalent of an Iftar meal, for most people.
Can I Sit Next to You?
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is the foundation of a person’s faith. Ultimately as adults, with all acts of worship the choice to practice is yours. With that said, you CAN sit next to me and eat. I can sit next to you, whilst you are eating and survive. We can talk about food, we can go for a walk or drive and you can pick up food. I am hungry but restraining oneself from food is the smallest part of fasting. I am good.
Why Are You Standing So Far Away?
Part of fasting is maintaining cleanliness. However, bad breath is one of the biggest concerns a fasting person has. Brushing and gargling are still very much part of the morning routine. Muslims, during Ramadan, suffer from dry mouth or a lack of the body’s natural mouth wash, saliva. Saliva aides in washing bacteria from the mouth and prevents odors from escaping. When the mouth is dry, it causes a buildup of bacteria. Everyone has experienced a decrease in salivary flow, which explains morning breath. Fasting breath can be unpleasant, but it is not our fault. We won’t get too close.
Is It Healthy to Fast?
Fasting is recognized by many experts for its health benefits. This is not the reason Muslims fast, but it is interesting information. If eating and caloric intake is not excessive, fasting does lead to trimming body fat and weight. Fasting works better than a restrictive diet in burning through fat reserves. It also increases metabolism, especially in people who suffer from a slow thyroid. Cardiovascular health is also improved. It lowers blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood triglycerides. Blood that is full of fat increases one’s risk of developing congested or narrowed arteries. Better blood slows down the aging process. High blood sugar negatively impacts collagen. Fasting lowers blood sugar which ensures aging with ease. Fasting has also been proven to enhance brain function, allowing one to age with full mental capacity. It slows down the damage of free radicals to the body and brain.
There is a lot more information on the benefits of fasting, please see links below.
Does Everyone Have to Fast?
The decision to fast is a rational one. Certain people are excused from fasting, due to illness, old age, pregnancy, breast feeding, traveling or that time of the month. Preservation of self is a key aspect of fasting, it is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
So, You Love Fasting…Why?
Ramadan makes me feel connected to God and my family.
Togetherness.
The month of Ramadan is full of communal acts. For one month my family and I start eating and break our fast together. Our schedules are similar, and we share this struggle. There are extra communal prayers, only in Ramadan. I can reconnect with people, I have not seen throughout the year. Many people fill up mosques to hear speakers, that remind and awaken them by sharing thought provoking content. Prayer, fasting and interacting with others serves to connect one back to their purpose and fill up our faith tanks.
Feeding One's Soul
During Ramadan there is intense meditation, contemplation and call to action. It is a conscious decision to declutter one’s life. I can feel my soul evolving because I am constantly feeding it positive words and actions. I am intentionally working to be the best version of myself.
Charity
Part of reflection is deeply thinking about the gifts we have been given. One of the many results of fasting is compassion and mercy on those who are less fortunate. Charity is not always about money, it could be increasing one’s good deeds by smiling, physically helping, giving food to the poor. For those who can afford it, charity, known as zakat is given primarily to countries or people that are struggling to alleviate hunger. It feels good to help others in need.
There is a sadness, that one feels towards the end of Ramadan because it felt so good to reconnect with my creator, myself, family and friends. It is a feeling like no other.
1. Martin, Bronwen, Mark P. Mattson, and Stuart Maudsley. "Caloric Restriction and Intermittent Fasting: Two Potential Diets for Successful Brain Aging." Ageing research reviews 5.3 (2006): 332–353. PMC. Web. 28 Apr. 2017.
2. Azevedo, Fernanda Reis de, Dimas Ikeoka, and Bruno Caramelli. "Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Metabolism In Men." Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira 59.2 (2013): 167-173. Web. 4 May 2017.
3. Young, J. A., et al. "Association Of Visceral And Subcutaneous Adiposity With Kidney Function." Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 3.6 (2008): 1786-1791. Web. 4 May 2017.
4. Anisimov, V. "Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling Pathway Driving Aging And Cancer As A Target For Pharmacological Intervention." Experimental Gerontology 38.10 (2003): 1041-1049. Web. 4 May 2017.
5. Kraegen, Edward W., and Gregory J. Cooney. "Free Fatty Acids And Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance." Current Opinion in Lipidology 19.3 (2008): 235-241. Web. 4 May 2017.
6. Benli Aksungar, Fehime, et al. "Effects Of Intermittent Fasting On Serum Lipid Levels, Coagulation Status And Plasma Homocysteine Levels." Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 49.2 (2005): 77-82. Web. 4 May 2017.
7. Kerndt, Peter R., et al. "Fasting: The History, Pathophysiology and Complications." Western Journal of Medicine 137.5 (1982): 379–399. 4 May 2017.
8. Anisimov, V. "Insulin/IGF-1 Signaling Pathway Driving Aging And Cancer As A Target For Pharmacological Intervention." Experimental Gerontology 38.10 (2003): 1041-1049. Web. 4 May 2017.
9. Wright, E., J. L. Scism-Bacon, and L. C. Glass. "Oxidative Stress In Type 2 Diabetes: The Role Of Fasting And Postprandial Glycaemia." International Journal of Clinical Practice 60.3 (2006): 308-314. Web. 4 May 2017.
10. Cui, Hang, Yahui Kong, and Hong Zhang. "Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, And Aging." Journal of Signal Transduction 2012 (2012): 1-13. Web. 4 May 2017.
11. Rubinsztein D.C., Mariño G., Kroemer G. "Autophagy and aging." Cell. 2011 Sep 2;146(5):682-95. Web. 4 May 2017.
12. Longo, Valter D., and Mark P. Mattson. "Fasting: Molecular Mechanisms And Clinical Applications." Cell Metabolism 19.2 (2014): 181-192. Web. 4 May 2017.
13. Stultz, Collin M., and Elazer R. Edelman. "Structural Model That Explains The Effects Of Hyperglycemia On Collagenolysis." Biophysical Journal 85.4 (2003): 2198-2204. Web. 12 May 2017.
