Why I Fast for Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of year that’s pretty personal to me and to the millions of Muslims across the globe. In our house, it’s a time dominated by family, meaningful discussions, reflections and knowledge. It’s a time to step back from the crazy busy pieces of rushing life to simply be for a solid month. Every Ramadan I feel like I grow a little more, understand myself a little better and become more aware.
Wait, Isn’t Ramadan All About Fasting?
A central part (and the most well known part) of Ramadan has to do with fasting. Muslims wake up before dawn and chow down before the sky begins to see light. Then, we don’t eat food or drink water until sunset, upon which, the party starts and the food fun begins.
There’s more than just fasting to this holy month. When we fast during the day, we commit ourselves to prayer, reflection, pure thoughts and positive action.
Psychologically, fasting has some pretty incredible impacts. Here’s just a couple of things it does:
- It breaks the normal daily cycle. Our sleep schedule goes haywire during Ramadan. There’s also that part where we don’t eat or drink — which is a bit of an adjustment. Since we’re not in our normal routines, we realize that this is no ordinary month of the year. This is a month dedicated to our Creator, as well as bettering ourselves.
- Our hunger reminds us that we’re fasting. If you have a goal, you have to remind yourself of working toward that goal sometime, right? Perhaps it’s some kind of reminder on your phone or a calendar event. Well, what if your goal was to be more spiritually aware? Trust me, there’s no better reminder than a hunger pang.
- It builds empathy. When we live our lives and simply don’t have food or water during the day, we feel uncomfortable. If that seems uncomfortable, think about the people in war-torn countries like Syria.
The Magic Duality of Ramadan
I always say that Ramadan has a magic duality. When we fast during the month of Ramadan, we realize just how vulnerable we are as humans. With a little less sleep and a bit of hunger, we feel like crumbling. It’s enough to squash an ego and make you think about the bigger picture. Humans are vulnerable.
Yet, by fasting, we’re willfully abstaining from food, water, negative thoughts, anger, and bad habits for an entire day — 30 days in a row. If that’s not mental strength, I don’t know what is. In a sense, we can apply this mental fortitude to any situation. “If I can fast 30 days in a row, I can totally do this.” It’s powerful. And it’s incredible that it can be put into practice in such a unifying way.
We’re vulnerable and powerful at the same time by fasting in Ramadan, and I think that is my biggest takeaway of the year. It still blows my mind that when faith is practiced with logic and a questioning mind, it can be crystal clear.
Eid Mubarak everyone, and peace to all!
