Ramadan kareem!
Yup! It`s that time of year again. When we fast from sun up to sun down. When we refocus on what is important to us. Come closer to God. Pray for forgiveness. Help the needy. Show kindness and patience. A very spiritual time indeed.
But, don`t you just love when non-muslims ask their silly questions and comments?
You can`t even have water?
You look so tired, why do you do this?
Are you crazy?
Are you trying to lose weight?
Although fasting as been prescribed in many religions and is prescribed by many doctors for health reasons, we are often looked at as if we have lost our minds. And when asked why we fast, do we always know what to say? Do you really know why you fast?
2:183 O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self-restraint
2:185 Ramadan is the month in wich was sent down the Qur`an as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong. So every one of you who is present during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. He wants you to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; ad perchance ye shall be grateful.
Islamic reasons: To teach self-restraint. To show our gratitude to Allah swt for guiding us with the Qur`an that was revealed during this month.
Spiritual reasons: Compassion towards others. Understanding the less fortunate and thus giving in charity. Self-discipline.
Health reasons: Detoxification of the liver, colon, kidney, lungs, lymph glands and skin, te feeling of rejuvenation, and extended life expectancy. This is all due to a slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the production of increated hormones (such as anti-aging hormones and human growth hormones). So not only will you feel better and look better, but you`ll live longer.
I am sure there are many more reasons Allahu alem. Myself, prior to this ramadan, had a severe coffee addiction. I couldn`t start my day without one, otherwise I would feel sluggish, have a headache and throw off my digestive system. Even after 3 days of fasting, I don`t crave anything. No headaches, no sluggish feeling. Sobhanallah. The hunger also makes me realize how lucky I am to be hungry, but have food in front of me when I am done fasting. I think of the less fortunate in the world who have none, and go hungry without any salvation. It puts me in their shoes, making me strive to help them. And we must not forget that it is also prescribed at the end of ramadan to give zakat. This is 2.5% of our annual earnings in dollars to those who need it. Why not live a month in their shoes before giving to them, so we really understand?
So the next time someone asks you why you fast and you have nothing to say - enlighten them. Show them how beautiful Islam is.
