Ramadan - why Muslims fast.

All around the world, millions of people are abstaining from eating and drinking from dusk to dawn. Men and women, of all ages and races, are celebrating the month of Ramadan - starving their bodies to feed their souls.

This year, Ramadan in the UK has fallen amidst a heatwave. Some of the hottest continuous weather I have ever seen here. Muslims are prohibited from consuming the most basic of nutrients, such as water, over the 18 hour period. Many non-Muslims may be wondering why we are doing this. I will attempt to explain a little more about this.

What I said above - 'starving the body to feed the soul' - is what I have seen many other Muslims post on Twitter and I think this beautifully encompasses what Ramadan is all about in one little sentence. 

The most obvious and main reason for fasting is that it's an act of worship. Muslims devote this month to God and in not eating or drinking, we give ourselves the opportunity to do more.

- By depriving our bodies of the most basic thing, we can focus on much more important things. This gives us a chance to appreciate what we have and how lucky we are when we think of how many people around the world do not have any food at all. We thank God for even the little luxuries He has provided for us and remember those in need. The month of Ramadan is also about charitable giving, where every Muslim is required to give a proportionate amount in charity. 

- In Ramadan, it is not just about not eating and drinking but we are also abstaining from sins such as backbiting, swearing etc. Ramadan is also about bettering ourselves, not just for the month, but for the rest of our lives. It is a reminder as to how we should be living. 

- Fasting gives Muslims a chance to concentrate on praying. An 18 hour fast is not about spending the time sleeping and wasting time to make it go quicker. The time is utilised by praying as much as possible to get the most out of the fast.

Overall, the atmosphere of Ramadhan is just something else.

Try a fast out for yourself! I know many non-Muslims who fast for one day alongside their Muslim friends just to try it out and I think it's a brilliant way to get a better understanding of it. Of course, it doesn't mean you have to become a Muslim for a day, just see what it's like not to eat or drink for a day.

If you have any questions at all, please leave them in the comments and I will do my best to answer them!

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Nadia, x