Hello,
I am Nouris and welcome to this special episode of my Fast and Talk series.
In this episode,
I will talk about one of the most ancient fasts which has been celebrated by Muslims around the world for more than 14 centuries,
Ramadan.
Although I am not Muslim,
I have been observing the Ramadan fast for the past seven years,
Not in its strictest form but to varying degree.
This way of fasting is one of the easiest for beginners.
Let me now share with you a brief history of the Ramadan fast.
Ramadan,
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar,
Is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.
During this month,
Muslims observe a strict daily fast from sunrise until sunset.
They are not allowed to eat or drink,
Not even water,
During these daylight hours.
So in other words,
This is a 12-hour intentional dry intermittent fast.
They believe that fasting builds spiritual discipline and brings them nearer to God as well as helps them empathize with the less fortunate.
The fast is broken at sundown with a light meal with friends and family,
Followed by a fuller meal after evening prayers.
The fast lasts a lunar month.
At the end of Ramadan,
Eid al-Fitr,
A feast that celebrates the breaking of the fast,
Takes place.
Gifts are exchanged and family and friends gather for festive meals.
Special gifts are also given to the poor.
This year,
The month of Ramadan begins on the evening of Wednesday,
March 22nd and ends on the evening of Thursday,
April 20th.
You can do a Ramadan Noid or Ramadan like fast by having breakfast,
Skipping lunch,
And then having your supper.
Although the Ramadan fast typically involves going without food or water during the fasting window,
However,
If you are unable to do so,
You can drink water or other low-calorie beverages or have a natural fruit or vegetable smoothie or juice or even some cream of soup.
You can decide to try this fast for the entire month or just for a week or a few days.
Fasting is meant to be a spiritual challenge but not a health risk.
So,
There are exemptions for Ramadan fast for adults who are ill or have a medical condition wherein fasting would cause harm as well as for those who are traveling or for men straight and pregnant or lactating women.
I hope you join us for Ramadan fast this year.
Just knowing that there is an entire community behind you makes this fast so much easier.
Thank you for listening and to Muslims around the world,
Ramadan Mubarak.
