Ramadan '09

Re: Muslim FASTING

An Idiot Guide to Ramadan
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/09/27/idiots_guide_to_rama\
dhan_faith_feature.shtml

AP- Muslims find new Ramadan fast partners: Christians
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i_eVypKpB1pgxRFGuwI-ZAKCOxWQD9\
APUMD80

whyislam.org

I opted to fast as well, because I wanted to help them get more sponsors for the
feed the hungry effort. I am always down to help fellow students meet their
goals.

Anyhow, I also went looking for more information on what I was doing, I had a
vague idea from an experience years ago, but needed a brush up. I started at the
Muslim student table and picked up a few pamphlets and then went online.

There is, of course, tons of stuff but the above three are my favorite. The Why
Islam site is from the pamphlets and the article I thought was a good example of
what we are supposed to be doing in this class: opening up and being accepting
that other people have different ways of living their lives.

All Love,
Kiva



--- In religiousdiversity2@yahoogroups.com, "kjballew" wrote:
>
> I opted to fast on THURSDAY, Sept 17 in honor of the Muslim student Union on
campus, and their goal of getting sponserships for Heritage day. I consider
myself Christian, or some variation of the sort. My best friend in the entire
world is Muslim. Growing up with her, I never understood wy she couldn't come to
church with me, or why her family followed certain rituals that mine did not. As
we got older, i started asking questions, becuase i wanted to learn more about
her religion/ culture. Recently, i have aquired a few more friends who were
traveling the U.S from Turkey, Germany and Saudi Arabia. This month, they have
all been fasting. It interupted my birthday plans last week becuase none of them
could hang out, or eat when I was. and when they could eat, i wasnt hungry. It
was more annoyign than anything. Then we had the two girls visit our class and
ask us to pledge to fast on one day. I decided that it was for a good cause, and
it was only one day, so why not. It couldnt have been too difficult, and i would
eliminate some unecessary calories while i was at it. I did not realize how
difficult it was actaully going to be. I contacted my muslim friends and told
them about the pledge i had made. It made them very proud of me, and they felt a
new respect for our relationship. I woke up at 4 am to eat a huge bowl of
cereal, drink water, and take my allergy medication. Then from my 8 am class all
the way till 646pm, i couldnt have any water, food, gum or anything. As the pain
in my body started to grow, i had to keep reminding myself it was for a good
cause. Granted, i COULD have ate and no one would have known. But i would know.
and this is a religious diversity class- GOD WOULD KNOW. so i kept to the
pledge. It was one of the most difficult things ive done in a long time. it was
exhausting, painful, and annoying. the second the clock turned 647, i ate, and
ate like a pig. then passed out. I woke up to all kinds of calls and text
messages from my muslim friends congratualting me, and showing their support. I
did not realize how difficult RAMADAN must be for them, and how it makes you
feel like part of a community to do something like that. In america, they are
kind of outsiders. So what did i learn? Fasting is difficult. It takes more self
control than i have. It interupts daily life. But fasting with a group of
friends with a common goal, makes you feel like you are apart of something
greater than yourself- a community. It was a great experience, and even though i
probably wont be making a habit of denying myself nutrients, I felt good about
honoring my muslim friends. Out of respect for them, I was "hungry for a
change."