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Post by ammaar on Jul 20, 2012 0:33:53 GMT
Don't think there's too many Muslims on this site, but for those of you who don't know, today is the first day of Ramadan where Muslims fast. Because it's in the Summer, the hours are a lot more longer (sunrise to sunset). In London for example, the time to stop eating is 4am and I (or other people living in London) can't eat, drink, be intimate or anything like that up until just past 9pm (although being intimate shouldn't really happen during Ramadhan) It is hard, yes, but I have been trying to keep all my fasts since I was 10 years old, so I know what it's like and many other Muslims have to go through it as well It's all for a good cause and it helps you to value your life more. Fasting teaches you self-discipline, to not cave into your desires and to think about people who are less fortunate than you and to ensure we realise how lucky we are to not be suffering and living lives of danger everyday or living in a state of poverty. Equally, we devote our time to praying and glorifying a deity and creator of the world who we believe to be Allah. So if there's any Muslims out there - may I wish you a happy Ramadhan.   |
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Post by Jayramfootball on Jul 20, 2012 6:52:51 GMT
Yeah, a couple of my friends are Muslims... Though I am not sure they have the will power! I am sure they broke it last time ....
So how long does it last? ... And what percentage of Muslims would you say follow the rules strictly?
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Post by thehothead on Jul 20, 2012 8:47:07 GMT
Mamma mia !! I didn't realise it was for the long. I would say it's not good for your body either going through such long periods without food and drink but I guess thats part of the reason for fasting right, to show a desire to be able to deny worldly things on behalf of God.
I guess the Christian equivalent is when Jesus fasted.
I'm pretty glad I am not a Muslim if truth be told - the gut aches I get when I miss one bloody meal is ridiculous - so missing 3 or 4 every day for however long Ramadan is would kill me !!
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Post by Bergkamp a Dutch master on Jul 20, 2012 9:31:57 GMT
presumably you can drink water - but nothing else?
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Post by Robin van Bergkamp on Jul 20, 2012 11:10:32 GMT
Happy Ramadhan to you and your family Ammaar and thanks for explaining the nature of the feast to us. Take care pal  |
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Post by ammaar on Jul 20, 2012 16:51:43 GMT
Jayram - Muslims follow the Lunar Calendar and we fast for 29-30 days. It all depends on the sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia. What percentage of the Muslims adhere to the principles of Islam? I honestly don't know, but it isn't my decision to judge. All judgment comes from God, in my view, and the ultimate purpose in life is to please God. All I will say is that there is a massive divide between traditional fundamentalists and liberal Muslims - I believe that I am the latter. HotHead - it may not be good for your body, but again, I have to reiterate that fasting helps you to think about how fortunate you are to be blessed with the luxury of food, water, electricity, a stable roof over your head. Many people don't have that luxury, so it's a time of reflection. Fasting times change each year - usually the times go back 10 days each year. It can be in Winter, Summer, Autumn or Spring. So next few years, it will be harder. Bergkamp is a Dutch Master - nope. No water. No fluids, no food. Nada. RvB - cheers for the good wishes. |
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Post by Robin van Bergkamp on Jul 20, 2012 16:58:14 GMT
What? No water either? Wow, that's tough pal. Anyway- wish you well |
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Post by ALTBOULI on Jul 20, 2012 18:48:26 GMT
Don't think there's too many Muslims on this site, but for those of you who don't know, today is the first day of Ramadan where Muslims fast. Because it's in the Summer, the hours are a lot more longer (sunrise to sunset). In London for example, the time to stop eating is 4am and I (or other people living in London) can't eat, drink, be intimate or anything like that up until just past 9pm (although being intimate shouldn't really happen during Ramadhan) It is hard, yes, but I have been trying to keep all my fasts since I was 10 years old, so I know what it's like and many other Muslims have to go through it as well It's all for a good cause and it helps you to value your life more. Fasting teaches you self-discipline, to not cave into your desires and to think about people who are less fortunate than you and to ensure we realise how lucky we are to not be suffering and living lives of danger everyday or living in a state of poverty. Equally, we devote our time to praying and glorifying a deity and creator of the world who we believe to be Allah. So if there's any Muslims out there - may I wish you a happy Ramadhan. Happy Ramadhan Ammaar |
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Post by ALTBOULI on Jul 20, 2012 18:53:36 GMT
Mamma mia !! I didn't realise it was for the long. I would say it's not good for your body either going through such long periods without food and drink but I guess thats part of the reason for fasting right, to show a desire to be able to deny worldly things on behalf of God. I guess the Christian equivalent is when Jesus fasted. I'm pretty glad I am not a Muslim if truth be told - the gut aches I get when I miss one bloody meal is ridiculous - so missing 3 or 4 every day for however long Ramadan is would kill me !! Actually HH Fasting is said to be good for the body, I remember reading an article last year that essentially said that fasting can help somewhat with high blood pressure and acid within the stomach as you are essentially relaxing you stomach for a few hours. Its not like we go starving during Ramadan because we have big breakfasts and dinners at night to compensate for the lack of food at the day time. |
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Post by Bergkamp a Dutch master on Jul 20, 2012 19:42:09 GMT
I would have a serious problem with hydration.
Amongst other things (dark chocolate, alcohol) lack of hydration brings on migraines for me. If I had to avoid water from 5am to 9pm I doubt I would cope without being incapacitated.
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Post by ALTBOULI on Jul 20, 2012 22:10:25 GMT
I would have a serious problem with hydration. Amongst other things (dark chocolate, alcohol) lack of hydration brings on migraines for me. If I had to avoid water from 5am to 9pm I doubt I would cope without being incapacitated. Those that are ill or could become ill from fasting do not have to fast. This also applies to pregnant women for example. Fasting is compulsory to those who are fit and able to fast. Some people who are either too young or too old also do not have to fast. It is harder this year because we are in the summer months so the days are obviously longer but still very much achievable as I can attest for my first day fasting |
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Post by ammaar on Jul 20, 2012 22:16:55 GMT
What I really hate is when people say they gain weight in Ramadhan - that totally defeats the purpose of fasting in the first place.
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Post by ALTBOULI on Jul 20, 2012 22:26:30 GMT
What I really hate is when people say they gain weight in Ramadhan - that totally defeats the purpose of fasting in the first place. I disagree, you will find that many gain weight because of the fact that they are eating so late and are not as active at night which means that they dont burn off as much of the calories in the food. Also in places like Morroco for example the community get together and share their food when they break the fast, many of the people who are poor and cant normally afford the amount of food they are given gain weight because they are eating more than normal thanks to the other people in the community shairng food. |
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Post by ammaar on Jul 20, 2012 22:33:14 GMT
What I mean is people who gain weight by having feasts and over eating at night. It defeats the purpose of fasting in the first place.
For poor people, naturally, that is different. But I mean for the average Muslim or people who live high quality lifestyles.
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Post by thehothead on Jul 20, 2012 23:36:26 GMT
Wow, wow, wow, wow !! Seriously guys, it sounds hardcore to me. Kudos to you for doing it. My mum used to fast, I can't remember what church she used to go to ... was it Seventh Day Adventist ?? Pentecostal ? I don't remember, but she used to ask me and my brother to do it, hell no ! But even simple things like "observing the Sabbath" to me was impossible, I mean, she would do NOTHING but go to church and pray, me and my brother didn't even go to church but she wanted us to not do any work, not cook, not watch tv or listen to music, it was impossible I tell you |
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