This month, Muslims around the world are celebrating Ramadan and have just this week began their 30-day fast, where eating and drinking is prohibited from sunrise until sunset.
Sound a little scary? Muslim association Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at is inviting non-Muslims across Canada to participate this year for just one day, in part to demonstrate that while it is certainly difficult, the resulting introspection and insights gleaned from the process are worth it. In fact, many look forward to Ramadan and its restrictions.
Its an opportunity once a year to hit the reset button, and kind of start all over, says Safwan Choudhry, a business analyst and media relations person for the Fast with a Muslim Friend initiative. A lot of my co-workers, when I tell them that I wont be coming to lunch anymore or out after work, they say Aw dang, its that month again. And theyre looking at me with this look of sorrow. People dont realize Ive never met a Muslim who dreads Ramadan.
In addition to fasting, Muslims pray more and give back to the community. This is the first Ramadan for Muslim Syrian refugees in Canada, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at will support several Syrian refugee families through the month and invite them to a big Eid al-Fitr feast that marks the end of the holy month.
Through Ramadan, sex, smoking, swearing and getting into arguments are prohibited when the sun is up. If you do, the fast is spiritually over, and you may as well go back to living normally, Choudry says.
Muslim kids, surgeons, pregnant women, the ill or those who depend on medications with food dont fast for Ramadan. For everyone else, organizers have made a one-pager with tips on how to get through the day. For example, youre advised to talk less not just to save energy, but to also avoid confrontations or swearing. So stay off Twitter too, while youre at it.
So how does it feel?
Its the self-monitoring and self-discipline that most humans dont have, Choudhry explains. When you go through that exercise for 30 days, youre constantly reminded of why youre doing it and who youre doing this for. Its a very powerful spiritual emotion. Most people say they feel stronger as people they feel more calm with their emotions, more rational with their thinking. It really levels you down, humbles you down.
Wanna give it a try? Sign up here.
kater@nowtoronto.com | @katernow
