The benefits of fasting during Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan began a few weeks ago, and will end on the 13th of October with the feast of Eid al-Fitr (literally Festival of Breaking Fast). The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, almsgiving, and fasting from sunrise to sunset. I had the opportunity several years ago to celebrate Ramadan when I was in Morocco, and I still like to fast on the first and last days of the month even now.

I think fasting is instructive and worthwhile for a number of reasons. First of all, you're able to share the same experience as more than one billion Muslims worldwide. This opens up a small window into an entirely different world (at least for me), and establishes a little more understanding between people of disparate backgrounds. Fasting also provides the rare opportunity to feel real hunger. Like many other people, I often "graze" throughout the day, and I constantly find myself eating out of boredom rather than actual hunger. Fasting, then, is a chance to develop a little self-discipline, and to remember that many others in the world don't have pantries stuffed with Pringles and Double Stuff Oreos. Finally, learning about-- and participating in-- rituals and holidays celebrated by the rest of the world makes for richer, more meaningful travel experiences. And after fasting for Ramadan at home, who wouldn't be excited about going to Egypt or Morocco or Turkey, and experiencing it for real?

If you think you can go without food and water one day this Ramadan (you can!), give it a shot. At sunset, crank up your favorite Sami Yusuf album, and treat yourself to a nice meal. You might feel better for it.