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September 29, 2007

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.

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Category: Notes from the collective travel mind
Related Posts: The benefits of off-season travel for vagabonds on a budget, Herbert Gold on the benefits of jet lag, Do you celebrate national holidays when you travel?


3 Responses to “The benefits of fasting during Ramadan”

  1. Tauheedah Ziyad Says:

    I love the Month of Ramadan. It helps me to remember Allah and all of the prophets. It allows me to think of Allah at all times. However, every year Ramadan gets greater for me. I strive hard and ask Allah to get me through each day. I am so blessed to have Islam in my life.

  2. rembo Says:

    The holy month of Ramadan unites all Muslims in fasting, feasting, worship

    and prayer. Celebrates the divine revelation of the Koran to Prophet

    Muhammad. On this holy occasion Greet them with these heartfelt wishes and

    wish them Allah’s blessings in this month of Ramadan and always..
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  3. kundi Says:

    how would you start off a report of one benefit of fasting in an introduction, middle, and end?

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