Zaineh Saleh
Crimson Chronicle Editor
As the holy month of Ramadan is coming to an end, I encountered many different questions due to being one of the few Muslim students on campus.
I found myself encountering annual basic questions along with a variety of misconceptions.
A common and strange misconception is that Muslims fast for 30 days straight which sounds absurd. However, we fast every day from dusk till dawn from both food and water.
And yes not even water.
Most students are in disbelief when they hear that phrase. I mean how can you survive almost 14 hours without drinking water? Another factor that shocks many people, is when they find out I participate in track.
In fact, a recent trend took place on Tik Tok, in which students hold a sign that says “not even water” when a friend tells them they are fasting.
The idea does sound strange, how can one survive while abstaining from two crucial parts of their daily lives?
So why do Muslims fast? Here are a couple of reasons
- Ramadan is a month of spirituality. Muslims not only abstain from food and water but also from bad habits. It is a time to cleanse one’s mental and physical well-being.
- One of the main principles of fasting is patience, which is something a lot of us, including myself, lack. Fasting teaches you how to be patient, and more understanding.
- The Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed in the holy month. It is a time for Muslims to read, and get closer to God.
- Fasting allows us to be grateful and feel more empathy for those who are less fortunate. Many people in the world suffer from hunger, and while fasting isn’t as extreme as what many people are facing it gives us a sense of empathy.
- There is actually scientific evidence that proves that fasting is healthy. According to John Hopkin’s medicine fasting has benefits that include improving thinking and memory, improving blood pressure, and preventing diabetes and obesity.
Aside from all the benefits and reasons why we fast, Ramadan is also a very fun time and has a holiday spirit. Many cultural traditions take place, and families decorate their homes and make special foods or treats to celebrate.
Mosques open up every day at sunset to serve free food and water for everyone in the community regardless of whether they are Muslim or not.
After the month of Ramadan, a holiday called Eid Al Fitr takes place and Muslims celebrate the completion of fasting. Eid will take place on Friday April. 21.