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Religious fasting
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I did it once. Years ago. I did Ramadan. Nothing to eat between sunrise and sunset. I drank water. Maybe it was a cheat. I don't know why I did it. Certainly no sense of enlightenment or anything. Just hungry. For a few days, then that wore off slightly. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I've never done it but my friends that do get various things from it. I admire their self discipline especially at this time of year when the daylight hours are so long."
I admire their discipline because I'm a fat bitch.  |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"I've never done it but my friends that do get various things from it. I admire their self discipline especially at this time of year when the daylight hours are so long."
I agree in as much as I admire the self discipline involved |
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"I've never done it but my friends that do get various things from it. I admire their self discipline especially at this time of year when the daylight hours are so long.
I admire their discipline because I'm a fat bitch. "
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"I've never done it but my friends that do get various things from it. I admire their self discipline especially at this time of year when the daylight hours are so long.
I admire their discipline because I'm a fat bitch. "
You're joking aren't you? You're not fat. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"What does.anyone get from any religious practice.
If you ask a muslim im sure they would explain"
It's not just Muslims who fast though.. many religions have fasting requirements |
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"i used to be a mormon and we did it so that we knew what it was like to go hungry and to gain empathy for those who were hungry themselves."
Thank you for the explanation - genuinely nice to hear that point of view.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I don't understand it.. what do people get from doing it?"
It's all part of their religion, they believe it makes them closer to god and strengthens their faith. Within Islam, it's one of the five pillars, and Ramadan is a time for fasting, feeling how the needy and poor feel, it encourages charitable actions and helping others.
Obviously any one can do these things without fasting and I'm sure there's more to it then what I've said here.
My ex was Muslim, still is, and it always amazed me how he managed to go all day with no food or water, but he did. It's all about the faith I guess
Poppy x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"What does.anyone get from any religious practice.
If you ask a muslim im sure they would explain
It's not just Muslims who fast though.. many religions have fasting requirements "
Your right but the principle the same, it's about feeling what your fellow man is going through |
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"What does.anyone get from any religious practice.
If you ask a muslim im sure they would explain
It's not just Muslims who fast though.. many religions have fasting requirements "
but ramadam is taking place now. |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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"What does.anyone get from any religious practice.
If you ask a muslim im sure they would explain
It's not just Muslims who fast though.. many religions have fasting requirements but ramadam is taking place now."
Yes its started today.. |
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By *eavenNhellCouple
over a year ago
carrbrook stalybridge |
"What does.anyone get from any religious practice.
If you ask a muslim im sure they would explain
It's not just Muslims who fast though.. many religions have fasting requirements but ramadam is taking place now.
Yes its started today.. "
spare a thought for the muslim friends we have who work in a bisquite factory that must be close to hell with all those aromas |
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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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We we're in Egypt recently and I got talking to a taxi driver and he said he was dreading it this year and I don't blame him as it was 108f. I can't imagine not being able to drink in those circumstances |
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During this month, observant Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. This is because fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. The other acts of worship are the shahadah, which is the declaration of faith; salat, the five daily prayers; zakat, or almsgiving; and the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for Muslims, and in the Qur’an it states:
O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain Taqwa [God-consciousness]. – The Qur’an, Al-Baqarah:183
Fasting, or sawm in Arabic, literally means “to refrain” – and not only is it abstaining from food, drink and sex, but also actions such as smoking cigarettes, talking about others behind their backs, or using foul language.
Fasting does not mean Muslims retreat from their daily routine, rather they are encouraged to continue as normal in their work and usual activities. In fact, this is where the challenge of patience and endurance comes in. Muslims believe fasting is not merely a physical ritual, but is primarily a time for reflection and spiritual recharging.
During the fast, Muslims believe that their desires are curbed and that they can gain understanding of how those who are less privileged than them feel. It is considered to increase one’s patience, closeness to God and generosity towards others.
The month is also a time of community; it is the custom for Muslims to invite their neighbours and friends to share their evening meal – iftar – and recite special Tarawih prayers in congregation. It is also a time when Muslims try to reconnect with the Qur’an, which they believe is the word of God. |
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By *VineMan
over a year ago
The right place |
When I used to fast it was as a reminder to be thankful for all I have and also that it's not just food that sustains us. Every time I felt hungry I would consider others that this wasn't a choice for. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
The Christian reasons are to focus on your relationship with God and not the material world. Fasting is supposed to be private and not something you brag about - you go about it quietly. Jesus is said to have fasted for 40 days so fasting is supposed to help you get closer to God.
Muslims have a month of fasting to bring them closer to God, help curb anger and addiction and increase charitable behaviour.
Jews fast to atone for sins, to mourn or to focus on God.
As these three all have the same Abrahamic root it's not surprising they share similar reasons for fasting.
Buddhists do it to aid meditation, again the focus is away from the physical.
Hindus have a day of the week to fast, again dedicated to a particular god.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"i used to be a mormon and we did it so that we knew what it was like to go hungry and to gain empathy for those who were hungry themselves.
Thank you for the explanation - genuinely nice to hear that point of view. "
no problem
might have been for other reasons as well but that was the main one i an remember. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I lived and worked in both Afghanistan and Pakistan; and followed Ramadan out of respect for my co-workers.... Firstly it brings people together; everyone else is doing it, so you feel part of something.
Secondly it takes away from the demand society the "I want it now brigade" and teaches patience and understanding
Thirdly, you have to get up really early for breakfast; therefore you get to see the sun rise (which is always fantastic), and you get to eat, together with friends (Iftar) in the evening, which is a great social event
Fourthly, it is combined with charitable acts of giving to those not as fortunate as you, and serves as a timely reminder of the important things in life
Lastly, you have a big celebration at the end (Eid), which is just the most magnificent party.
Well thats my take on it anyway.. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"I lived and worked in both Afghanistan and Pakistan; and followed Ramadan out of respect for my co-workers.... Firstly it brings people together; everyone else is doing it, so you feel part of something.
Secondly it takes away from the demand society the "I want it now brigade" and teaches patience and understanding
Thirdly, you have to get up really early for breakfast; therefore you get to see the sun rise (which is always fantastic), and you get to eat, together with friends (Iftar) in the evening, which is a great social event
Fourthly, it is combined with charitable acts of giving to those not as fortunate as you, and serves as a timely reminder of the important things in life
Lastly, you have a big celebration at the end (Eid), which is just the most magnificent party.
Well thats my take on it anyway.."
I love some of the multi-faith Iftars that take place now with Jews and Christians preparing food for Muslims and breaking the fast with them.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I lived and worked in both Afghanistan and Pakistan; and followed Ramadan out of respect for my co-workers.... Firstly it brings people together; everyone else is doing it, so you feel part of something.
Secondly it takes away from the demand society the "I want it now brigade" and teaches patience and understanding
Thirdly, you have to get up really early for breakfast; therefore you get to see the sun rise (which is always fantastic), and you get to eat, together with friends (Iftar) in the evening, which is a great social event
Fourthly, it is combined with charitable acts of giving to those not as fortunate as you, and serves as a timely reminder of the important things in life
Lastly, you have a big celebration at the end (Eid), which is just the most magnificent party.
Well thats my take on it anyway..
I love some of the multi-faith Iftars that take place now with Jews and Christians preparing food for Muslims and breaking the fast with them.
"
 Although I am not a religious man; I do respect other peoples beliefs, and I am always honoured when they share their special times with me.... very lucky pixie I have been |
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"i used to be a mormon and we did it so that we knew what it was like to go hungry and to gain empathy for those who were hungry themselves."
I eat once a day in the evening only, and have done for 40 years.
If you want empathy for those who go hungry trying eating a handful of boiled rice every other day for a month.
Going without drinking anything during daylight hours is a different kettle of fish in a tropical climate, not too much exertion, suck a pebble, watch your electrolytes when you do drink, sip don't gulp.
Most religious fasting (not just ramadan) were about abstinence, not *just* fasting, there were usually a bunch of other things you were not supposed to do, and a bunch of things you were supposed to do.
I live near a railway station and a costa shop, it appears that people can't make the journey from their front door to their place of work without a latte and a doughut, and we wonder why we have an obesity problem... |
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By *red438Man
over a year ago
Weston-super-Mare |
"I lived and worked in both Afghanistan and Pakistan; and followed Ramadan out of respect for my co-workers.... Firstly it brings people together; everyone else is doing it, so you feel part of something.
Secondly it takes away from the demand society the "I want it now brigade" and teaches patience and understanding
Thirdly, you have to get up really early for breakfast; therefore you get to see the sun rise (which is always fantastic), and you get to eat, together with friends (Iftar) in the evening, which is a great social event
Fourthly, it is combined with charitable acts of giving to those not as fortunate as you, and serves as a timely reminder of the important things in life
Lastly, you have a big celebration at the end (Eid), which is just the most magnificent party.
Well thats my take on it anyway..
I love some of the multi-faith Iftars that take place now with Jews and Christians preparing food for Muslims and breaking the fast with them.
"
This is wonderful and I would love to see and hear more of this.
All to often religion divides humanity.
Surely Gods grace transcends religion |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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A few reasons why people fast as mentioned above.
One main reason is to be grateful for what you have; know how the less fortunate feel; appreciate the small things in life we take for granted.
It is also a month to show kindness where some may not do it otherwise. Yes, Muslims are encouraged to be charitable on a daily basis and most are but in the month of Ramadan they are encouraged to go the extra mile. Most donate money so that poorer Muslim families have food to eat for the month and can afford to fast etc.
One of the main reasons they observe a fast though is to exercise their will power. Fighting temptations and making themselves stronger. Making them better people by fighting the urges to do wrong things. For example violence (killing an ant too for example) is frowned upon and not allowed, swearing, anger ... Anything negative is to be avoided. It's to make them stronger as people and hopefully they learn valuable lessons to carry forward past the month of Ramadan.
It holds many meanings and a lot of reasons why people do it.
It is also one of the five pillars so essential to do. |
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By *red438Man
over a year ago
Weston-super-Mare |
"I don't understand it.. what do people get from doing it?"
In Christianity one of the more commonly known fasts is that of lent.
Lent is linked with the crucifixion, resurrection of Christ and the 40 days he is said to have spent in the desert being tempted by the devil.
There are many solemn reasons for fasting, to show penitence, to focus on Gods word and living a God focused life where one shows reliance on God for sustenance rather than worldly means.
For myself I take it as a disciplined time of quiet reflection on my spiritual life, my relationship with and love for God.
There is a strong emphasis to carry the fast (whether food, a behaviour or a luxury item) quietly and privately (between God and those who observe)
‘When you fast, do not look sombre as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.’
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I fast the last weekend of every month.
I go into retreat for a weekend of meditation and contemplation. I do d*unk water however I just don't eat at all from Dusk on Friday until breakfast on Monday
My way of cleansing my system and giving me a reboot.
Nothing religious or spiritual about it I am a Buddhist but I do it for health reasons |
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