[fast5] Re: Ramadan

I have never posted before, but I saw the comment on Ramadan and water and wanted to share the little I know.

Ramadan is a time for people who are Muslim to focus on spiritual well being, so I'm not sure that you will find that there are long-term physical benefits to a water-fast before sundown.   One piece of this turning to the spiritual is to become aware of what you have been given, and to gain a heart for what it is like for millions of people throughout the world who go without food and clean water, not just one month of the year, but always.  Children and those who are ill do not fast, nor do pregnant woman.  During Ramadan, Muslims do extra work giving to charities, feeding others, and of course, spend increased time in prayer.

Here in Arizona, the water portion of the fast can be a particular challenge, especially when Ramadan falls in August, as it does this year.  I work with school districts (teenagers who are in good health do fast) and one of the things we try to be mindful of is being supportive to students who are fasting, given that it can be 117 degrees out.  Our coaches and PE teachers are made aware, our teachers are made aware, and none of the schools with which I personally work has ever had an incident in which a student's health was compromised.  But my experience is that these students and their families do very well, and although I don't know of any benefit to their physical health, they are very grounded young people who seem to have a genuine sense of gratitude and to have their priorities in the right place.

I know this is a Fast 5 (hooray for Fast 5, btw!) group and not a Ramadan group, but thanks for letting me share.

:-)

Jill McCollum

Developmental Specialist

jillmcc@asu.edu

480.232.8484

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