Heat, Hunger, & Healing

"So, Erin... educate us. What is Ramadan, anyway?"
My co-workers listened, blinking occasionally and cocking their heads to the side, as I delivered a brief and rather mechanical description of one of the most sacred times for members of the Muslim community. Their reaction was similar to many I had experienced before, and I kicked myself throughout my work shift as I realized how many important details I had neglected to mention while focusing solely on providing a very general and watered-down definition of "Ramadan."

When many non-Muslims learn that their Muslim brothers and sisters are fasting during the middle of July as part of a religious duty, hardship quickly comes to mind.

Wait, you can't even drink water? Won't you get dehydrated?

How can you work, study, or enjoy outdoor activities? It's so warm outside, and you're doing everything on an empty stomach. You must be so distracted by the hunger and thirst.

These are common questions many Muslims receive during the holy month of Ramadan, as it is now taking place (and has been for a few years) during Michigan's summer season. Because Islam's religious calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan begins approximately 10-11 days earlier each year; so while the month-long fast does cycle through all four seasons, we currently find ourselves enduring very long daylight hours without any food or water. It's understandable why some might find this unappealing, unhealthy, or downright intimidating, but it's important to reveal what lies beneath the seemingly rough surface: A reminder to count one's blessings, a catalyst to serve others, and an opportunity to carefully develop one's character and spirituality.

From dawn to sundown, adult Muslims who are physically able to do so refrain from eating, drinking, consuming inhaled substances (i.e. smoking cigarettes), and engaging in sexual relations. I empathize with many non-Muslims because I myself was raised outside of the Islamic faith and had never experienced such an intense and all-encompassing ritual until the age of 19. I, too, worried about the heat and hunger, fretted over how I would find the energy to exercise or stay active, and felt a bit skeptical regarding the supposed benefits of fasting. I respected the tradition and valued Muslims' strong commitment, but I admit that I was just as nervous as I was excited in the weeks leading up to my first Ramadan.

See, Ramadan is one of the five "Pillars of Islam," meaning it is a core and obligatory duty. It's also a tradition that unites Muslims from all walks of life, regardless of gender, ethnicity, nationality, or socioeconomic status. It isn't meant to be a tremendous burden or something that endangers one's life. Children who haven't yet reached puberty, the elderly, and anyone with a chronic health condition that would be worsened by fasting are exempt from this duty. Additionally, pregnant or nursing women and those who are ill or injured may temporarily refrain from fasting and make up missed fasts during another time in the year. There's a reason Ramadan is so significant, and it's not just about the physical challenge and sacrifice.

The month is filled with blessings.

• Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad received his first revelation from God during this time along the Arabian Peninsula in the 7th-century CE. Divine guidance in and of itself is viewed as a gift and blessing to humankind because Muslims believe that the message delivered from Allah (meaning "One God") to the Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime is the same revelation sent to the Prophets Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, though in its final and complete form. Every year during Ramadan, God showers us with even more mercy, forgiveness, and blessings than in other months. Even the smallest act of charity or kindness is of immense value.

• Every day, we face numerous stressors and distractions; however, when this holy month rolls around, we shift our focus and transcend basic physical needs. Instead, we strive to fulfill spiritual needs and increase our intimacy with the Divine. Prayer, supplication, and self-reflection help us break negative habits and build positive ones.

• Going for an entire month without eating or drinking 16 hours a day is certainly difficult, but there are many people around the world who suffer from hunger and poverty year-round. When we fast, we're better able to empathize with these individuals and families and more cognizant and appreciative of all that we have (and often take for granted!).