to fast during Ramadan even though I'm not a Muslim...

[MrsStrawberry]

Not Muslim, or even religious at all in general. Have many Muslim friends and whilst never tempted to take part before have recently been looking into it more and like the idea behind it... But don't want to mention it to anyone as I think I sound like a pretentious twat

You do know this is the toughest Ramadan in many, many years? in terms of daylight hours

Daylight hours in June are awfully long…. Just sayin'...

Well it does seem a bit pointless.

I mean Muslims wouldn't fast unless they were...Muslim .

It's no big deal not to eat during daylight hours in the UK, but you should at least have your own reasons for doing it I think.

Yeah, this is not the best time to give it a punt!

I think it's a bit odd.

Why not just give something up for Lent?!

Dumbest idea I ever heard. Are you a namechanger or new to MN OP?

My first thought is 'pretentious twat'

You can fast as and when you like. I'm not religious in the slightest but I think You'd BU to make a link between your fasting and Ramadan. Just fast without the religious connotation.

Like the idea behind fasting or behind Ramadan?
You could fast at another time if you are concerned.

Why do you like the idea behind it, exactly?

Well you can fast any time you like, there's no law against it .

The Dolezal effect seems to be spreading...

Yes, it's fine. I give up stuff during Lent, even though the brick work in my local church would probably crumble if I darkened its doors these days.

I'm not Christian, but I give up something for Lent, this year it was Mumsnet.

I also practice Mindfulness during Lent.

I always have a Blessing when I go to a Christian Church Service.

You can use Ramadan to set your own goals.

I know from being Vegan that it is very difficult to eat differently from the company you keep, so just don't set yourself up to fail.

I can understand you observing if you were in the company of your Muslim friends. One of my DC was the only non Muslim in a firm of Bangladeshis and, out of respect for them and their struggle with fasting during long, hot days would follow suit rather than eat in front of them. I can get that. I don't get the concept of taking up a religious fast when it's not your own faith, you're not planning on converting and there are no reasons of respect for those around you to do it.

Go for it. Remember to Muslims it's not just about not eating and drinking but refocusing the mind on what matters, increasing spirituality through prayers and reflection including how mortal we are.

Nb: your breath will smell!

These are the longest days so make sure you only do so if you are otherwise well e.g. mentally as well as physically, not pregnant or breastfeeding etc.
Good luck and Enjoy the thoroughly refreshing first drink of water and first bite of dates when you break your fast

Will you be waking up to eat and pray during Ramadan too?

Why?

*Pumpkinpositive

The Dolezal effect seems to be spreading*

No. Islam is not a race it is a religion that anyone ia welcome to find out more about or convert to. Unlike a white woman attempting to be black. Shame on you Rachel.

Tuts.

I agree with BeenWondering. obviously you can fast whenever you like, it's a free world. But why link it to Ramadan or fasts which are part of any other religion such as Yom Kippur? If you have no religious beliefs it seems pointless to do it on these specific dates. If you want to raise your own awareness of those who have very little, that can be done all year round in many different ways - being grateful for what you have, donating money or items to charity etc.

I do! This is my 4th Ramadan and I'm not Muslim. My xh is although we split up during my first Ramadan. I don't do every day but maybe half. I do it because I enjoy it, I like being part of a joint enterprise, I have Muslim ILs who I love and the whole experience is joyful and lovely if you have good people to do it with. Xh is staying with us for a few days for the start of Ramadan and DS loves it. He's learning about Ramadan himself and by me being part of it he really experiences it even though his dad isn't around all the time. I also enjoy celebrating eid and it feels a lot more meaningful since I started fasting.
I don't tell anyone at work unless they are good friends and then only if they ask. I don't make a big deal of it to anyone in fact.

You're all asking why but. ... why not? Solidarity to do it with other folk? Understanding of what OPs Muslim friends are doing? Just because?

I think in this climate most Muslims would be happy to hear their friend e.g. trying one day. It's bloody hard out there at the moment. Bloody hard.

Sigh.

Ehric that sounds lovely. Shame DH just gets cranky. oh no wait that's every month

Snugnbug why are you sighing?

The OP hasn't given any reason so far.