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

[Pumpkinpositive]

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.

I didn't mean that you were trying to co-opt Islam. Rather that people this weather are fretting (needlessly) about somehow being perceived to be appropriating some culture/race/gender/value system they're not entitled to.

The fasting is fine. Rather you than me though.

Btw, do you intend to find out more/convert to Islam eventually?

[Smellyoulateralligator]

Is it around the benefits of fasting / intermittent fasting etc? This is a really tough year but of course you can if you want.

Why did you feel the need to ask?

[FabulousFudge]

You could also give to charity and try not to gossip or swear too.

[Jellyrain]

Well, my dd9 in yr 4 would say YANBU. She came home tonight saying she will be fasting tomorrow, (we're CofE), when I asked her why ... Because her 9 year old classmate is and the teacher gave her 4 stickers today for completing a whole day without food.

Are you doing it for the stickers?

[ShatnersBassoon]

Not Muslim, or even religious at all
like the idea behind it

You know the idea behind it is a religious one, don't you?

[IUseAnyName]

Pacificdogwood.... Why should she just do lent instead?.... What difference does it make which one she chooses?

[Whoami24601]

I work in a predominantly Muslim school, where a lot of the older children opt to join the fast. I did it one year to enable me to be more empathetic when they were struggling. I had first hand experience of how they were feeling. It was a real eye opener! It's so much harder than you imagine, and I did it in winter! I wouldn't even dream of doing it in June!

[Birdsgottafly]

It makes more sense to observe Ramadan than Valentine's day etc and all the other crap we have foisted upon us.

I celebrate Christmas and Easter as Winter and Spring festivals, for most people very little Mindfulness, Contemplation and taking stock take place during our (the UK) festivities.

[WorraLiberty]

Btw, do you intend to find out more/convert to Islam eventually?

Can I add another question?

Btw, do you intend to come back and answer all the questions we've been asking for nearly half an hour?

[EhricLovesTheBhrothers]

It's no tougher than last year was or than next year will be, although the year after next it will start getting easier again.
There is only a very small difference in minutes between sunset last year, this year and next year. In fact the one in August was harder than June even though the days were shorter because it was so hot.

[storybrooke]

yabvu. Just kidding, do it. You may find a new appreciation for things we often take for granted. I do lent, usually give up meat (if I'm not pregnant) as its something I'd like to do full time in the future but makes me really appreciate the meaty dishes we have.

[MrsStrawberry]

The ideas I like behind it are the self-discipline/ self-restraint, the health benefits of fasting, the increased awareness and appreciation of stuff you'd normally take for granted and those who don't have as much... A few people have mentioned lent, however I am not Christian either and have never observed Lent... I know fewer Christians than I do Muslims. As I do know so many Muslims tho it makes more sense to me to join in fasting now at a time when friends are... So there is the social aspect as well. I won't be praying as I'm not religious.

[MrsStrawberry]

Jellyrain THERE'S STICKERS!?

[specialsubject]

up to you. But with a bit of stopping and thinking you can appreciate what you have without depriving yourself of it. Not that hard.

stickers do help.

[meyesmyeyes]

If you eat between 8am and 8pm and then don't eat until 8am the following morning - guess what - that's 'fasting'.

Humans have been doing it every day for centuries.
It's called 'sleeping'.

[clairemum22]

Wow my dc can be foul after a day at school due to tiredness. Throw in fasting and I think it would be horrendous! I thought children weren't meant to fast?

[PacificDogwood]

IUseAnyName, no difference at all.

I am a lapsed Christian and sometimes I miss the sense of community that religion used to give me and I don't think that there is a readily available secular equivalent, so I understand the wanting to belong to something bigger than yourself.

I just think that it could by any religious fast or, as others have said, just fast, no religion needed.

[Jellyrain]

Apparently one was GLITTERY!!

Out of interest, what's the recommended min age for fasting? Dd's friend had no water and sat out for PE, I feel uncomfortable with the school rewarding it yet I don't wish to disrespect the child's sacrifice.

Plus, I have to nag dd to eat her sandwiches "to stay healthy and have energy"- this is not helping my cause at all

Sorry for the hijack!

[ImprobableBee]

I hadn't made up my mind until I heard about the stickers.

[Denimwithdenim00]

Sorry my first thought would be 'pretentious twat'.

[BeenWondering]

It sounds a bit like you're fetishising it tbh. For example, I often meditate and practice mindfulness. I subscribe to a great deal of that philosophy but I don't cavort around declaring myself to be Buddhist.

[Bunbaker]

How do Muslims in Northern Scandinavia manage Ramadan at this time of year?

[oneofthosenicemuslims2015]

Worra the sighing was a reflection of how hard it can be as a brown Muslim woman who wears a headscarf. Very little to do with the Op just felt a bit sorry for myself. Moment over.
I have tea now. As you were.

[alteredimages]

Bunbaker they fast either according to the fasting hours of Mecca or the nearest city where there is a clear sunrise and sunset.

FWIW I find fasting much harder in the winter, even though the hours are much shorter. In the cold I felt hungry and really needed a good cup of tea. In summer I feel a bit thirsty in the mornings and experience mild hunger by late afternoon but nothing too troublesome. Heat is a great appetite suppressant!

I don't think YABU OP, the social aspect of Ramadan is great. Don't feel like you have to do the whole month though!

[oneofthosenicemuslims2015]

jelly I believe it's puberty onwards is mandatory. No min age but most kids want to join in. A lot fast on weekends or do mini fasts so they can still be a part of it e.g fast until lunch time. Far too much focus on the no food no drink thing imo. It's tough and all but it shouldn't be the sole focus.