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

[Smellyoulateralligator]

How do Muslims in Northern Scandinavia manage Ramadan at this time of year?
Often fast in line with nearest Muslim city or Mecca.

[Jellyrain]

Thank you snugnbug, that'll help me explain it to dd better.

[MrsSchadenfreude]

I had a non-coffee with a Muslim friend today. She said that the beginning of Ramadan is fine with the fasting, but it gets more and more difficult. She said she is due on in just over a week and will be delighted when AF arrives, as it means she has respite from the fasting, and renewed energy to continue.

[UnsolvedMystery]

It's no big deal not to eat during daylight hours in the UK
Sunrise is around 4.40am and sunset is around 9.25pm
Is that no big deal? Every day for a month?

[EhricLovesTheBhrothers]

You stop eating at the last prayer so around 3am not actual sunrise

[Bunbaker]

4.36 am and 9.36 pm here. That is a long time to go without food and drink. I would have a migraine.

Can you drink water during the day during Ramadan?

[Jellyrain]

No water isn't permitted.

[purdiepie]

YABU. And crass.

[Bunbaker]

I would never observe Ramadan then as I would need water to get the Migraleve down me from the resulting dehydration induced migraine.

[PtolemysNeedle]

YANBU OP. I quite fancy doing it as well as a non Muslim, so I was really surprised to read your title because I know it's something that a lot of people would find odd.

I'm a little jealous that you have friends who will be observing Ramadan and then celebrating Eid, the main thing that's stopping me is that I'd be doing it alone, and wouldn't get to enjoy the celebrations that go along with it.

Go for it!

[PyjamasLlamas]

It is indeed a long time. But not impossible or torture or anything else.
Once you're in the swing of it,
It's fine. It is hard. That's the point. But anyway Ramadan is about so much more than the food and drink.
Easy for me to say this year as I'm pregnant so not fasting! But the last couple of years have been just as hard.
It's such a family/community spirit that we don't feel resentful or burdensome about it. It's a wonderful month full of happy times with loved ones

[Jux]

My first thought is how disrespectful. My second is how pretentious. My third is how silly.

[Chillyegg]

Can i add that as a muslim ramadan isn't just about fasting. Its about good deeds, being mindful of what we have. Remembering the poor. Giving to charity etc etc.I think if you want to fast go for it its for me the best time of year.

[Chillyegg]

...also hows it disrespectful?

[TheCatsFlaps]

YABU. You do sound pretentious. Do something because you believe in it, not because something takes your fancy.

[TrevaronGirl]

I sound like a pretentious twat"

I'm afraid you do.

[PyjamasLlamas]

But surely before you believe in something you test the waters, try things out, experience elements of that lifestyle?
A lot of converts (to any religion) would begin by trying things out. That's not disrespectful. And even though OP says that's not the case here (interest in religion) that doesn't meant she's not allowed to show an interest and maybe take part in something just to see how it feels.
I'm Muslim and I think it's nice. So do the other Muslims on this thread. I wonder why?

[Justanotherlurker]

Nope you do sound like a pretentious twat tbh.

[Selks]

I just asked my daughter in law - who is Muslim - her thoughts on this and she said she thought it was cool and the OP's reasons were valid.

I don't understand the negativity the OP is getting and I think some people are being unnecessarily reactionary in their responses.

[PyjamasLlamas]

I agree about the negativity and hostile comments.
I'm going to join snugnbug in her sighing

[Justanotherlurker]

Well as anecdotes go, I just forwarded this to my best friend who is muslim and she is laughing her head and calling her pretentious.

So on an anonymous forum that's cancelled out one post.

Bearing in mind I haven't disclosed my religion yet.....

[CheeseToastie123]

I used to skip lunch at school during Ramadan to keep a friend company. Didn't think anything of it. Have since been told it meant a lot, not least because I didn't make a thing of it. I dislike organised religion, but am fascinated by it. I love learning about the faith of others. No-one has yet minded me asking / going along to places of worship / joining in celebrations (I had a wonderful Eid in Kuwait, with a bunch of Egyptians who were working there). OP, just take good care of yourself if you try. It's a big ask.

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

Lots of Muslims don't, why should OP?

[kali110]

Me too bunbaker, horrendous headaches and migraines if i don't eat and i need water to take my copious amount of medication!

[youareallbonkers]

If you want to fast then do it, otherwise don't. It doesn't matter to anyone else

[TwinkieTwinkle]

Can't see the issue tbh. I see plenty of non Christians partaking in Lent and it doesn't bother me as a Catholic. It might be a religious event but if anyone non religious wants to use it as a way to better themselves then why not?