First Ramadan...any tips?

[ErikNorseman]

Ok I'm not religious at all, but DH is muslim. I have never partaken of Ramadan but this year I think I'm going to give it a try, for the communality and the experience. I don't plan to do it all, TBH he's going away for a week and I won't do it then, and I'm not committing to every day when he is here! I do want to know what all the fuss is about though so. Thankfully I stopped smoking 18 months ago so that's not an issue but honestly, how do you get through the day without a drink? Do you set your alarms and eat and drink at 4am, or do you drink pints before bed? Do you stuff yourselves at 11pm? I couldn't do it how DH does, so he isn't really an example (he stays up late and sleeps late, like 3am - 11am or even later, self employed so no problem) but I have a 9-5 so no good. Please give me some tips!

It was really fine. I feel tired but I'm often tired (insomnia) so nothing new. The hunger hasn't bothered me at all. I didn't enjoy getting up to pee eleventy times last night though!

I'm not a Muslim but I thought that there was a way round this in the you could use Mecca time for those who live at high lattitude or at the poles?

I struggled to eat and drink enough tbh. I went to bed uncomfortably full and couldn't get much down at 3.30! The night is so short. Day 2 is going ok though, I'm out with DS at a carnival so ot's sunny and I'm a bit thirsty but nothing terrible.

Yes geek love but we aren't in the poles :)

Assalamo alaikum and ramadan mubarak!

I remember my first fast before I actually became muslim was REALLY hard and it was the shortest time ever, lol. the next year when i was a muslim but was doing it with belief and conviction was much easier.

My kids are 11 and under and the eldest 3 are fasting, so we stay awake until fajr (we start just before 2am) and then sleep until around 10am. my three year old is still sleeping and it's after 12 lol.

salams, how is fasting going for everyone? i am finding it really really hard this time as hadnt fasted last few years due to pregnancy and breastfeeding. the days are soooo long and the dehydration headaches are killer! its also v hard to do normal kids routine etc as they are up early so not much time to sleep after sehri and then a really long day. but its halfway today so hopefully will pass quickly. have to keep reminding myself of the benefits as its so tough.

also i think that there are a lot of people who are not fasting this year due to the length and hardness. its a personal choice but to me it is compulsory, not really a choice iyswim? also if you have always done it all your life would feel strange to not do it. has anyone else found this?

i only say as dh has decided not to do it this year due to long days. i have tried so hard to convince him but he wont listen to me at all and just shouts at me to stop nagging. its horrible waking up alone though and am worried i will have to bear some of the sin of him not fasting.

hi cresecentmoon, diabetics are definitely given an exemption, thats great your dad has always fasted till now. can understand your dh not wanting to be tired for work, but also as you say man up! are u sure no sin on me then? i also adore food and find it so hard not eating in day esp with small dc's. how do you manage in the day?

yes, mine up by 7am too sometimes earlier! unfortunately i am not as lucky as you, never lose weight in ramadan even though am eating so much less. i think its as your metabolism slows down so much. it does take many years to come around i remember summer fasts when i was very little so a while ago! but march i remember as around 1994 maybe? i miss winter fasting, its just too long at the moment.

Salaams, eid Mubarak! I'm so proud of myself, I have completed 19 days of fasting. H and I have actually split up (or not, actually) but he has moved into the spare room and is still supporting me in fasting. I feel I have received blessings this Ramadan even with the decision to split up, it has helped us both to clarity and letting go of past anger. My aunt also sent me £1000 out of the blue for my university tuition so!
I hope everyone has passed a peaceful Ramadan and blessings on all of you and your families xxxxxxx

I lost 2lb in weight too :) not much but it has taken me to a complete stone since April. It would have been more but I have don a lot of baking this month

Eid mubarak all. I took 3 days off for travel and 6 for my period. Have lost a lot of weight, don't know how much but back in size 10 so must be stacks. Skin has cleared right up too. A tough time with leaving H for violent and abusive behaviour, but will make eid special for DC in our new home, decorations up, special breakfast planned, presents (postman pat and raa raa toys), new clothes from JJMB ooooo. Celebrating alone but will bake cookies with boys and drop to the tandoori across the road! Love to all. May Allah swt accept our fast and prayers.

Sorry to hear your h has let you down, I hope you find strength to continue to protect yourself and your boys x