Since Captain Mike and I began fasting with the knowledge of Intermittent Fasting with GOD, I have wondered HUGELY what other faiths do regarding fasting. A friend, Chris, who is a Muslim in Texas, answered these questions for me regarding how faithful Muslims practice.
The Frugal Catholic-- Chris, how long have you practiced intermittent fasting as a Muslim?
CHRIS---25 Years
The Frugal Catholic--Now, to my understanding, Muslims fast during Ramadan, a holy month in Islam worldwide. During Ramadan, a Muslim is expected to 'fast' between dawn and sunset, and the breaking of your fast is at night, not in the morning as a typical day would be. So, you are practicing intermittent fasting from 6 am until 8 pm without food and water.
How does one do this?
CHRIS--- Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
You are correct that fasting during Ramadan is generally from dawn until sunset. The practice involves abstinence from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. It is a time of purification and spiritual growth. Fasting is not merely physical but rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast.
The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the 'Suhoor,' and the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is the 'Iftar.' Muslims abstain from all food and drink between these meals, including water. The break of the fast at sunset is usually done with dates and water following the tradition of Prophet Muhammad, after which a regular dinner meal is consumed.
How one manages to do this varies greatly depending on personal circumstances, but several common strategies include:
Proper Nutrition: Consuming nutritious meals during Suhoor and Iftar is critical. This includes balanced meals high in complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to provide sustained daily energy. Staying hydrated between Iftar and Suhoor is also essential.
Adjusted Sleep Schedules: Many Muslims adjust their sleep schedules during Ramadan to accommodate the pre-dawn meal and late-night prayers. Napping during the day may also be incorporated.
Spiritual Mindset: Fasting during Ramadan is a spiritual discipline and an act of worship. The intent is to grow closer to God, seek forgiveness, purify the heart, and manage self-discipline. This spiritual mindset can provide strength and purpose, making the physical aspects of the fast more bearable.
Community Support: Ramadan is a communal event, and the support and encouragement from family and community members often help individuals keep their fasts.
Fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all adult Muslims, with exceptions for those who are ill, pregnant, nursing, traveling, or menstruating. These individuals must make up the fast later or provide a meal to the needy for every day they miss.
Fasting, especially Intermittent Fasting with GOD, is a self-denial every Christian believer can do --to take up our cross and deny ourselves. In the early days of Christianity, the Apostles wrote the first Catechism called the DIDACHE, where believers were instructed to "Be careful how you live." The Didache, meaning "Teaching," is a short name of a Christian manual compiled before 300 AD. The full title is The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. The Apostles advised the first Christians to practice fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays because the Jewish people were fasting on other days. God honored that self-denial, and Christianity grew and made disciples worldwide. I genuinely hope that by publishing my first book, entitled I.F. with GOD, hopefully in 2025, Christians of all denominations can learn to deny ourselves and fast for JESUS, our Savior and Lord.
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Mark 9:29--And He said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting."
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Martha Wild King, M.Ed., Author
The Frugal Catholic: Learn to live on less to give and save more.
Very interesting, Martha. My dentist is Muslim and I used to ask him, jokingly, if his hands got shaky later in the day from fasting. He denied that they did. Karen and I are both diabetic, she's a type 1, so intermittent fasting is not an option for us. I have tried it a few times but it messes up my blood sugars which can be pretty erratic as it is! Best to you and the "Captain!" Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family.