What Ramadan means to me

I’m sure everyone has seen the “not even water?” meme? If not, I suspect you’ve been living under a rock. (Now is the time to google it if you haven’t already!) Every year when approaching Ramadan, it’s circulated around social media by many Muslims and others.

In short, the answer to that question is yes. Not even water. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast for approximately 17 hours a day, from before sunrise until after sunset, for 30 consecutive days. Not even water. This can be challenging, especially as your day to day routine doesn’t really change for the majority of the month. If only we could get the month off work and university, right? Whilst the thought of fasting can seem a little scary, Ramadan is welcomed by many Muslims as one of the most beloved months in the calendar. It brings communities together to appreciate food and engage in late-night prayers.

Iftaar, which is the time when we eat at sunset, is a little crazy at my house. You’d think we were setting the table to feed the 5000. Every evening the table is set with homemade, piping hot (sometimes very greasy) Indian food. Usually, I fill my plate and create a little mountain of all the food I’ve craved during the day, but I can only ever manage to get through a quarter before it defeats me.

Sitting around the table with my family every evening and sharing time and a meal is what makes Ramadan special for me

This is my favourite part of Ramadan. Sitting around the table with my family every evening and sharing time and a meal is what makes Ramadan special for me. It’s time that’s often taken for granted in our busy everyday lives.

The food made during Ramadan is a bonus. The act of fasting and devoting time to prayers is spiritually cleansing and rewarding, both in terms of faith and for the body. I often struggle during the middle of the day when I lack energy and need a cup of tea and a biscuit. However, I quickly remind myself of the reasons I choose to fast. The fact that there are millions of other people around the world who are practising with me is comforting. There are moments in the day when the thought of food is preoccupying. At these points, I tend to replace eating with reading or a short nap to distract myself.

There are days where I struggle with my hunger more than others

Exam season at university or working whilst fasting can be difficult. The body needs energy to function and, at times, not having that option for an energy boost can test your patience. Having said that, I’ve personally found that fasting during these busy times does not negatively affect me. I don’t think about food as much you would think.

Whilst the idea of not eating and drinking for 17 hours can seem intimidating, my body seems to adjust rather quickly. Like with all changes to your diet, there are days where I struggle with my hunger more than others, but the joy, spirituality and unity that the month brings outweigh what might otherwise be considered quite daunting.  Well, for me anyway.