A non- fasting Ramadan

However, by all outward appearances, I am healthy. Islam makes allowances to those who are unable to fast for legitimate reasons.

Even though I cannot fast, Ramadan is a significant time of year for me. It is a time for introspection, learning and prayer. Tolerance is an important part of the holy month, as those who fast often find themselves short-tempered by the end of the day -- due to the hours without food or drink. I struggle with tolerance too, as I sometimes find myself receiving disapproving glares or even “tsk-tsk” sounds from fasters who see me eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.

I have heard similar stories from others who do not fast for a variety of reasons, including medical conditions or differing religious beliefs. Some have been harshly spoken to and told that they should be fasting -- or only eating at home and not out in public. They have complained about the feeling of being judged by some who are observing the fast. While this does not occur all that often, it can be frustrating.

Out of respect for those who are observing the fast, I usually try to refrain from eating or drinking in public as much as possible. However, I do not feel that I should have to hide away in my home during the month so that I am able to eat when necessary in order to maintain my health. After all, I am Muslim, but like many others, have a legitimate reason for not participating in the fast. I am sure that those people who sneer at me or make reproachful noises feel justified in judging others who they feel are not good Muslims. However, it only serves to irritate me when people act this way.

Looking on the bright side, dealing with people who judge me for not fasting makes me try to have more tolerance and patience. To me, it seems that a part of the lesson everyone can learn from the holy month of Ramadan is to accept people the way they are, not how we think they should be or how they should act. This reminds me of women who have approached me in mosques and informed me that my prayers would not be accepted because of some perceived flaw. This has left me wondering why someone would watch others while performing their prayers. I have been tempted to ask them that if by letting their attention wander to criticism of others while praying, does that make their own prayers invalid, or even genuine. To date however, I have held my tongue and not voiced this particular question, partly because I suspect that it would not be well received by people who feel that they are offering much needed assistance and guidance.

When I first began to study Islam, I was struck by the emphasis that is placed on tolerance and acceptance. However, during Ramadan, I have noticed that those lessons sometimes fall by the wayside. It is not always possible to tell, from a glance, why someone is not observing the fast. From my point of view, it really should not matter to others whether or not I am fasting since each of us should be concerned with our own spiritual growth instead of other people’s perceived lapses.

As stated above, in a way, I am thankful for the disapproving looks and comments I receive from strangers. Through others who seem to be passing judgment on me and my actions, I am reminded that I need to concentrate more on my own spiritual development and not spend time trying to decide just how religious others are from their outward appearance or actions.w There are many lessons to learn during the holy month of fasting. However, learning should not stop when the month ends. Education is an ongoing process, as is spiritual growth.

Vatican greets Muslims as Ramadan ends

The Vatican is urging Muslims and Christians to work together to safeguard respect for human rights of all, regardless of religious affiliation or ethnic group. The appeal on Friday came in a message from the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. The Vatican said it was sending greetings to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The president of the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, said in his message he usually makes every year close to the end of Ramadan that the employment of religion to promote discrimination on the basis of race or religious identity results in violence between the followers of different faiths. 

Turkish kids give gifts in Mozambique

Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There), a Turkey-based charity, has boosted its normal work in the poor African nation of Mozambique this Ramadan. Organized by Kimse Yok Mu’s Samsun branch, located in Turkey’s Black Sea region, a five-person team of volunteers distributed food packages in 13 areas of the capital Maputo. The aid has reached over 1,250 families. In addition to the adult volunteers, Turkish children who live in the African nation also took the initiative to help those less fortunate -- they saved up their allowances for some time, then bought gifts for children of their age, which Kimse Yok Mu helped distribute. The children expressed joy at being able to help those less fortunate than themselves.