In response to NTC187:
Well, fasting is an experience in itself. Where's the scientific backing? Someone I am sure has done some study -- but that's not why we do it. We're not marathon runners, we're following our religion. Does it make you a better person? Define better. . No doubt it makes you spiritually better, and teaches you humility and gives sympathy to those who are poor. Good motivation for Muslims is that GENERALLY speaking, a lot (not all by any means) of Muslims immigrate from poorer countries (India, Pakistan, many African countries), whose povertly levels are through the roof. It's kindof like a reminder to the older folk, even though that's not the purpose of fasting -- I know for a fact that I've gained sympathy. When I see a less fortunate person anywhere, I pay a lot more attention.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Chutney:</div><div class="quote_post">That's completely different, though. There's nothing wrong with not understanding/believing it. But, to expect a religious practice like fasting to be explained with scientific proof is just unreasonable.
Also, I may be the wrong person to explain fasting, seeing as my religion forbids it. I'd like to see what Mag has to say in response.</div>
Haha, well I hope I did. Questioning a religion is the key to learning more about it. . so if NTC187 wants to know anything else, I and anyone else would be glad to answer questions (regarding anything). The fact that you and Junoon have been quite understanding and open minded is refreshing.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> I dont mean to sound like a negative nancy with all these comments, lol, but doesnt the "allowed to eat at the end of the day" defeat the whole purpose of fasting?</div>
Not at all, we've all had these questions before. Fasting is NOT to starve oneself, if you go back to the first post I made -- it's much more than that. People tend to focus more on the eating, because that's something they can conciously control -- as opposed to saying certain things that just come out.
Fasting is part of the 5 Pillars of Islam, and it teaches piety. Muslims do believe in other prophets, "Christian Prophets," and I am pretty certain Jews and Christians believed Moses and Jesus fasted for 40 days, so in a way, it's keeping up with tradition.
Muslims also can have their past sins forgiven, which, who wouldn't want? I can go into more detail about the "rewards" religiously speaking, of fasting, if anyone would like me to.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The other reason why I think its a pointless excercise is, what if you do as Carter said he did, and swear, or say you ate somthing during daylight hours, then what happens? Are you not a muslim anymore? What happens there?</div>
Well, okay, I was generalizing hugely with that. . saying "cursing" because that's an issue here. Muslims aren't allowed to curse. But when you're told to make a concious effort to NOT CURSE, then it helps stopping any more cursing later on. Back biting isn't allowed either, nor is being arrogant or ignorant. So, putting these things in practice helps you follow the religion better. If someone were to cuss, they'd correct their mistake and get on with it. Breaking your fast is well, not good. It's in a way, disrespectful, unless you seriously have to. Fasting is like a committment, you're not going to break one half way into it, right?
That being said, a lot of younger kids don't fast the entire day, in order to help them get prepared for when they're older. To Carter and Umair, don't complain about being hungry/thirsty. Then you'll come off as if you HAVE to fast. We all feel thirsty, but keep going at it and don't complain about fasting. Be grateful that you're physically healthy enough to fast, and you've been able to witness one more Ramadan. To be honest, Muslims already are seen in a negative light in the western world, the last thing we need is people complaining about fasting. Just keep at it, it'll get better!
Someone mentioned Gandhi, and it was never really responded to. An amazing man, to have gone days without food. It's not impossible to fast for a few hours, but days is something I'd like to try eventually.
Shard, you're going to have to eat a lot to compensate for my fill! Just some advice to anyone interested in it, or that wants to learn more. . . try it for a day. Don't just NOT EAT, but wake up early, and make a concious effort to be a better person for a day. One goal that Muslims want to show to non-Muslims is that we actually change during Ramadan. If any of you have Muslim friends, observe them and see if they're different (kinder, less ignorant, etc). If they're not -- they might be doing something wrong.
If anyone else has questions or wants to learn more, shoot 'em my way and I'll try to answer 'em best I can.
