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What is fasting all
about?
Fasting is an effort to remember we are more than individuals.
Take one day to learn what it would be like to
be without food and remember the millions in our world who suffer
and need our help.
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Who can take part?
Anybody who is willing and able can join the fast. Fasting is a
spiritual effort, not an obstacle course. Anyone with a medical
condition, pregnant women or nursing mothers are not required to
fast. If in doubt, or for any other health concerns please consult
with your GP beforehand.
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Do
I have to fast for the whole day?
You can fast for as long or as short as you like. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. On October 19th that’s approximately from 6am to 6pm. You’ll find yourself watching the clock - so check exact times, which vary from place to place, with your local mosque or in the ‘weather’ section of national newspapers.
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What
does the fast consist of?
Muslims take nothing that is ingested or swallowed - that’s
food, drink or cigarettes. However you should choose for yourself
how stringent you want to be. Muslims take a light meal before dawn,
when the fast begins, then perform their morning prayer to remember
why they are making the effort. Exactly at sunset comes break-fast,
don’t delay, it’s a joyous moment. Muslims prefer to
share with family and friends. As soon as the clock strikes sip
a refreshing drink. Muslims usually eat dates and some favourite
snack then perform their evening prayer to give thanks for the day.
Sharing the collective effort and the joy of breaking fast is an
important part of the spiritual lesson, get family and friends to
join you and compare your experience, thoughts and feelings. Some
localities will be hosting a charity dinner on the day.
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What
is Ramadan?
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of
Islam. It is the high point of the Muslim year, a time when each
individual connects with others around the world to renew their
faith, reflect on their lives and remember their responsibilities
to fellow human beings. Fasting is an effort of self discipline,
a profound spiritual lesson. It changes the normal pattern of daily
life, making us conscious of the hardships of those in need. A shared
effort, it encourages us to be considerate to those around us, control
our anger, speak kindly to one another, help and support each other
to remember the true purpose of fasting. Ramadan is a time to rededicate
ourselves to the values of peace, justice and equity. It is a time
for giving, of ourselves to spiritual devotions and of the means
we have to those in need. Fasting purifies the body, giving in charity
purifies our livelihood.
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