Some revelations, reflections, tips and advice of Ramadan from a non Muslim who tried to fast for the first time in life.
- I woke up in the morning of the first day of Ramadan without certain conviction whether I should fast. I didn't feel hunger at noon yet, so I gave it a try. My idea was - maybe God wants me to do it and makes it easier for me, therefore I should.
- Ramadan isn't just about refraining from eating, drinking, smoking and sex during daytime. Before it started, I had decided that I will devote my time to read Quran more frequently and seek knowledge about Islam more during this Holy month.
- The hardest time of a day is around 1-3 pm when I started to feel hungry and there was still a lot of time until the sunset. Surprisingly for me, it stopped as the Iftar came closer. When it was time to break a fast, I felt like I could go on for a few more hours.
- Drink enough water! My method was: 2 glasses of water before Suhoor, 2 after it, 2 glasses to break the fast, 2 after Iftar (make sure to be near to wc!). This makes up around 2 litres per day. Coffee and black tea aren't considered as good options. Moreover, who would like to wake up earlier in order to make it and wait until it cools down?
- Usually, I broke the fast with water and 3 dates as it is suggested in Quran. Don't rush to meal immediately!
- I noticed that I ate less and healthier, although my mind was telling me: "You are allowed to eat now and you should eat for the whole day." But I wasn't that hungry and I knew the limit - I didn't have problems with controling myself. Also, Ramadan left positive effect on my physical wellness. I didn't have any stomach ache in the days when I was fasting but they appeared when I was not.
- By saying I ate healthier, I mean, I had less meat and more vegetables and fruits in my diet. I ate less sweets.. because what sugar does in your organism? It increases your insulin level, then there comes sudden glucose (sugar) drop which makes you hungry soon again. For example, I prefer to have yogurt with muesli, which doesn't have much additional suggar, or rice crackers with chocolate or peanut butter. I also advise to eat slow digesting carbs, because they will provide you with energy longer and reduce hunger.
- If it's hot outside and you're almost dying from heat, quick help might be to take shoes off and rinse mouth and wash face with ice cold water. You will feel fresh again!
- I believe this is not the case for Muslims, but for me as a non Muslim, I had inner fights about how I dress. Although I know I should wear modest clothes, I end up in shorts and something similar to a tank top and then regret it.
- Those days when I read Quran seem complete, whereas others, when I don't - empty and I have feeling that something is missing.
- Be open to everything! You might come across someone who will leave impact on your search for yourself. Accept an invitation to Iftar at a mosque! You will like the atmosphere and feel welcomed.
!!! If you are about to become a Muslim, speak about it and explain to your parents (closest friends) why you are doing this or that, and that you are doing it for yourself not because someone is pushing you to do it. Show that it makes you happy and you are not suffering. It is very important that they understand and accept that.
