Response to the Responses on Fasting

I didn’t mean to offend anyone with my blog and I completely agree that it was hypocritical of me to judge others. I was mostly talking about my family since I know their opinions and thoughts…and not the situations of others. So, I apologize for my quick judgement on that part. Otherwise, my main point was just to state that fasting is more of an eye-opening experience (not something that is dreadful).

Obama and Islam

Immediately following 9-11, many went to great lengths to defend the Islamic faith. At the time, Islam was viewed as the religion of terrorist. It was an extremist, male-dominated, anti-american faith. However, many in the public eye and everyday citizens helped in explaining the true meaning of Islam. Seven years after 9-11, one would think the Islamic faith has been able to separate itself from the minority extremist followers. As Obama entered the presidential campaign, it is easy to see Islam is still looked at as an extremist religion by many. Obama being a Muslim was a reason for the American people to NOT vote for him. While he is not a Muslim, he had to immediately shoot down the rumors and distance himself from any association with the religion. Years have gone by but the view of Islam during the after math of 9-11 is still prevalent today. The rumor of Obama being a Muslim and the reaction to it shows this.

Men and beards..and some other stuff

I remember hearing from someone that Muslim men are supposed to grow their beards and wear their pants at a certain length ( I believe at their ankles??)  Also, I know that women are not forced or required to cover themselves, but I’m curious to know more about the black full body dress, it’s called something with a “g” (galibeyya??) As far as I know, it’s simply followed by Muslims from a certain branch of Islam. What’s the difference between this and the veil? And finally..there have been instances where women in the full galibeyya refused to show their faces for driver’s license photos and such..I see this as an infringment on freedom of religion, but on the other hand it defeats the whole purpose of even having an ID and goes against other state rules. How do you all feel about this? And does anyone have answers to my other questions?

Another Response to “Fasting”

See, the thing is that I do not have a problem with people fasting. I will fast, every now and then. I don’t think people should have to do it every single day, there are always exceptions. The only thing that tends to irritate me is the people who fast for the sake of saying that they did. I understand that fasting should teach you many lessons of life, patience, etc. but an example from a family member of mine teaches me otherwise. My mother fasts. She is getting…old. The problem is that when she fasts, she immediately becomes irritable, quick to judge, naggy, etc. I think if one is to fast, they should do it lovingly. I understand that getting to a certain age makes you more irritable and all, but this is something that should be done out of love, not out of a forced action. In fact, I myself get this characteristics when I am fasting. It is harder to get your mind off of food, which makes you upset as to why you cannot have it, etc. If done correctly, fasting can be a wonderful thing. If done incorrectly, fasting can lead to negative views on the very principle of the act.

Reponse #2 to fasting

24seven, I’m not quite sure what you mean by degrees of fasting.  There’s no in between when it comes to fasting as far as I know.  Its typically from dawn until dusk that people are supposed to fast.  I know that Shia’s usually break their fasts a few minutes after everyone else does.  However, I don’t think that any particular group says “okay we can’t eat, but we’re allowed to drink”.  I don’t think there is much debate regarding the guidelines to fasting.  As to your point about a pregnant woman fasting– I agree.  In fact, under these conditions are you exempt for a reason, meaning you shouldn’t fast.  Likewise, when you are ill, you are not meant to fast because you will only exacerbate your health.   As for your point implying that fasting is detrimental to your health, well, I disagree. Fasting is actually beneficial to your health. It acts as sort of a detoxifying practice and for instance, it even helps clean out your colon.  Nonetheless, fasting (especially during the summer) is a great discipline and it helps to remind Muslims that even food is something we can take for granted.  Inevitably, this practice will remind you of the less fortunate, perhaps making a person think twice about how to spend their next paycheck.

Response to Fasting…

For my religion, I do not have to fast, however, I’m curious about this whole concept of fasting. Are there different degrees and levels of fasting? I’m wondering if some take it more seriously than others, and, if so, why would it be alright for a mother to starve herself which could endanger her child? Something about this just doesn’t sit right with me. I also believe that it’s more important to take care of your health and appreciate the many gifts of living a healthy and prosperous life than to deprive your body of nourishment. I also believe that judging others on how long they can and can’t fast for seems hypocritical to the idea of kindness and understanding: treating others with respect and loving thy neighbor, despite of their flaws and/or different beliefs. I don’t mean to offend, but what do others think about this subject and how do others feel about contradiction of beliefs and principles throughout Islam and/or other religions?