Fasting and Humility: My Ramadan Reflection

Ok, so I’m probably not the ideal candidate to write a Ramadan reflection, since I am a Christian who has never experienced a complete Ramadan fast as a practicing Muslim. I did, however, have the opportunity to observe the fast in the physical sense while teaching in the Middle East one Ramadan. I wanted to understand how my students were feeling. I think I learned more from my students than they did from me that month, mostly due to my complete exhaustion.

I have fasted before according to the custom of some Christian groups, which usually involves going without solid food for a period of days, often 2-3. I found that the Ramadan fast of keeping all foods and liquids from passing my lips for the majority of a day to be gruelling, especially in the Middle Eastern sun. The experience gave me a tremendous appreciation for the sacrifice, and yes, the benefits of keeping the Ramadan fast. I have never appreciated food so much as I did at some of the communal iftars we shared. The first dates and cold water were better than any five-star meal, and many times more meaningful.

This Ramadan I have been attempting to observe the fast, albeit inconsistently. Again I remember and appreciate my need for God and my duty to care for those who are forced to fast daily due to extreme poverty. I also remember another feeling I tend to associate with fasting, whether Christian or Muslim: a sense of superiority. It is easier for me to feel close to God when I am fasting, especially when someone else is feasting next to me. It’s interesting how quickly I tend to compare my best efforts with the worst of others.

Now I’m definitely in no position to call anyone else to humility, especially as I feel quite inferior in my struggle to fast for even 12 hours. The physical demands of my religious community are not as taxing when it comes to fasting. On the other hand, I could compare the Christian idea of giving which asks 10 percent of gross income (although many Christians do not follow the tithe) to the Islamic zakat and rediscover religious superiority quickly enough.

I guess it’s not meant to be a competition for the heavenly award of most holy. The truth is that our small acts of faith and piety are incomparable to what we literally owe our Creator: our lives. Through our fasting and giving, we demonstrate recognition of our reliance on God rather than a fulfilment of our commitment. Our fasting, our praying, our giving and our work for justice and peace can help us remember and live in the way of love and kindness.

May this Ramadan be an opportunity for people of all faiths and philosophies to remember our need for mutual humility and our responsibility to care for our neighbours both near and far. As for me, I’m looking forward to iftar.