We are in the holy month of Ramadan (Mwezi Mtukufu wa Ramadhani), therefore, let us begin with two recent clips on the subject.
TikTok featured a Tanzanian woman speaking enthusiastically about Ramadan in Kiswahili.
As we are aware, in the last 30 years, Muslims have been portrayed very negatively. Some nations have even restricted visas for Muslim visitors and immigrants – which has misled those ignorant about the Islamic faith.
So to hear this reel titled “Waislamu ni Wakarimu” – (Muslims are kind) is endearing. The un-named Dada claims she “has not been cooking” because Muslim neighbours have been giving her free food and that “they cook extremely well.”
The second footage is on YouTube, allegedly, by the celebrated Hollywood actor, Denzel Washington, who cites numerous benefits of Ramadan fasting, for example focusing “on what really matters” and disconnecting “from distractions”, plus giving to charity, cleansing body and soul.
List goes on.
Across the world, most folks associate “fasting” ONLY with Islam. Personally, I have been fasting regularly for over 30 years. During that time, if I was somewhere and politely declined eating “because I was fasting” you’d hear the question:
“Is it Ramadan?” Or, “Are you a Muslim?”
Which shows how the world is ill-informed about fasting, its meaning and advantages.
Of course, one of the five pillars of Islam is that a believer should fast between 12 to 24 hours, for at least 30 days once a year.
Incidentally, most religions are required to follow this pillar, though not exactly that way.
However, Islam (and Judaism) are the ones publicly known (or follow) the principle. A principle with many strands including, generosity, chastity, humility, forgiveness, etc.
The Bible (for Christians) is littered with references to the importance of fasting:
- Mark (9:29)
- Joel (2:12-13)
- Esther (4:16)
- Psalms (69:10) – “When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting it became my reproach.”
In politics, food abstinence has been a lethal weapon of non-violent confrontation.
Indian maestro Mahatma Gandhi, who fought fiercely for Indian independence, once said:
“A hunger strike is itself a spiritual practice of self-sacrifice…”
Prisoners of conscience have often used hunger strikes to gain attention and “force” required change.
Speaking of prisoners, we have to look at the physical rewards of fasting.
Studies of American prisoners of war in Japan during the 1939-45 global battle indicated that survivors lived well into their 90s and beyond.
This health boost was due to unplanned fasting, i.e. they were deprived of proper meals.
But how?
If we look at animals carefully, we notice they only eat when necessary.
We modern humans, nonetheless, over-eat out of habit, taste, cravings, etiquette and culture.
No wonder:
- The rise of obesity
- High blood pressure
- Gout
- Diabetes
Technically, we are not supposed to feed so much.
Subsequently and lately, fasting is becoming popular.
There are various types of fasting and multiple benefits.
Let us explore them next week.
Bless your eyes.
Danyavaad, if you speak Kihindi.
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