Why 80% of American Muslims fast during Ramadan. (It's not about the food.)

[yallerdawg]

One of the Five Pillars of Islam

Source: CNN, by Omar Suleiman

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One clue may lie in a recent Cigna study showing that loneliness has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, with about half of Americans feeling alone or finding that they lack meaningful daily social interactions, such as extended conversations with family or friends.

People crave a sense of being valued by others, feeling an attachment to a community, and that may be why so many Muslims hold on to Ramadan, even -- or maybe especially -- when tough times face the community.

Many Muslims who do not attend the mosque year-round come almost nightly during the month of Ramadan. Every night the mosque is filled with prayers, food, socializing and fundraisers. In truth, almost every Muslim will attest to reading more Quran and praying more in that one month than they do throughout the entire year. It's a team effort that picks up, even if temporarily, the weakest member.

It's also that positive, feel good representation of unity within diversity and culture that most Muslims want to be a part of, as well as proudly express to the world. It's not uncommon to find Christians in places like Syria and Egypt fasting with the Muslim majority. (And no, it's not because they've been threatened with murder if they don't.)

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Read it all at: https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/10/us/ramadan-omar-suleiman/index.html

[cilla4progress]

1. I really appreciate this post and video.

When our Muslim Afghan exchange student lived with us in 2011, Ramadan fell during the longest days of the year, August. Shortly after she arrived. She was / is a whisper of a girl / young woman. It horrified us for her to not be able to DRINK WATER! We didn't understand - I didn't understand in any depth the point. This video is very helpful and moving! Thank you!

[yallerdawg]

2. I'm glad you liked her video.

Islam is such a beautiful religion, and has so many spiritual aspects at its core, it's easy to see why it continues to grow around the world.

[guillaumeb]

6. But religion is dying out.

Quite rapidly, if certain articles can be credited.

[yallerdawg]

7. You know what's dying out?

Babies born to Muslims will begin to outnumber Christian births by 2035; people with no religion face a birth dearth

[guillaumeb]

9. But very soon, almost magically,

humanity will evolve to a higher level wherein faith has no place.

[yallerdawg]

10. Ahh, yes - "The Godless Enlightenment!"

I've coined that name, you know.

[guillaumeb]

11. I will not use the term to avoid paying royalties.

The 11th Commandment is strong today. Very strong.

[cilla4progress]

3. Our lovely student and I had many conversations

about religion and politics, I, an atheist / Pagan / Unitarian, she a Muslim. Both huge Obama supporters (this was in 2011)! She taught me everything I know about Islam (which is honestly very little!). She told me Allah loves and reveres women, for example. We "decided" much of the capitulation or corruption of Islam - as with JudeoChristianity - is cultural, not religious.

She defected to Canada (long amazing story) and our family will be attending her graduation from college outside Toronto in a few weeks!!!!!

[yallerdawg]

4. This sounds like an amazing story!

And to see her graduate, how wonderful for everyone!

I hope all goes splendid, and you all have a great time!

[flotsam]

5. So they behave like lapsed christians

often perform for lent or Easter rites?

[yallerdawg]

8. I think they behave like people.

It's our nature to quite often fall short of perfection.

[flotsam]

12. Yep N/T

[kwassa]

13. It should be about the food. It was outstanding.

I was in Morocco during Ramadan. When we finally eat, the food is fabulous. Fresh baked bread, harira soup, couscous, tagine. Incredible.