Jessie Speer Guest Columnist

Salam alaikoum! I am writing to inform everybody that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan began Oct. 27. During this month, Muslims (or submitters) fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from all food and drink as well as other physical indulgences. The purity of a Muslim's mental life is also critical during this month, and thus all fasters strive to abstain from negative thoughts of any kind. In particular, lies, slander, broken promises and greed are to be avoided. A Muslim must intend, within his or her innermost self, to fast for the sake of God. A fast must not be undertaken with an unwilling spirit.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is also one of the most intense forms of submission to God. There are many spiritual, emotional and physical benefits of fasting, the first and most important benefit being the formation of a closer connection to the divine. Fasting also results in the realization that food and drink are luxuries that not everybody can afford to enjoy.

Ramadan allows Muslims to experience, for one month, the true plight of the hungry. It is a lesson on the harsh realities of the more than 800 million people around the world who are at risk of starvation. Not only does Ramadan test one's self-discipline and restraint, it also develops in that person a greater appreciation for the glory of God's gifts. Before breaking the fast every evening, Muslims are required to say the following prayer: "Oh God, for Your sake I fasted, in You I believe, in You I trust, and with the food You provide I break my fast."

Ramadan allows Muslims to experience, for one month, the true plight of the hungry.

The annual performance of Ramadan prevents Muslims from taking the gift of food for granted. The physical benefits of fasting are also numerous. In the process of burning the body's stored energy, fasting cleanses the system of harmful toxins and reduces the amount of mucous and dead or diseased cells. Dry fasting, or fasting without food or drink, is particularly valuable to the physical body in that it speeds up the cleansing process.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, and as such, it occurs during different seasons each year. Although it may seem dangerous to go for a full day without water, especially when Ramadan happens to take place during the summertime, Muslims have been practicing Ramadan for over a thousand years in the deserts of Saudi Arabia with no ill effect. Because of the possibility of danger, though, a person who is physically unable to fulfill the fast can either make it up at a later date or provide food to a hungry individual. Ramadan is not meant to be an impossible feat, but rather one that is undertaken gladly and willingly.

Islam is not the only religion that practices spiritual fasting. Jews and Christians fast during Yom Kippur and Lent, respectively, and Buddhists and Hindus fast on various festivals and holidays throughout the year. Buddha himself is said to have recommended his followers to fast every day after noon. These facts are reiterated in the Quran when God says, "Believers, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you" (The Cow 183). Islam recognizes that fasting is a universal observance. At the end of Ramadan, a celebration takes place within the community in which food and other donations are distributed among the poor.

If you would like to learn more about Ramadan and fasting in general, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies is presenting "Fasting Traditions of Three World Religions." Three scholars from the UA will be discussing the topic of fasting in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The presentation will take place today at 4 p.m. in the Franklin building, Room 103. I would like to wish all Muslims and non-Muslims alike a blessed and generous Ramadan and I hope that this column inspires those who are curious to find out more about fasting.

Jessie Speer is a philosophy senior. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.