General Discussion

BlueMTexpat

(15,368 posts)

23. What a lovely post about the essence and meaning of the Ramadan fast!

Thu Jul 19, 2012, 08:09 AM

Jul 2012

I have heard it referred to as the "Muslim Lent." In French, the word "carême" (fast) is often used to describe both with "le Carême" specifically meaning the Christian Lent.

But Lent - as it is practiced today, at least - is nowhere near as strict as the Ramadan is and the small sacrifices seem to be more for personal spiritual gain than for understanding one's place and effect within society in general.

By the way, if you do "cheat," I understand from Muslim friends that you can choose other days to "give back" whether they actually occur during the Ramadan period or not.

Good on you!

****
I myself am agnostic. But I respect all those who truly understand that religion - any religion worth its salt, in any event - is supposed to inspire good works, empower the vulnerable and render the world more just so that those who believe are truly ready to enter into the presence of their Creator at the end of this earthly life.

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Ramadan Begins Tonight/Tomorrow. I will be fasting. [View all] IdaBriggs Jul 2012 OP

Post removed Post removed Jul 2012 #1

I am sorry, but could you explain the puking icon? IdaBriggs Jul 2012 #2

Sorry Yeah Its Spin Jul 2012 #4

well that explains it! eShirl Jul 2012 #7

Post removed Post removed Jul 2012 #9

About what? I am *not* trying to be offensive. IdaBriggs Jul 2012 #11

linked to wrong person, Motown_Johnny Jul 2012 #12

I think Capt. Obvious Jul 2012 #16

Yes I did, will edit. Thank You Captain Obvious! Motown_Johnny Jul 2012 #17

Ida Briggs is a long time DUer. She neither spins nor bulls__ts hedda_foil Jul 2012 #19

Thank you - Miss You! IdaBriggs Jul 2012 #31

Glad I'm retired from my job NJ Department Of Corrections this is a pain in the ass bigdarryl Jul 2012 #3

Tampa has a Persian restaurant DonCoquixote Jul 2012 #5

I have occasionally considered trying this. annabanana Jul 2012 #6

Here ya go.... Spitfire of ATJ Jul 2012 #18

Doesn't the no-water thing ever cause medical problems? eShirl Jul 2012 #8

The people who started it lived in a desert. IdaBriggs Jul 2012 #10

Maybe if you are outside with your kids, HappyMe Jul 2012 #20

That is exactly right Capt. Obvious Jul 2012 #13

You are a better person than I. Motown_Johnny Jul 2012 #14

Good for you MissHoneychurch Jul 2012 #15

Pretty cool Inkfreak Jul 2012 #21

I often fast for that reason cali Jul 2012 #22

What a lovely post about the essence and meaning of the Ramadan fast! BlueMTexpat Jul 2012 #23

My admiration to you, IdaBriggs lillypaddle Jul 2012 #24

IdaBriggs Diclotican Jul 2012 #25

Pardon my colossal ignorance... Javaman Jul 2012 #26

stolen from another website ProdigalJunkMail Jul 2012 #29

Thanks! :) nt Javaman Jul 2012 #30

Ramadan Mubarak riverwalker Jul 2012 #27

Good luck Xyzse Jul 2012 #28

Thank you, everyone, for your kind words and encouragement. IdaBriggs Jul 2012 #32

Good luck! riderinthestorm Jul 2012 #33

I understand your point. IdaBriggs Jul 2012 #34

I know its a personal thing for you but for the religious community involved its a public spectacle riderinthestorm Jul 2012 #36

Fasting is a good way to lose weight B Calm Jul 2012 #35