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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I have an extended family member who's a practicing Muslim though she doesn't wear the hijab (headscarf). Anyone who is in good health (and not pregnant) fasts from sun up to sun down-only water I believe. After sunset you eat a big meal and she says it would often (in her home country) be sort if fun...they'd all get together, conquered the days fasting requirement, and eat delicious food. During Ramadan she prays and she thinks about God/life/how to be the best person. At the end of Ramadan is Eid. It's normally a huge meal/celebration and the children receive gifts. [/quote]
No food, no water.  Anything swallowed, [b]including medicine, invalidates the fast and you have to make up that day[/b].[/quote]

This is not true. While I'm no longer practicing, Islamic restrictions are very accommodating to health issues - if you need to take a medicine during the day, you are allowed to take it, and your fast is still valid. Or if you can't fast due to health concerns. If you need to use alcohol or pig-products (a gelatin coated pill, for example) those are also allowed.

Ramadan isn't about not swallowing stuff - it's meant mainly to keep you humble, but having empathy for those that go without or struggle with certain needs and luxuries and life, and to help direct your mind focused towards god/faith, instead of being distracted by life's little pleasures during the day. It's not meant to make you suffer, and it's really not about "don't swallow stuff."[/quote]
I think it depends on the scholar you prefer to follow.  In my Gulfie circle, people who have to take daily medication (such as insulin) do not fast. My husband will not fast if he has to take medication.  You can use alcohol or pig products for medical purposes year-round, it has nothing to do with Ramadan.

I agree that Ramadan isn't about swallowing but let's not pretend that Islam does not have a definition of fast.  After all, if you keep yourself humble and full of empathy for those less fortunate with three squares a day, you can't really say you're fasting, can you.[/quote]

Sure, but fasting is the means - not the end goal. The fasting is supposed to be a tool to help keep you humble and empathetic. Like if you're fasting but cranky and snapping at people all the time, fasting is sort of ridiculous, and one can lose sight of the point, and fasting is just one facet of Ramadan. But I agree, it probably depends a lot on the ideology one grew up with. I was raised that medical exceptions are always allowed in Islam. Neglecting your health/medications for the sake of fasting is akin to taking your body (and your gift of life) for granted. Sometimes it feels sort of like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc. People can get wrapped up into stepping up their attitude on special days (or month), and neglect the mindfulness the rest of the year. Not everyone of course, but we all probably know a few people that fit this mold.

But as mentioned, I'm not religious anymore, and I no longer fast during Ramadan. I'm also a better person to be around, and feel like I can better help my fellow humankind when I have a little food in my belly and water on my lips  :P [/quote]

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