Is using the month of Ramadan simply to fast without following Islam a form of cultural (religious?) appropriation?
I’ve seen non-Muslims do this and it strikes me as offensive.

And yes I know in Muslim majority countries some non-Muslims may fast for a number of reasons but my thought above is asking how fasting by non-Muslims in the US should be categorized.

I’m a professor with many students who fast during finals week and their dedication is remarkable. Such a beautiful and steadfast tribute to their commitment and integrity. I’m in awe every single year. (And I try to make sure they get to take my final earlier in the day.)

I hope you all have a good fast this year!

I know a number of Muslims who will have coffee during the day in Ramadan. Particularly at work. Islam’s not a monolith and just like other religions there are many interpretations and degrees of devoutness.

Anonymous wrote:This is my first fast and I must say I am struggling.

Dit it get better? I did my first fast today and it wasn't too bad. But I have to say, it helps me so much to have a cup of coffee with sahur. Then, in the evening, after my dinner I make myself a warm thai tea with milk. it's become my Ramadan tradition to have this tea after dinner, and there's just something so soothing and festive about the aroma. And the caffeine boost is so nice to have in the evening. Agreed w/ previous comment re: hydration in general. I try to drink an electrolyte drink I make myself or else i'll go for just plain coconut water. It helps. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can have black coffee or tea without sugar.

I think the OP is talking about Ramadan fasting- not intermittent fasting
So far so good over here. I do have a small 4oz cup of coffee before the sun comes up- and a nice tall mug after it goes down. Drink plenty of water too!

I thought fasting for Ramadan meant no water.

Not sure if serious or remarkably ignorant...

But fasting during Ramadan, means you consume nothing at all between sunup and sundown. No food, no beverages, no gum, no water, no coffee, no tictacs, nothing ingested all day. Every day, for a month.

When the sun sets, you can consume what you want. Then then fasting begins all over again at dawn.

In Kuwait we did not drink water or chew gum during fasting time. Interestingly, menstruating women were not supposed to fast.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can have black coffee or tea without sugar.

I think the OP is talking about Ramadan fasting- not intermittent fasting
So far so good over here. I do have a small 4oz cup of coffee before the sun comes up- and a nice tall mug after it goes down. Drink plenty of water too!

I thought fasting for Ramadan meant no water.

Tell us more about life .. what do you know.
We can help you. Better now then later..

Ramadan is longer than Yom Kippur but my husband weans himself off caffeine for a week or two slowly before YK.

I did this too - for my 3 pregnancies.

Anonymous wrote:It's all psychology. Don't think about it.

It’s Actually physiology. If you normally have coffee you will have withdrawal symptoms if you just stop.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can have black coffee or tea without sugar.

I think the OP is talking about Ramadan fasting- not intermittent fasting
So far so good over here. I do have a small 4oz cup of coffee before the sun comes up- and a nice tall mug after it goes down. Drink plenty of water too!

I thought fasting for Ramadan meant no water.

It's all psychology. Don't think about it.

Anonymous wrote:You can have black coffee or tea without sugar.

I think the OP is talking about Ramadan fasting- not intermittent fasting
So far so good over here. I do have a small 4oz cup of coffee before the sun comes up- and a nice tall mug after it goes down. Drink plenty of water too!

You can have black coffee or tea without sugar.

I fasted in Kuwait although I am not a Muslim. I got up between 2:30 and 3:00 am to eat a heavy breakfast, including two cups of strong coffee. It shocked me not to have any withdrawal symptoms, given that I typically have 5 cups of coffee daily.

This is my first fast and I must say I am struggling.