What It Means - Day 59

A couple times we've talked about whether or not it's actually a misrepresentation to first and foremost declare that Ramadan is that month when Muslims fast, as compared to that month when Muslims devote themselves to studying the Quran and focusing on their faith. We can set that argument aside for the moment, and agree that, when possible, it's the month for feasting. An Imam I follow on Twitter posted this the other day: "I can't believe how much weight I've lost during Ramadan said no one ever." Many people looking in from the outside assume that Muslims lose a lot of weight during Ramadan. Actually, nothing is further from the truth, for any number of reasons. First off, you essentially convince your body that you're starving to death so it switches over to preservation mode. Many Muslims don't work out during Ramadan as they do their best to preserve energy; I still do, but certainly not as hard. You also tend to stuff yourself very late, and then go to bed - not the best recipe for healthy living. We're about a quarter of the way through this Ramadan and the Maghrib prayer, the fourth prayer, falls at 8:10 p.m. (today any way). You break your fast with three dates and some water and then you pray, and only then can you tuck in for a more substantial meal. So, maybe by around 8:25 you sit down to eat. If you are fortunate enough to get invited to someone's house during Ramadan (which you should always accept) there will be a mountain of food and desserts. Many mosques host a number of Iftars during the week, and if you're invited you should definitely attend one (and, once again, you'll be stuffed - and have leftovers pressed upon you). At the Islamic Society of Vermont we have potluck dinners every Friday, and then the different ethnic groups that makes up the mosque take turns hosting dinners on Saturday and Sunday. During this past weekend it was the Indians and Pakistani sisters and brothers on Saturday night, and then the Arabic brothers and sisters on Sunday evening. Next Sunday it will be the Bangladeshi contingent (we have a bigger group of Muslims from Bangladesh than from Pakistan or India, which is why the latter two go in together). I suspect the Bosnians are up the week after. Since I don't technically belong to any of the groups (although my Indian friends have always assured me that I'm secretly Indian, while my Arabic friends are equally convinced I'm secretly an Arab) I usually try to get there early and help set up the tables and chairs. It always makes for a wonderful way to break the fast. Non-Muslims are always invited to attend.

The Arabic contingent did themselves proud last night. And that was just the first plate.