The Edmonton Journal

I am not a Muslim, but I wanted to experience Ramadan — a month of fasting from dawn to dusk — out of curiosity. Yes, curiosity. Why would anyone punish themselves this way? What does it feel like? It really did not seem to be that daunting of a task at first. I did not realize what it means to go without food or water during daylight hours. I was soon to learn that the days are much longer than we imagine. I learned is that each day is a gift; to appreciate each minute that goes by. I learned how often unkind words would slip from my mouth. I learned what my body feels like when I do not eat or drink for hours on end. How difficult it is to do the simplest things like speak when your tongue will not move because your mouth is so dry. I learned how my mind functions when it is deprived of essentials. I learned that loving a child and having that love returned is pure love. But mostly what I learned is to be grateful for what we do have, for each other and for this world that we live in.

Any of us could fast for a day. Mothers, look at your children and imagine what you would feel if you knew they were slowly starving to death and that, just because the sun is setting, you have no way of providing food or clean water for them. Regardless of our religion or our history, we are mothers and a mother's pain is no different regardless of how we honour God. To me, Ramadan is an opportunity to look within myself, to cleanse, to purify my thoughts.

I realized just how insignificant I am in the grand scheme of things. My issues became shallow and I was able to better understand my purpose on this earth. I became acutely aware of how often and easily we think and speak less of others and feel justified in our thoughts. Judgment of others is unkind and cruel. Is it cruel that God expects this of Muslims? No, it is a gift that he bestows upon them, a chance for deep reflection. During this month I would ask that we all look at our Muslim friends, neighbours and co-workers and honour them for their commitment to God"