Dedications

One of those years that coincides the beginning of Ramadan and Lent were on the same date. So decided to attempt a Ramadan Fast which is more severe than an Ash Wednesday Fast. Ramadan Fasting is even not drinking water.

As the day progressed, the hunger pangs grew and alongwith that thirst. Normally hunger can be quenched for a while with water. Though I rinse my mouth, as refuse to believe that any God would want a sacrifice to abstain oral hygiene. Only to realise that it is not about only oral hygiene, but what I speak orally. 

Reminding me of Mathew 15:11, It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that defiles and dishonors him, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles and dishonors him.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced this by stating, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak goodness or remain silent". 

Then as day progressed to noon, hunger was making me restless and I was making myself look miserable.

 

Reminding me of Matthew 6:16-18, When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

The Quran does have similar guidance on fasting in Surah Al-Baqarah 

Fasting is a private act between you and God; avoid showing off (related concept in 2:271, 4:142).

As evening approached it was thoughts of food to be consumed after sunset. Attending the Ash Wednesday religious service, it was less of the religious aspect, where the priest broke the symbolic bread, but my thoughts of breaking bread and devouring dinner.

Wondering if both the Islamic Allah and Catholiic God were happy? Was I happy? The answer I got was no. No God wants your fasting, if it did not awaken in me the hunger felt by the millions who go to bed hungry. Along with the fasting if it was breaking bread with someone hungry, all Gods in heaven would have been happy. For the person receiving the food, he or she sees God in you and you realise the purpose of God in you who has blessed you with abundance. 

Instead of only blabbering a grace before a meal, reach the grace to the underprivileged not just your food, but your talents, your time to educate. As no God wants your prayers uplifted to him, if you cannot uplift someone in life.