"...this is what he(God) requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Where we live Muslims who fast and have a day job endure over 17 hours without food or drink. Muslims need to ask "Does God really require people to suffer like this?"
Some of my Muslim acquaintances bravely start off fasting for the first couple of days. Others compensate by taking holidays or return to their homeland during this month. Others fast the last 10 days of Ramadan--the most important time. Any religious act like saying extra prayer or reading the Qur'an on the 'Night of Power'(Laytatul) according to the Qur'an receives 1000 fold merit(Qur'an 97:3). During this night Muslims celebrate the 'revelation' of the Qur'an. Muslim scholars believe it took place sometime in the last 10 days of Ramadan. This year June 1st is designated as the 'Night of Power'. Muslims consider this the best time of the entire year to pray for salvation and blessings. Many believe it's their night of destiny. Ramadan has been called 'month of God'--month to repent, month to forgive, a month of reward.
Is it wise to visit a mosque during Ramadan? I visited the mosque several times for 'Iftar'. Since I hadn't fasted, it felt awkward. We all sat around until it was time to 'break the fast'. We give a mixed message when we enter into their rituals without having a voice. Ramadan is considered by Muslims to be a deeply spiritual month. Many spend extra time in the mosque. It's all about the Scales(Mezan) where they believe on Judgement Day their 'good deeds' and 'bad deeds' are weighed. They believe that lax Muslims will spend some time in hell before being allowed to enter paradise.
Overall Ramadan is a celebratory month when women make special dishes to be enjoyed into the wee hours of the night. Many say "We love Ramadan." A Muslim woman on a TV show said, "Its easy to forget the real reason why we are doing this." It becomes a cultural event. Many nominal Muslims will go along with the 'Iftar' celebrations or 'Eid al Fitr' like nominal Christians do at Christmas and Easter. When asked "Why do you fast?" Muslims often say that they can empathize with the poor. Yet, why are the poor expected to fast as well?
Matthew 6:18 declares "But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting...your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
According to the Injil(NT), it is not about merit with God. It helps to take our eyes off the things of this world and focus on God. Fasting helps us gain a new perspective and a renewed reliance upon God, a spiritual discipline often neglected. One thing we could consider doing is missing a meal and praying for the Muslim world during the month of Ramadan. There probably has never been a more desperate time in the Muslim world.Dear Heavenly Father, have mercy on Muslims who long for peace in their part of the world and in their souls. Amen.
