I converted many years ago and I remember the first year it was quite difficult, cos i would be thinking the whole day NO FOOD - NO WATER. So I was really concentrating on that part. Now the first day at Fajr prayers I vow that I will be fasting for the whole month. and basically my mind is not thinking about eating or drinking anymore and the result is is that fasting is so much easier. Like an accepted fact. My brain is now "programmed" not to expect food or water. Even when it is MagrebI still do not feel hungry. I do miss my cups of tea and that is what I have. Eating usually comes much later, like I just now had a sandwich and it is 9.30pm.
Also for those who are working in the heat, it is important that you drink a lot during the time you are allowed to eat & drink. Double the dose of liquid intake. It is allowed to rinse your mouth with water during your fast, as long as you spit it out. To rinse your mouth when you are thirsty is just as refreshing as drinking the water.
And yes, fasting is all about will power, about reminding ourselves about the hardships others have, when they have to go without food. Only we are luckier than many more in this world cos we do have food at the end of our daily fast & during Ramadan we do a lot more praying, including for those who are not so lucky to have food.
Also in Ramadan we spend a lot more on charity, we either feed the poor or give money for food.
And all of this we do because our faith tells us to do it, and because of that we do it without difficulty, sometimes it does ask of our willpower, and yes sometimes our brains do not function 100%, but all of this we do & we do it with a good feeling cos it makes us stronger.
Aisha-Taweela
I converted many years ago and I remember the first year it was quite difficult, cos i would be thinking the whole day NO FOOD - NO WATER. So I was really concentrating on that part. Now the first day at Fajr prayers I vow that I will be fasting for the whole month. and basically my mind is not thinking about eating or drinking anymore and the result is is that fasting is so much easier. Like an accepted fact. My brain is now "programmed" not to expect food or water. Even when it is MagrebI still do not feel hungry. I do miss my cups of tea and that is what I have. Eating usually comes much later, like I just now had a sandwich and it is 9.30pm.
Also for those who are working in the heat, it is important that you drink a lot during the time you are allowed to eat & drink. Double the dose of liquid intake. It is allowed to rinse your mouth with water during your fast, as long as you spit it out. To rinse your mouth when you are thirsty is just as refreshing as drinking the water.
And yes, fasting is all about will power, about reminding ourselves about the hardships others have, when they have to go without food. Only we are luckier than many more in this world cos we do have food at the end of our daily fast & during Ramadan we do a lot more praying, including for those who are not so lucky to have food.
Also in Ramadan we spend a lot more on charity, we either feed the poor or give money for food.
And all of this we do because our faith tells us to do it, and because of that we do it without difficulty, sometimes it does ask of our willpower, and yes sometimes our brains do not function 100%, but all of this we do & we do it with a good feeling cos it makes us stronger.
Aisha-Taweela