I live in an area of Indonesia that practices Sharia Law. While there are many varying degrees of its interpretation, Sharia Law is the religious legal system that guides the political, social and moral duties of faithful Muslims. It is what they mean by "God's Law." Now, if an area practices Sharia Law, you can expect they practice and even enforce Ramadan, a time when Muslims are required to fast from dusk till dawn. There are even religious police monitoring the streets to make sure you don’t eat or drink!
To Fast or Not To Fast
Do people cheat? Of course, some do. But for every one person that does there are five more that don't. Their willpower is undeniable and quite admirable. I have a hard time giving up carbs for a day let alone all food and water. Oh, and they have to give up cigarettes and coffee during the day, too! It seems like 95% of the male population smokes cigarettes. That's a lot. So, I imagine the first few days for smokers is even rougher.
As a non-Muslim living under Sharia Law, I am allowed to eat and drink during the time of fasting. Of course, I wouldn't chow down on some fried rice in front of people anyway, that would be just rude. But, truth be told, I wasn't able to find food during the day anyway; no restaurants are open. Everything is shut all day. The whole town stops. SO, I PARTICIPATED IN THE RAMADAN DIET!
What It Looks Like During Ramadan
At precisely 5 p.m. the restaurants open and start preparing food. Then comes the time around 6:30 when people get off work, go to the restaurant and sit at the table, waiting. Food and drinks in front of their faces, people wait for this 7 p.m. alarm to go off and commence eating.
It has to be one of the most interesting things I have ever seen, and I learned so much about what discipline means from this experience. I also believe that there is something special about Ramadan, because it not only teaches discipline. It makes you understand what it feels like to not have food, to be able to empathize with those who are perpetually hungry. It also teaches you about how we let our carnivorous desires control us and gives the chance to let our bodies relax from all the work it does digesting meals. It's a nice detox.
Hard Diet to Stick With...
I did end up eating a bit too when I stumbled upon, literally, a hole in the wall "secret" Chinese food place that I could get food from on the down low. I would have to sneak around the back of the building, enter through a hidden doorway, give them cash, hover a bit, and then grab the bag of food.
I was in a straight up food deal. Imagine having to do that shady business once per day just to get some grub!
Eventually, the situation grew tiring as did the monotonous diet of fried rice and noodles for a week. So, I would say that I committed to the Ramadan diet at least 70% percent of the time. Baby steps. I have to admit though, it felt good to fast. What I learned is that we should not fear the act of fasting. We need to embrace it.
And, yes, you are going to lose weight if you fast.
And Then It All Ends!
Fast forward 40 days (no pun intended): Here I am celebrating with friends at the end of Ramadan. Again, it was an experience that I will never forget. In the end, I am glad to have experienced it! That is what life is all about in my opinion: experience! Join me on this incredible journey!
