COULD you fast for a day?
That’s the invitation being put out to local residents to gain just an inkling of what the town’s Muslims do each year during the fasting month of Ramadan.
The invitation is being extended by members Redditch Labour Party but anyone can do it.
The chosen date is this Saturday, May 9 and everyone who is fit and healthy is welcome to join in and record their experiences.
“It’s quite a challenge,” said Sid Khan from Redditch Labour, “but it’s a good challenge.
“It’s about tolerance for other faiths and it’s also an opportunity to show empathy for those less fortunate than ourselves who do not have anything to eat or drink at all.”
He added that for Muslims, coronavirus had made this a Ramadan like no other.
“At the end of the fast it’s almost like a party atmosphere, people come and go, there are prayers at the mosque and to see it closed in the evening is really quite strange,” he said.
“But for the fast, there is no practice or rehearsal, it’s to do mental attitude and self control, and discovering yourself.”
Sharon Harvey of Redditch Labour said: “The rules are simple with no food, drink, or smoking from dawn 3.30am till 0849 pm sunset, local times in Redditch.
“Start drinking plenty of water ahead to stay hydrated and reduce caffeine.
“It’s very important to eat pre-dawn breakfast, ‘Suhoor’ with some slow burning carbs and protein like cereal, dates, figs, cheese, yogurt, porridge, banana to help you get through the day.
“When you end your fast at 8.49pm open with a date or two. This will give you some energy, drink water, eat fruit and a meal of your choice with carbs and protein.
“We would love people to join us, and share their experience on social media.”
However Sid emphasises that the fast should only be undertaken by fit and healthy people and should be halted if they become unwell.
