JAKARTA - Tolerance in various ways brings harmony and beauty, including in terms of worship. For example, as this non-Muslim woman did.
Living in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this woman vowed to fast for a whole month this year's Ramadan, as part of an effort to honor her Muslim friends who are fasting.
After living in the Middle East for 13 years, the woman named Liberty Gelderloos (39), born in the United States, is well versed in the practice of Ramadan but has never fasted.
After witnessing his friends and comrades abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk throughout the holy month, he said he wanted to try it himself and get back to basics.
"I lived in Iran for nine years before moving to Dubai and was always curious to try fasting, but I never really committed to it," he told The National News April 6.
"I was with one of my friends in Abu Dhabi over the weekend and he was getting ready to mark the first day of his fast so I thought, why not join him as a sign of respect."
"The first day was great. I woke up at 4.30am, drank a bottle of water to try and hydrate my body for the next day, then had another sip of water at iftar."
"It was the best sip of water I've ever had in my life," he said.
Despite experiencing several headaches during the first few days, Gelderoos, a health practitioner, says the concept of fasting has taught him a lot about gratitude.
He said he had more time in the day to reflect on the lessons learned. He enjoys not having to bother with preparing and breaking food and drinks several times a day.
"I feel very calm, calm and I feel my senses are increasing," she said.
"My Muslim friends have been doing this for most of their lives. And they always tell me this is the time they are looking forward to the most."
"They spend quality time with their families at suhoor and iftar, it gives them a deep appreciation for all that they have."
"I think fasting during Ramadan is a huge commitment to yourself, your body, your soul and to Muslims, their faith," he said.
In terms of his daily routine, Gelderloos says it's pretty much the same, apart from getting up early to drink water at dawn.
Unlike some, she says she doesn't take naps during the day, and sticks to a 45-minute kundalini yoga session before breaking her fast.
"I can't explain it, but I had very high energy at the time, so I worked out," he said.
"My friends who fast tend to work out before iftar too, so I guess I'm following in their footsteps."
"I was also told to break my fast with dates first, then water. I did the opposite. I really enjoyed the experience and sharing stories with other people. This sparked a lot of curiosity," he concluded.
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