Ramadan is Here – And So Are The Questions!

It’s that time of year again—Ramadan! A month where Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, focus on prayer and self-reflection, and try to be the best versions of ourselves – or at least, a slightly less cranky and sleepy version considering the lack of caffeine in our bodies (read my poem “Ode to Caffeine” for more on that lol).

Growing up, Ramadan sometimes felt a little isolating because not many people around me knew what it was. But now, thanks to more religious awareness and multicultural representation, Ramadan isn’t such a mystery anymore. Well… sort of. Because every year, without fail every fasting Muslim experiences on thing: The Questions.

The Questions come from a good place as most people are genuinely curious and want to know. The Questions are a way for us to teach others about this special month. The Questions also help to bond muslims as we like to joke about who got asked the strangest question.

So, just for fun, I thought I’d compile a list of the most common questions I’ve been asked over time:

I heard about Ramadan…what is it?
Are you doing Ramadan this year?
Why aren’t you eating?
Is it ok for people to eat in front of you?
How long do you have to fast for?
Wait… you do this for 30 days straight?!
What happens if you forget and eat something?
Does everyone in your family fast? What about kids?
I know a muslim who doesn’t fast… are they not a practicing Muslim?
I saw a muslim lady who wears hijab but she was eating food, if she’s so religious how come she’s not fasting?
If you swallow your saliva, does that break your fast?
Can you just chew gum? You’re not really eating.
So when it’s time to break your fast do you just eat everything in sight all night long?
Fasting must be good for weight loss…how much weight do you lose?
And the one question we all love: So nothing to eat or drink all day…not even water?