While fasting is considered one of the mandatory pillars of Islam, there are several circumstances where it is acceptable for a Muslim not to fast. The ill, pre-pubescent children, and menstruating or nursing women are all automatically exempt, and those who are traveling are given leeway as well (though it can be argued that a 20-mile journey on camelback in the deserts of Arabia isn't comparable to the standard daily commute). Other than those exceptions, it is generally understood that fasting is required of Muslims during Ramadan.
Therefore, you might assume that every Muslim you come across in your daily life (that is, if you come across Muslims at all) is fasting. However, this isn't necessarily the case.
It's not something you'll hear most Muslims admit freely, but not all Muslims practice their religion the same way - much like adherents of any other faith. Quite often Ramadan is the time you'll learn you have a Muslim coworker, when he or she politely declines the office lunch that everyone else is gathering in the conference room for. It might also be a time when that same Muslim coworker bites his tongue as the fellow Muslim he knows in the office is chowing down with the rest of them.
For most of my professional life, I have had between two and ten Muslim colleagues at a time, and the awkward reality is that I have always been the only one in the office fasting. Of course, there are many reasons why my Muslim colleagues don't fast, and it is good to remember that in an age of so much fear about Islam or Muslims, some might be genuinely concerned about the possibility of workplace discrimination. I am certainly not in a place to say or do anything to my Muslim colleages (the Qur'anic admonition that there is "no compulsion in religion" rings in my head), but it does present a delicate challenge.
I go out of my way to make sure that my non-Muslim colleagues do not feel uncomfortable about my fasting. The same goes for my Muslim non-fasting colleagues as well. While they may nervously offer up reasons why they have coffee cup in hand (the most popular excuse: "I have to take my medicine on a full stomach"), at no time did I ask for such a reason. Faith is a deeply personal experience, and there is no value in a compelled act of faith.
I am not fasting to show off or to make a point to people. Ramadan is supposed to instill humility and temper the tendency to be arrogant or judgmental. I am fasting to better myself and please God. In situations like this, I choose to be an example of someone who quietly merges his religious responsibilities with his career in such a way that neither is compromised. If my Muslim colleagues find inspiration in my actions and start fasting themselves, that's wonderful. If not, I wish them all the blessings of Ramadan anyway, in whatever way they see fit to practice it.
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I love your spiritual approach to fasting - it truly should be a personal endeavor, not done to impress other Muslims! My teenage son attends a Jesuit Catholic high school. During this past week, he's fasted a few days, but not every day (again, no compulsion in religion - he knows the rules, but it's his choice). Yesterday, the sole Muslim student who was fasting reproached the other 12 Muslims who weren't & told them they were all going to Hell (hmmm, I thought only God could judge...) My son actually felt that this microcosm of the Muslim population was a good example to non-Muslims that not all 1.3 billion Muslims behave in exactly the same way, they are not a monolithic, robotic block of humanity! As authors of 'The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook' - my teens surveyed American Muslim teens & the variety of responses to the question "Do you observe the fast of Ramadan?" was not a surprise to me. We'd love to send you a copy of the book - how do we get one to you?? Please visit www.theamth.com & drop me a line!
Your blog had me laughing!! I will visit more often Insha Allah! I have never worked around any other muslims so I always wondered if every muslim fasted when certain situations arised. I guess not!
Salams and ramadan mubarak..my husband who is diabetic keeps all his fast.yesterday he came home and said he met two muslim brothers on work and when the topic of fasting came up both implied they were not fasting because of medication..hmmmm strange ..he is on medication too and both looked just as healthy as he does
I must say that I have also encountered Muslims that do not fast. I am a Christian woman newly married to a Muslim man and I out of respect for my husband and his Religion fast and also make Salah with him. I feel that as a wife, and a friend to him that it is my obligation to respect him in such a way.
I think that you have a wonderful attitude and it's great that you don't want to impose on others, but I think maybe your Muslim colleagues should feel a tad uncomfortable.
Maybe you'll be a good example to them. I have heard all types of excuses too, but there really are very few people that have a valid excuse for not fasting. I have even seen pregnant & nursing women fast (although I definitely wouldn't advise it!) and also elderly people who are not sick seem to manage the fast just fine. most medications can be taken during sohoor before the fast.