Ramadan 2008

[doodlebugg 10]

Excuse me i worded that wrong. I want to do it for myself. But i want my husband to be proud that even if i failed i tried. Jeez

Why not wake up with him for suhoor (the meal before the first prayer of the day) and then fast for 1/2 day? That way you'll feel like a part of it and he'll probably appreciate the company in the morning. Also maybe go with him to the mosque a few times and see what it's like. I've actually never been to the prayers at Ramadan so I'll be doing the same thing. You can just sit with the women and watch what goes on and who knows you might meet a nice woman to chat with while you're there. Also ask him what he likes to eat for iftar and start trying out those recipes.

[Staashi 371]

for breakfast, i would eat oatmeal and the darkest bread you could find...anything high in dietary fiber will keep you full for much longer...

I don't know if a brand called Nature's Own is nationwide, but they have a double fiber bread that has 7 grams of dietary fiber per slice. It is wonderful with some butter or peanut butter and jelly. I eat a few slices of that bread a day. I love it and it keeps me feeling full.

Forgive my ignorance if there is anything I mentioned that is dietarily restricted.

[venusfire503 54]

I too need the same advice. I was gonna just type about this myself. I am new to Ramadan and want to so make my husband proud of me. I just don't know how i can go without eating all day, when thats all they ever do in my office. And when i get bored at home, well that refrig, has such good stuff in it. I know self discpline is needed and i'm not good with that. so if anyone has any suggestions, they would be appreciated.

Well, I think it's wonderful that you want to be closer to your husband and make him feel proud. The first time I sort of did Ramadan (I used Moroccan time, not American, and didn't start right away) was solely out of consideration for him - I didn't want to rudely eat in front of him on the webcam. Well, he said I didn't have to (I'm not even Muslim), but he was so excited and happy about it that I did it 'for real' last year. This year, I'm focusing more on the true reasons for doing it as I understand them to be - respect for God/Allah, to 'better' ourselves spiritually, and to at least symbolically help feed the poor. Maybe I'm misguided, but I'm still learning.

Anyway, I don't see anything wrong with fasting no matter what the reason. I'm sure you have other reasons anyway. In my case, my reasons have changed for the better in the past two years. Sometimes we need to go through the motions at first and let the true purpose find us later. At least that's what happened for me!

I told my husband about your post, and he thinks it's wonderful that you're interested in trying.

Best of luck.

[Muh and me 18]

I too need the same advice. I was gonna just type about this myself. I am new to Ramadan and want to so make my husband proud of me. I just don't know how i can go without eating all day, when thats all they ever do in my office. And when i get bored at home, well that refrig, has such good stuff in it. I know self discpline is needed and i'm not good with that. so if anyone has any suggestions, they would be appreciated.

Well, I think it's wonderful that you want to be closer to your husband and make him feel proud. The first time I sort of did Ramadan (I used Moroccan time, not American, and didn't start right away) was solely out of consideration for him - I didn't want to rudely eat in front of him on the webcam. Well, he said I didn't have to (I'm not even Muslim), but he was so excited and happy about it that I did it 'for real' last year. This year, I'm focusing more on the true reasons for doing it as I understand them to be - respect for God/Allah, to 'better' ourselves spiritually, and to at least symbolically help feed the poor. Maybe I'm misguided, but I'm still learning.

Anyway, I don't see anything wrong with fasting no matter what the reason. I'm sure you have other reasons anyway. In my case, my reasons have changed for the better in the past two years. Sometimes we need to go through the motions at first and let the true purpose find us later. At least that's what happened for me!

I told my husband about your post, and he thinks it's wonderful that you're interested in trying.

Best of luck.

thanks, my husband has asked me if this is what i want to do, and i'm doing it for other reasons along with the fact that my mind is on conversion. This has got to be the hardest thing that i can see myself doing and am just curious on how i am gonna get thru this. The girls in my office eat non-stop and even tho i'm there for 4 hours, its hard.

[Nothing1234 2]

Excuse me i worded that wrong. I want to do it for myself. But i want my husband to be proud that even if i failed i tried. Jeez

Terrie I think sometimes people get defensive because to many times women convert for a hubby and not for the right reason. So I believe when people see that wording even if in reference to fasting...its brings up those thoughts...(could be wrong here..don't kick me! LOL)

Anyway, I think its a great idea that you want to support your husband while he fasts. I know I have friends that specifically will not bring food around at work while I'm fasting out of respect and supporting me during Ramadan. They are awesome friends! At the same time, if you're considering converting this is an opportunity for you to see what fasting/Ramadan/Islam is about...at the times that you stated food is an issue..I would read about Islam! If you're at work...can you go online? (I can PM you some websites) Or bring some books on Islam so that your time you are fasting you are using this time to learn.

YAY Terrie for being strong supporting your hubby during this time and I am around if you'd like to find out more about Islam.

HUGS!

Edited August 21, 2008 by Nawal

[Muh and me 18]

Excuse me i worded that wrong. I want to do it for myself. But i want my husband to be proud that even if i failed i tried. Jeez

Terrie I think sometimes people get defensive because to many times women convert for a hubby and not for the right reason. So I believe when people see that wording even if in reference to fasting...its brings up those thoughts...(could be wrong here..don't kick me! LOL)

Anyway, I think its a great idea that you want to support your husband while he fasts. I know I have friends that specifically will not bring food around at work while I'm fasting out of respect and supporting me during Ramadan. They are awesome friends! At the same time, if you're considering converting this is an opportunity for you to see what fasting/Ramadan/Islam is about...at the times that you stated food is an issue..I would read about Islam! If you're at work...can you go online? (I can PM you some websites) Or bring some books on Islam so that your time you are fasting you are using this time to learn.

YAY Terrie for being strong supporting your hubby during this time and I am around if you'd like to find out more about Islam.

HUGS!

Beleive me i have other reasons fro fasting and converting and they have nothing to do with my husband. Although if i never met him, i probably wouldn't be thinking on these lines. There are several and mind you the reasons are very good but i don't feel comfortable discussing them in open forum like this. But i'm sure once you and i maybe talk, you'll understand!!

[Nothing1234 2]

Excuse me i worded that wrong. I want to do it for myself. But i want my husband to be proud that even if i failed i tried. Jeez

Terrie I think sometimes people get defensive because to many times women convert for a hubby and not for the right reason. So I believe when people see that wording even if in reference to fasting...its brings up those thoughts...(could be wrong here..don't kick me! LOL)

Anyway, I think its a great idea that you want to support your husband while he fasts. I know I have friends that specifically will not bring food around at work while I'm fasting out of respect and supporting me during Ramadan. They are awesome friends! At the same time, if you're considering converting this is an opportunity for you to see what fasting/Ramadan/Islam is about...at the times that you stated food is an issue..I would read about Islam! If you're at work...can you go online? (I can PM you some websites) Or bring some books on Islam so that your time you are fasting you are using this time to learn.

YAY Terrie for being strong supporting your hubby during this time and I am around if you'd like to find out more about Islam.

HUGS!

Beleive me i have other reasons fro fasting and converting and they have nothing to do with my husband. Although if i never met him, i probably wouldn't be thinking on these lines. There are several and mind you the reasons are very good but i don't feel comfortable discussing them in open forum like this. But i'm sure once you and i maybe talk, you'll understand!!

No worries and I wouldn't want to discuss it here either

[Mommy2ZaidnSalma 11]

Jackie, what day will you be out here? maybe we could meet up! I always have coupons for pepes! lol..pm me your new number, i have asked a couple times, but you havent sent it i thought i was gettin dissed!

How was lexys big day?

[tnh9479 1]

Our dates should be delivered fresh from the farm by UPS tomorrow (if the tracking is right). These dates are WONDERFUL! I also got a bread machine last night so I can try making some Moroccan bread for Ramadan.

[Tunisia216 2]

Terrie I just want to say for trying!!! I am not going to get caught up in the semantics of why, I just think that the fact you are trying, exploring Islam more, and trying to support your husband is really wonderful! He is a truly lucky man to have such a devoted wife!

It can seem really overwhelming at first - 30 days, no eating during the day and changing things in your schedule.. But as others have said, do what you can - If that's a half day or just a week, do the best that you can and surely Allah knows what is inside a person's heart and their own personal reasons and struggles.

We are all here for you - PM me as well if there's anything that you need or that I can help with. Being around people who are eating can be a very big challenge... Do you have internet at work for personal use? Coming to VJ and hanging with all of us who are going through the same thing would definitely be a huge level of support. The other would be getting some books on Islam or printing some information out and reading that during the times that others are going to eat and you feel that temptation. If you are going to fast, it's a good time to explore the reasons and the religion.

I really do wish you the best and I am sure that your hubby is super proud of you for wanting to try and be a place of support for him!

Inshallah ramadan mabrook!!

thanks, my husband has asked me if this is what i want to do, and i'm doing it for other reasons along with the fact that my mind is on conversion. This has got to be the hardest thing that i can see myself doing and am just curious on how i am gonna get thru this. The girls in my office eat non-stop and even tho i'm there for 4 hours, its hard.

[Staashi 371]

Terrie - good luck, Girl! You can do this, especially since you have a beautiful purpose for doing it. And remember - stay strong, fight the power! (i.e. the temptation of food)

[merijan 0]

I too need the same advice. I was gonna just type about this myself. I am new to Ramadan and want to so make my husband proud of me. I just don't know how i can go without eating all day, when thats all they ever do in my office. And when i get bored at home, well that refrig, has such good stuff in it. I know self discpline is needed and i'm not good with that. so if anyone has any suggestions, they would be appreciated.

Well, I think it's wonderful that you want to be closer to your husband and make him feel proud. The first time I sort of did Ramadan (I used Moroccan time, not American, and didn't start right away) was solely out of consideration for him - I didn't want to rudely eat in front of him on the webcam. Well, he said I didn't have to (I'm not even Muslim), but he was so excited and happy about it that I did it 'for real' last year. This year, I'm focusing more on the true reasons for doing it as I understand them to be - respect for God/Allah, to 'better' ourselves spiritually, and to at least symbolically help feed the poor. Maybe I'm misguided, but I'm still learning.

Anyway, I don't see anything wrong with fasting no matter what the reason. I'm sure you have other reasons anyway. In my case, my reasons have changed for the better in the past two years. Sometimes we need to go through the motions at first and let the true purpose find us later. At least that's what happened for me!

I told my husband about your post, and he thinks it's wonderful that you're interested in trying.

Best of luck.

thanks, my husband has asked me if this is what i want to do, and i'm doing it for other reasons along with the fact that my mind is on conversion. This has got to be the hardest thing that i can see myself doing and am just curious on how i am gonna get thru this. The girls in my office eat non-stop and even tho i'm there for 4 hours, its hard.

I can understand how it that would be, we have many habits of eating. And for me its not so much the eating but drinking liquids. I drink water, and coffee all day long. So thats the hardest for me. The first two days its hardest after that it gets easier and easier. Also "that time of the month," you get a week off. so its a break.

Its much esier in a Muslim country bec. everyone is doing it. So here its so difficult. Just have to focus really hard and think of how good you feel at the end of the day when you kept your fast. Eat good before you start your fast in the morning, like they said oatmeal is great, and drink alot of water, have ur coffe or tea, etc.

Take each day at a time. If you fail, try again the next day.

May Allah make it easy for you. Inshallah you can make it.

Salam,

Raelynn

[Aymsgirl 0]

Terrie---I'm new at it this year too! So if you have need any support, you know how to get ahold of me. These ladies on here are great and so smart and are willing to help you with information you need.

[Henia 11]

Personally, I found that if I kept myself busy I did not think about the fasting. Plus if you have ppl around you (like I had many of my Muslim and even non-Muslim) friends "fasting" and breaking fast along with me ... helped alot! So ye moral support is the best!!!! Kudos for the supporters here!

[nunyab 0]

ok 2 questions.... 1. where do you find the recipe for moroccan bread??? i to have a machine so would love to give it whirl international style.

2. ok sun up to sun down...... what times are these???