Asked by jumanji
A Pillar of Faith: Fasting during Ramadan At 5:00 a.m., I am alerted by the sudden rhythmic sound of my electronic alarm clock. As I glance over at the time, the radiant, red LCD display shines in my face. Hesitant to click the “snooze” button, I take a deep breath and rise out of my bed. Normally on schooldays, I wake up one hour later, but today is an exceptional day: the first day of Ramadan. Because I am permitted to eat and drink prior to dusk, I use this time as an opportunity to consume enough food and water to help me complete my fast. Lacking the necessary cooking skills required to prepare traditional ethnic dishes, I resort to eating cereal, scrambled eggs, and two glasses of tap water. I take a shower, wear my clothes, and gather my materials for the day, ready to overcome my next barrier: six hours of school. The first three classes pose no difficulties and my ebullient state of mind persists. When my lunch period arrives, however, the aroma of garlic breadsticks a