Religion

I go to a personal trainer at my gym. He has become one of the people who provides me with information about things going on in Singapore since we have an hour to chat each time I am at the gym. He is currently adhering to the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. During this time, he fasts from sunrise to sunset. It is a true fast as nothing is allowed to go into his mouth during this time...no food, no water...nothing. He told me that they fast as a reminder of those less fortunate and also that if many of the people fast then there may be additional food for those less fortunate.

Tonight, I had a session with him from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. The sunset is around 7:15 - 7:30 pm. Although, when I asked him he said it was setting at 7:12 pm today...I guess you pay attention to these things when you are fasting. Typically, Muslims will fast from the morning prayer which is around 5:45 am until the evening prayer (there are a total of 5 during the day) which is at sunset. If you are near a mosque at this time, he said they will announce the evening prayer and this is how you know you may break fast. Since he was working he obviously wasn't near a mosque, instead, in the midst of what had to be a million squats (today was lower body day) he received 2 phone calls (from his wife and mom) and a text (from his brother) telling him he could break fast. In addition, there were a handful of other people working in the gym that pulled out water bottles or food for the first time today.

I realized tonight that for the most part my only exposure to religion has been to Christianity. I am certainly aware of other religions that are in the world but haven't really known too many people who believe and practice other religions. Coming from the US it seems a bit odd that my first exposure outside of Christianity has been to the Muslim religion...but also a bit cool. This was one of those days that I am glad I am having this experience and learning new things.