Sister Stories: Diary of a Fasting Sister
Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting—it’s a journey of faith, discipline, and reflection. And for this sister, this journey began in 2006, the year she officially started fasting. Now, in 2025, at 36 years old, she looks back on the traditions, challenges, and personal growth that come with observing Ramadan year after year.
From the childhood memories of ‘Ramadan Envy’—longing to join the pre-dawn meals with family—to the realities of juggling fasting with work as a teacher, she offers an honest and heartfelt glimpse into what a day in Ramadan truly looks like. Through her story, she shares the balance between spiritual devotion, community, and everyday life, all while embracing the deeper meaning behind this sacred month.
This is her Ramadan, shared from one fasting sister to all her AMBER sisters.
Diary of a Fasting Sister,
Date: 14th February
Year: 2025
Age: 36
Before I start, let's go way back to 2006- the year I officially started Fasting. The reason this is 'official' (so to speak) is because I finally hit the big P-puberty.
For those of you who can do the math- yes, I was a late bloomer! As a youngster, I always had 'Ramadan Envy' of my peers who were Fasting from way back when. I felt like an imposter because my parents didn't let me start Fasting until it became obligatory (basically, when a girl/boy hits puberty). I understand now (as an adult) they were being very soft with me and were following my religion (down to a T). Islamically, there is no compulsion for a child to fast. Contrary to popular belief my religion is a religion of balance, moderation and ease- not one of force, pressure or torture. I say this almost giggling to myself because those who have grown with the bombardment of questions: "you can't even drink water?" "Is it medically safe to fast?" "You starve for an entire month!" will understand my sarcastic undertone.
Albeit, my parents often fooled me into believing I was Fasting (whilst shoving chocolate cake into my mouth!) There's a magical buzz about this month. All I recall as a child is feeling like I'm missing out when my family were up at 2am (ish) in the morning having Sehri (morning breakfast- before the sun rises). All I could hear was the clatter of dishes, the smell of my mom's home cooked parathas, the deep meaningful conversations of my siblings and parents (as you do at 2am-ish in the morning). All I knew was I was missing out and I couldn't wait to be a part of it.
My parents felt they were doing me a justice by not waking up their young teenage daughter to fast because she had school in the morning- which now I understand- because Fasting takes every bit of will power one has. They knew once I hit puberty I would be Fasting until I was old and grey, so why not let me chill in my youth.
Fast forward: 2025.
When writing this, fasting month begins in 2 weeks.
This is the time for preparation.
1- Attend Friday Prayer (Jumma) at the Mosque (the Friday before Ramadan begins). In my case, the Friday and fortnight before Ramadan begins (due to being at work). (Tick)
2- Go to the Halal meat butchers to stock up on my meats- in preparation to make home made kebabs (a staple when opening my fast). (Still need to do)
3- Begin to mentally, spiritually and actively prepare for Ramadan. (Tick- it is an everyday journey).
A day in the life of (and example of 1 fast over the month)
Sehri (wake up at around 5am to eat, pray, close fast for 5.50am). For Sehri (morning breakfast) I (now being a married woman living in my own home) usually eat a boiled egg, a bowl of porridge, a date, and plenty of water. Whilst eating, I go onto YouTube and listen to prayers, listen to an enlightening Islamic talk and eat. After I've closed my fast I read a closing prayer which serves as an intention. In so many words, I make an outward intention to fast the next day with the only intention of fasting for God.
Fair Prayer- this is morning prayer. I pray my morning prayer but not without having done Wudu first (a basic washing to ensure I'm clean for my prayer). I get my prayer clothes on, scarf on and I pray.
Get Ready For Work: With the Sehri closing at 5.50am I don't get a chance to get a cheeky 1 hour or so sleep in before getting up for work. It literally is just go go go. Into my work clothes I get and off to work I go.
Work Day: Being a teacher my day is always planned around my break and lunchtime. I always look forward to my school dinners- this is where the challenge begins. During fasting month, I avoid running to the dining hall to get my daily supply of toast, bagels, hashbrows and whatever else tickles my fancy. Instead, I use my break times to throw myself into work and focusing on getting through the day. The shame about being at work is I am unable to perform my day time prayers but I have full intention of reading them (as a make up) once I get home.
Home time: During fasting month, I make it my aim to leave work on the dot to get home to pray, cook and prepare for fast opening.
Fast forward to breaking my fast: Now this year I am very lucky as my fast will open quite quickly by the time I get home from work and start my Iftari (fast opening) meal. I always like to throw in traditional dishes (samosas/kebabs- which are already frozen and prepared) as my starters. I will cook a dinner of my choosing and get ready in anticipation to eat. Upon the Maghrib (fast opening time) prayer I can break my fast (I always do this with a date (from Palestine- I only want the best of the best- hence I eat Palestinian dates) and water. And then it's time to tuck in and eat my feast! It's so funny that when you actually do eat it feels like you haven't even fasted all (well this is at the beginning of the month- by the end I am exhausted). If you'd ask me to fast everyday for a month (3 weeks for me as a woman as we don't fast during our menstrual week) I would NEVER be able to do it. But, there is something oh so special in this month whereby you just have this immense will power, strength and want to do this. The power just comes- it's a feeling I can't quite put into words because my words wouldn't do that magical feeling any justice.
After dinner, I pray my evening prayers and the additional Tarawee prayer (a prayer during Fasting whereby the entire Quran is read and finished). I like to go to the mosque for this as there is such a comradery and unity felt when reading it with fellow fasters. It's like a bond we have which brings us all together. It's beautiful really.
That's 1 day done. Now to sleep, wake up to eat, pray, work, open fast, pray and repeat for the next month.
And that's the life of a Fasting Sister (in a nut shell).
Ultimately, what is it about this month that is so important. Fasting isn't a month where we are required to do anything new and out of the ordinary. It's merely meant to be a consolidation of what our faith encompasses. Fasting isn't just about restraining from food and drink it's much more than that. This month is a month of total self reflection and focus on your soul and your connection with God. It's a month whereby we stop to focus and switch off from the worldly distractions and pursuits. It's a time to detox your mind, body and soul.
From one fasting sister to all my AMBER Sisters- I wish you a wonderful Ramadan.