Translation of Askhat’s post (RUS)

Information about fasting during Ramadan is published at oraza.info, a website that also allows users to leave comments and ask questions. It’s amusing to read comments written by people who are observing the fast for the first time, because despite the occasional silliness you know they have the best intentions.

I’m referring to frequently asked questions like “Am I allowed to kiss my boyfriend?” “Am I allowed to color my hair?” “Am I allowed to swallow my own saliva?”

Looking at these posts, we can conclude that the number of faithful in our country is growing, but I should also point out that the problem of religious illiteracy persists. One aspect of it is that people looking for information about the faith are not interested in understanding, but rather in knowing stuff “just in case.”

When you discuss New Media with experts, you get the impression that, with time, people’s priorities shift from learning and discovery to knowing and staying up-to-date. The same applies to the religious sphere. It’s not bad, and I’m not trying to judge anyone; however, the nature of our information flow is such that people spend their time catching up instead of reflecting on gained knowledge – and in matters of religion, if a person takes some kind of advice, he should fully understand its meaning.

For example, let’s go back to the question about swallowing saliva. During the fast, one may swallow one’s spit, because it is constantly secreted by our salivary glands, which we have since birth, but it is forbidden to collect spit for drinking. In other words, it is a controllable behavior. The same logic applies to feelings of indignation or love.

The topic of fasting is currently very popular in internet forums. Those who are keeping the fast share their experience with others, complaining about difficulties waking up early, discussing what they eat for breakfast, etc. This is all very laudable, but I should note that many people are under the impression that fasting is simply the refusal of food. Little is said of the “visual” and “auditory” fast, but what can one do?

Of course, it is difficult to become a true Muslim in the course of a month, but Islam teaches one never to stop seeking knowledge, and if one does it properly, then he is fulfilling his religious obligations and can feel the wonder of the faith.

Now, how is your fast going?