Muhammad Ali The Servant

“How long is eternity?” Muhammad Ali asked and answered, “Let’s imagine, take the Sahara Desert. There’s a lot of sand on the Sahara Desert. Now imagine, that one grain of sand represents one… Continue reading →

Night Prayers

This Ramadan, for the first time in several years, I attended night prayers daily at the masjid. After years of praying solo or with small groups in makeshift spaces, like the dance studio… Continue reading →

Ramadan Snapshots

On the first day of Ramadan, I get hungry and thirsty. However, that’s not point of fasting. God does not need my hunger or my thirst. Rather, God gives Ramadan to those who… Continue reading →

My Ideal Ramadan

“Two minutes left,” we hear, and right hands fly in the air, lifting the last of the day’s liquid to the lips. The gulping of water down throats becomes a familiar sound. Time.… Continue reading →

A Period for a Lady Runner in Ramadan

Islam exempts menstruating women from fasting in Ramadan. This rule makes sense—during a period, we are losing blood, and therefore ought not to refrain from food and water. So most women get about… Continue reading →

How to Run in Ramadan

Today on my run, a father pointed at me and shouted “She’s jogging and fasting! Look!” His whole family stared as I struggled up the hill and smiled. I prefer the term running,… Continue reading →

Fasting Promotes Brain Health

Confession: I skipped breakfast and lunch the day of my 8-hour comprehensive exams. In fact, I always fast or run before a big test, presentation, interview, or other monumental occasion.  I perform better… Continue reading →

Eating: The 1/3rd Rule

My favorite holiday, Ramadan, starts in less than 10 days. During this month, Muslims fast each day from dawn to sunset, fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan physically and spiritually… Continue reading →