British MP to fast to better understand Muslims

A British MP said Friday that he would fast for the first week of holy month of Ramadan.

Paul Bristow, a Conservative MP for Peterborough in Eastern England, posted a video on Twitter to announce his decision to experience the fast to understand what Ramadan means to Muslims.

“Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement and heightened worship,” Bristow said.

“For the first week of Ramadan, I too, have decided to observe the fast.”

“I am not a Muslim but I feel it is important that I share this experience with the estimated 20,000 Muslims that live in Peterborough, my city,” the MP said.

He said he would like to understand what Muslims undertake and “what Ramadan means to them.”

“Clearly, Muslims observing the fast are following their religion, not just the rules. Yet the lessons of self-discipline, sacrifice and empathy for the less fortunate are available to everyone. Generosity isn’t limited by faith,” he told the local Peterborough Telegraph.

Bristow added that he hoped to “learn more about the Muslim faith, while learning a little more about myself.”

He said: “Although it‘s going to be a test of my mental strength and discipline, it also involves great moments of camaraderie.”

Bristow also said he would “record a video diary, capturing my fast.”

“I hope this will be a useful way to bring Ramadan to others like me, who haven’t lived it before.”

The holy Muslim month of Ramadan started Friday under strict coronavirus measures, including social distancing and shuttered mosques in many countries.

The Muslim Council of Britain has published guidelines for Muslims on how to conduct themselves during Ramadan this year, urging around 3 million British Muslims to stay at home to avoid spreading the deadly virus.