I don't fast during Ramzan when I am on my period because I care about my health. Stop calling me unholy

I can't imagine depriving myself of hydration when I am menstruating and going to work. Photo: Shutterstock/ IndiaPicture

By now, I have well understood that it would take another eternity for people to accept women on their periods as normal human beings. Apart from restricting them from doing thousand other social activities, they are treated like a pariah when it comes to anything remotely religious.

So, almost a couple of decade ago when I was told that I couldn't fast along with my cousins because I was menstruating--I was heartbroken. Back then, Ramzan meant the world to me. It was really exciting to get up early in the morning with the rest of the household and gorge on delicacies. In fact, evenings were even better when a delicious spread was devoured amidst a lot of chitter-chatter at iftaar.

Not being able to partake in the revelry just because I was bleeding seemed a little unfair to me back then. After all, I was just 12. However, as I grew up, I came to understand what a blessing in disguise the whole should-not-fast-during-period thing is. Yup, I don't care if you rebuke me for suggesting something so blasphemous. I do enjoy taking an occasional break from starving myself thanks to Aunty Flo.

Not because that I have come to despise the festival or have grown bored of it. But, because I completely understand the repercussions of going empty stomach while my body is already in pain and I am losing blood--lots of it at that. To be honest ladies, I completely agree with the religious fanatics on this one. Women should not fast while they are menstruating, no matter what the occasion is.

Not being able to partake in the revelry just because I was bleeding seemed a little unfair to me back then. Photo Courtesy: Twitter/UzmaKhalid

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But, before you come down all guns blazing for me daring to state something so regressive, you would want to take a minute and think. Yes, you love your religion and traditions, and moreover you want to continue living your life the way you normally do because periods are no big deal, but ask your body what it does to you and you would be forced to rethink.

I can't imagine depriving myself of hydration when I am menstruating and going to work. Doing the otherwise is surely not a reaffirmation of faith, but torture. However, just because I don't give in to not fasting during menses doesn't mean that I consider myself to be unholy, dirty, or a pariah. It's completely normal to get your period every month. It's a biological phenomenon--not a curse that people are so afraid of. It doesn't turn any woman into an untouchable.

So, when I do refrain from fasting during Ramzan it's only because I care about my health. I certainly don't want to torture my body any further. It's got nothing to do with me being 'dirty' and 'unfit' for all religious purposes. Kindly refrain from treating me that way.

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