DEARBORN — After the first couple days, I began to adapt. I’m usually very upbeat and quick, but during Ramadan I was more laid back. I think it had to do with my energy level due to the fact that I used to work out when I got off of work. Prior to Ramadan, my day centers around my workout. It always centers around my workout. My day doesn’t start until I break a sweat. I was teaching boot camp classes at 8 o’clock at night, but couldn’t during September because of Ramadan. Now, my day starts after I eat.

But now I have a grace period between the time I got off work and the time I break the fast. In that time, I’m kind of slow motion. Then I have dinner, kick back, have some conversation, and watch a little TV. Drink some coffee and then I’m wired. I grab my gym bag, and then, about 9 or 10 o’clock, hit the road to Canton and exercise. I only bought my membership for the month of Ramadan because they’re open 24 hours.

When I have a huge meal, though, forget about it. I won’t work out. But I try to eat light, something low in carbohydrates like a salad, and then go to the gym. Then I come home, make prayer, eat jibna, the zata (bread), the croissants, and I’ll pound on kanafee. It’s the month of Ramadan, so I enjoy it. It’s just one month. The weird thing is, if I don’t have it, the next day I’ll regret it. And then I go to bed. On the weekends, though, I can sleep for 12 or 14 hours. So, it hits me on the weekend.

I fast because it’s humbling. It’s beautiful. Islam, especially in our community, you can see it because we’re surrounded by Muslims. You feel it. And it’s such a good feeling. It’s unlike any other month of the year. Everything changes. Yes, I get tired, but I feel empowered. Might be lazy, but I feel spiritual. I don’t think there’s one single word I could use to describe Ramadan.*