Fast

Nazem Kadri was the first round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs this year. The rookie is making a positive impression at the training camp going on for the Leafs in Toronto, although he may return to junior hockey this year for further development. He is one of the fastest skaters on the squad and has turned heads.

"Fast" applies to Nazem Kadri in another context. He is the first Muslim to play for the Leafs and his presence at training camp came with special permission from the imam at his family mosque. Camp began during the last week of the yearly time of fasting in Islam known as Ramadan. Observant Muslims fast, or abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset during this month-long religious season. It is next to impossible for a professional athlete to perform at a high level while fasting and so Kadri sought a dispensation from this expectation. I remember years ago that NBA great, Hakeem "the Dream" Olajawon chose to observe the expectations of Ramadan while playing, but it is a rarity.

Fasting is part of the Christian tradition as well, although few North American Christians practice it. It is certainly misunderstood, some thinking it is a form of ascetic deprivation which is harsh and unnecessary. In the gospels we read about Jesus' forty days of fasting before his ministry began, as a way of focussing on his relationship with God before beginning his ministry.

Have you ever fasted as a spiritual discipline (dieting doesn't count!)?