Ohh,i understand now.

You know something MrX,
İ have a relative who live in a western country,the building they live in almost all of it contain a Turkish neighbors
And they are so keen to fast Ramazan more than anything,even society don't force them by traditions,or customs,its not a Muslim country there.

And they are keeping their traditions too,my relatives told me you just love to deal with those people,and respect them so much.

So i think its something in the heart really,no matter where you are.

well i m not a turk,but i m muslim and i fast.

for all answers i agree with CANLI'S post

it is ot mandatory to fast for pregnant women--its upto ones own will and power

same is for ill peoples.
rather if we dont fast then it is mandatory for us to give a desires amount of money and food to poors

Fasting is the single worship done without any hypocrisy.
Some other worships might be done with some hypocrisy or outward show, but not fasting as nobody is left hungary during the hours of fasting with the intent of outward show. He can eat and drink when he is by himself. That's why God says the reward of fasting would be big and someone who is fasting would be as innocent as the day he was born on contidition that he abstains from committing other sins during fasting. Fasting reminds people of the real owner of all kinds of food and drink and makes them perceive what a great blessing eating and drinking is and understand the hungary and the need helping them.

Thanks for your answers. I know what MrX means - I think that social pressures one way or another account for a lot these days, but I also think that people do things for their own self satisfaction (if you can call it that). I know muslims that do and do not fast. My son's girlfriend is muslim and she does not but her father does.

For us (those of us for whom it is not part of our culture - I wont say religion!) it is difficult to understand, not the reasons, but how you can physically abstain from eating and drinking for what seems to me a long time!

I totally respect your fortitude and admire you all for it, whilst in this day and age many cultures and beliefs are being eroded.

I think fasting, like most things is a personal choice.

A lot of people that do fast, don't loose weight, because as soon as they hear the gunshot or whatever in the evening they then proceed to eat and eat.

I do not eat breakfast or meals during the the day all year, but overcompensate on an evening, with the result I am overweight.

In some cases though, people from certain villages or areas do fast because of local pressure or seem to be fasting when in public but not in private. I am not sure of the percentages, but I think it will differ throughout villages and regions. At a guess I would say 60 or 70% where I am.

If you are in a town or village you will see quite a few people not fasting because although the country has a Muslim population, they do not all practice it devotely, in the same way as some Christians.

Also bear in mind that a lot of people sleep here midday.

Myself, I applaud someone who can fast, and hold to it, as a sign of their convictiction.

You do see people that seem happier and contented after Ramazan is over, wether spiritual or mental I do not know, but you can see it.