The author, who is not Muslim, was curious about the experience and decided to fast for a day.

He had questions about the significance of fasting and what there would be to write about besides feeling hungry and thirsty.

However, after successfully completing the fast, he gained a deeper understanding of why his Muslim friends do it and the benefits it offers to the Muslim community.

He was also impressed by the physical and mental strength required to fast for the entire month.

The text describes the author's experience following a 14-hour fast as instructed by his colleague, during which they were only allowed to consume eggs, banana, and porridge.

The author mentions that he forgot to include dates in his meal.

He expresses surprise at the idea of abstaining from water during daylight hours and questions the faithfulness of people in following this practice.

He speaks with a friend, Tarek, who confirms that no water is allowed and adds that the fast can cause dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, lack of focus, and cravings, but these effects are more pronounced when fasting consistently.

The text describes the author's experience of fasting during Ramadan and shares reflections from observant Muslim friends.

Five hours into the fast, the author was not experiencing hunger but was starting to focus more on water.

There is variation in how Muslims observe the fast, with some abstaining from both food and water during the summer months, while others, like Nabila, follow stricter rules and give up music in addition to food and water.

Overall, the observation of Ramadan is not uniform, and individuals may have different practices.

During Ramadan, Nabila reflects on the hardships of society, particularly those experiencing forced fasts.

This year, the conflict in Gaza added to their suffering, making it a challenging and exhausting experience for many.

Dr. Amjad Eleiwa, a deputy director at Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, echoed Nabila's sentiments, stating that Palestinians in Gaza had been enduring months of hardship and that the conflict cast a dark shadow over the traditionally joyous month.

Nabila and others found it difficult to maintain their energy and engagement during this time.

Nabila expressed the joy and euphoria she felt during the breaking of her fast each day during Ramadan.

The author also shared their experience of feeling a sense of excitement and satisfaction after a day of fasting, which was described as a "post-hunger state." Nabila and the author both broke their fasts with yogurt.