Despite my effort to explain fasting is not mandatory for the weak and unable, I’m certain he left thinking Islam had cruel and harsh demands of its followers, which I’m fine with. Every one is entitled to an opinion. On the other hand, I would also be-unfortunately-prone to judge someone I meet for the first time and who is not familiar with the most basic traditions of Islam, a religion much debated in our times.

I understand, recently I’ve been writing on the issue of inflation and high prices of food in Iran and promise to provide you more l Heart Iran laughs, but after talking to my new friend, I saw this photo that I wished I had earlier to show him and explain why fasting (or the idea of it for those who don’t observe it) is important in Islam.

An Iranian woman shows her empty refrigerator to an Iranian news camera.

Now I’m thinking about the question of what insanity is. Starving yourself for half a day? An empty refrigerator? Sanctions and games of politics that only haunts the ordinary people? Or my secret concern about the food situation and the slow, scattered news, pictures and videos of protests against the rising price of meat coming out Iran?

Is insanity being arrested in Iran for eating a sandwich during the holy month of Ramadan in public?

On that note, wishing all of you a Happy Ramadan whether you find it insanity, a religious duty or a blessing.

*Photo Credit: Max Nathans