The March 10, 2025 blog spoke of autophagy for the first time. With the help of a friend I looked further into whether Ramadan fasting could induce autophagy It did not look very hopeful. Always eager to search for the truth I emailed the original source of the information. The subject line of the email: Did you know this about autophagy?
Me: Thank you for introducing me to the concept which I shared with my blog readers. But did you know this?
“Studies involving animals suggest that autophagy may begin between 24 to 48 hours of fasting. Not enough research has been collected on the ideal timing to trigger human autophagy.”
This means that the mere 12 or so hours required by Ramadan may not trigger autophagy. To speak of it in connection with Ramadan may be false advertising. My cells are getting very old – I was counting on this to maintain my youthfulness. And perhaps my readers, who look to me for truth, are also counting on the effects as a substitution for the proverbial fountain of youth. Please send reassurance that it could be calmative. Thirty times twelve – you do the math. Or possibly you know of human studies.
Fortunately, and thankfully, he quickly responded.
He: You are right about the fact that a mere 12 hours won’t cut it. And the way Muslims here (perhaps in a lot of other Muslim countries too) have their Iftar, is appalling. The whole idea behind Iftar, is to eat modestly, but some people stuff themselves to the brim! Back to the autophagy issue, that is why I myself start my fast just before 12 midnight, and not have it at 5am the next day. This way I can kick in about 20 hours of fasting. I have been doing this for years now. Strangely I have less hunger pangs if I do 20 hours fasting, then if I had a meal at 5am.
What did I do next? I neither prepared, nor ate suhoor this morning. Then sent an email, the subject line: You are our leader.
Me: Both my friend and myself are following your lead – not consuming the pre dawn meal. We were WhatsApping late at night at 12;08 am to be precise.
Me: We gotta stop this. He does not probably test all night. And he is our leader. Haha
He: Hahaha We have to follow in his footsteps.
Me: Yes. Goodnight.
Then this morning.
He: Good morning.
Me: No food this morning. Good morning to you.
He: Same to me. No food.
Me Went back to bed after Fajr prayer It is a peaceful morning. Not so rushed. I am so fortunate. Not having to work during Ramadan. Poor You.
He: Yes true
Me And millions like you.
He: Billions.
Me: Yes. I am not good with zeros as you know. When I met my first multibillionaire the Malaysian Joo Kim Tiah I did not know how many zeros in a billion. Found out, it was ten I think but I had to ask around.
I am doing good. It is now 2:03 and I am perhaps less hungry than yesterday.
Have not received any responses to my WhatsApp as yet. It is now 4 pm and I am perhaps less hungry than yesterday but am feeling weak, not much energy at all.
I am learning a great deal this Ramadan about many things; fasting, Islamic justice and an extremely important concept in the Islamic Faith that I had somehow missed – the concept of forgiveness. It first arose in an email between myself and someone very well schooled in the faith. This introduced me to the whole idea of sinning and seeking forgiveness.
He: We are all fallible human beings. That’s what makes life fun and exciting. The Prophet said Allah prefers people who sin and seek forgiveness rather than someone who does not do bad things at all. 🙂 The whole idea of coming back to Him after going astray is what is best 🙂
This came as a surprise. I thought I was supposed to be living a sin free life. I suppose that line of thinking came from my atheist days, a reaction against the Roman Catholic practice of sinning, going to confession, telling a mere mortal man you did wrong, saying a few Hail Marys, then turning around and sinning again. This led to the undermining of the Catholic Church beginning with the horror of pedophile priests with their reoccurring conduct made even more unforgivable with the ensuring coverups of church authorities, including the Vatican. If one did not sin at all the world would be a better place, I reasoned. Subsequently rushed about trying to be a good sin free girl, not realizing the preference for people who sin and seek forgiveness For these past past four years I could and should have been sinning and seeking forgiveness, in other words, having more fun.
Did decide to investigate this further before embarking on a new modus operandi. Hahaha.
A modus operandi is a a particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or well-established.
I have much to learn about forgiveness which is central to the faith. Forgiveness is central to Islam: deeply emphasized in the Quran. Allah’s mercy is boundless, and the Quran encourages seeking forgiveness, repenting sincerely, and forgiving others. By embracing forgiveness, one reflect Allah’s mercy and create harmony in everyone’s lives and relationships.
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Surah Al-Zumar, 39:53 “And whoever is patient and forgives—indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of resolve.” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:43.
“On that Day, neither wealth nor children will benefit [anyone], but only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” (Surah Ash-Shu’ara, 26:88-89)
Looked to the meaning of a “sound heart” finding it is one that is free of grudges, filled with forgiveness, and purified through sincere repentance. Both seeking and offering forgiveness prepares Muslims for the afterlife, ensuring the return to Allah with hearts at peace. Forgiveness is both a divine gift and a human duty. Allah’s mercy is boundless, offering hope to all who seek His forgiveness. We mere mortals, are encouraged to mirror this by forgiving others, nurturing a spirit of compassion within both ourselves and our communities. It is to be remembered that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, instead a sign of profound strength and faith.
Forgiving ourselves also SO important. I have very recently discovered that when I can admit I was wrong and made a mistake (or two to three or a dozen), then vowing not to do it again; I have a calmness that has been remarked upon in a humorous way. I was being admonished to behave myself at an upcoming get together. He: Do not fight there. Me: I know silly. We do not fight so much any more. Hardly at all and I will be on my best behavior. He: That’s good. I feel like you are a new person. Calm and peaceful. What is your secret? Me: When I figure it out you will be the first to know. Hahaha I guess when I stopped being defensive and well guarded – then as I felt more accepted I could let my defenses go. I had to admit I was wrong. He: Wow I think this is not Alexis I do not know an angel must have stole your phone. Should I call 911 or 1-800- HEAVEN. Me: I am laughing so hard I am falling off the bed He: Oh please don’t you will wake up the people below. Me: And the building might fall down. He: At least you will not have to use the elevator. Me: It is with a try. Then he sent me a GIF with a dog falling out of bed. I am not very adept at quickly accessing GIFs but he promises to teach me. Always so much to learn.
I am beginning to make post Ramadan plans. Comedian Joanne Kampohpoh is traveling to Portugal, then to Berlin Instagramming all the way. Messaged her. Me: Wish I were there with you. She: That would be amazing company. Me: Oh my goodness what a great thing to say. It would be hard keeping up with you, but I would hough. We would inspire each other, laughing all the time She: Am visiting Turkey for 3 days on the way back. I’m sure that would have been amazing to do together. Me: Exactly. We MUST plan for the further. She: It would be a RIOT.
Joanne is traveling to Berlin next. Mentioned that the last time I was in Berlin was 1971 – the Berlin Wall was standing ignobly, had to pass through Checkpoint Charley, the car throughly searched, the trunk, the gas tank. The officials took my precious Canadian passport, it was eventually returned. The experience of a lifetime – one of many. Must go back some day. Inshallah (God willing)
Photographs will include the delicious vegetarian food prepared by my tailor (who is a Hindu) eaten to break my fast two days ago. I ate with my hands in the Malay fashion. My first attempt, a couple of months ago, was fodder for a reel which shall also be included. I was, more or less, a natural; mostly less. More photos from the endless hallway from the elevator to my apartment. Stoping to rest spied photographs of Penang in the good old days. Two of the photos are included. More will come, still need to stop for a rest. Hahaha
