Pat Reddy breaking his fast with dates and water.
Image: Supplied
A 74-YEAR-OLD Hindu retiree from Westville is marking nearly three decades of fasting alongside the Muslim community, saying the practice had become a deeply spiritual and unifying part of his life.
Pat Reddy said his journey began 27-years-ago with a simple request from his daughter, then a Grade 8 pupil at Westville Girls' High School.
“I have been fasting for 27 years and I will not stop until my last breath. At the time my daughter had come home from school one day and said her Muslim friends were fasting and she wanted to fast with them,” he said.
Reddy supported her decision, and joined her.
“I said that was no problem and I started fasting with her. Eventually my nephew and niece started fasting with us,” he said.
Over time, what began as a gesture of encouragement evolved into a lifelong commitment rooted in faith and unity.
“It is something that is part of who I am now. It shows solidarity with the Muslim community, that we are the same and it enforces spirituality. For me, we pray in unity and this commitment shows that we care for all communities while loving each other,” he said.
Reddy emphasized that fasting was not easy, but believed the shared experience built empathy and understanding.
“It is not a simple thing to fast, but it shows that we care when we fast with our Muslim family. It also shows that we understand what they go through in this time. For me it is also about purification and it uplifts my spirituality. I understand the Muslim culture well.”
As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Reddy reflected on his routine and experience this year.
“Today is the last fast for Ramadan. My fasting journey has been good like every other year. I wake up early, have a smoothie, rest for a little bit but still do my morning runs. I enjoyed my fasting this month like I always do. It gives me more energy. Sometimes you feel low, but I still feel good.”
His daily routine during the fast includes a simple and disciplined approach.
“I usually break my fast with one litre of water and dates and later have a light meal for dinner. It makes me feel good. I actually find it hard going back to normal after tomorrow.”
Beyond personal discipline, Reddy sees his fasting as a form of compassion in a troubled world.
“We must understand the suffering of the war and even though we cannot change what is happening in the world single-handedly, we can stand with the Muslim community in unity. When I fast I ask God to alleviate the pain and suffering of those in the world and the war and to give positive energy to everyone.”
He hopes his story will inspire others to embrace empathy and shared humanity.
“I hope sharing my experience with others will encourage them to fast as well,” Reddy said.
With the end of Ramadan comes celebration, and Reddy is looking forward to marking Eid al-Fitr with loved ones.
“I will be celebrating Eid with my family and friends. We all have a common purpose and that is to stand together in harmony,” he said.