What happens when a NON-MUSLIM
FASTS for RAMADAN?
This is your chance to join over 2 billion people
around the world to experience fasting in Ramadan
The Ramadan Experience
is a guided social experiment
for open-minded non-Muslims
to fast during the month of Ramadan,
vlogging and sharing their journey
right from their phones!
WHY THIS EXISTS
Every year, for an entire month, almost two billion people across the world observe Ramadan.They fast from dawn until sunset — not to suffer, but to grow in discipline, gratitude, empathy, self-control, inner strength and, most importantly, their connection with God Almighty.
This year, you are invited to experience it yourself!
You won’t just fast.
You’ll reflect, film, and discover something
new about yourself!
ABOUT US
We are The Existence Project, a section of The Review of Religions, one of the oldest comparative-religion magazines in the world. At The Existence Project, we believe that a crucial part of fulfilling our duties to God is to fulfil the rights we owe to our fellow human beings. This belief inspired us to launch this experience, aiming to foster a greater understanding of Islam and to spread positivity in a world often overshadowed by negativity.
The Ramadan Fasting Experience is a project designed to support non-Muslims in their fasting journey during Ramadan and to help them emerge from this experience with a profound sense of understanding and fulfillment.
Join us in the Ramadan Fasting Experience, and together, let’s embark on a journey of discovery, empathy, and mutual respect.
HOW IT WORKS
- Complete the application form
- The team, under The Review of Religions, will review all applications.
- Those whom we believe are a great match for the video style and purpose will be invited to a follow-up video call.
- Accepted applicants will receive guidance detailing the fasting experience.
- The experiment will require you to fast 3-5 days during any of the weeks of the month of Ramadan, receiving around-the-clock support, a free getting-started giftbox, and much more!
- You will record short clips throughout the day using your phone.
- We will then edit your videos and share them on our socials to benefit the general public!
PAST TESTIMONIALS
“Whether you are a Muslim or not, I think that [by fasting] you do get a lot of clarity on what’s really important to you.” — Basil (religiously unaffiliated, raised Catholic)
“I wondered how anyone could sustain their energy throughout the day, especially while balancing work, studies, and daily responsibilities. I assumed it would be purely a physical challenge, something that required immense willpower, but I did not initially grasp the deeper spiritual and reflective aspects of fasting in Islam.” — Joyce (monotheistic, but hasn’t committed to any specific religion)
“Incredibly challenging but incredibly worthwhile.” — Keller (exploring religion)
FAQS
What is The Review of Religions?
The Review of Religions, in print since 1902, is one of the longest-running
comparative-religions magazines. The objective of the magazine is to present the teachings of Islam, reflecting its rational, harmonious, and inspiring nature. It also brings together articles and viewpoints on different religions and seeks to make discussions on religion and religious philosophy accessible to a wider readership. The Review of Religions also organizes in-person events and exhibitions across the globe, and uploads video content across various social media platforms (@ReviewReligions on Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok; and @TheReviewOfReligions on YouTube and Facebook).
What is The Existence Project?
The Existence Project is a section of The Review of Religions magazine. It seeks to fulfill the longstanding mission of The Review of Religions: demonstrating the existence of God through meaningful, accessible, and compelling forms of evidence. The project shares real-life testimonies of answered prayers, presents clear and accessible rational arguments, and explores how science and observations of the universe can strengthen belief in a Creator, and much more. To learn more, visit www.reviewofreligions.org/god/
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan (the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar) is the most sacred
month in Islam, and it was during this month that the Holy Quran, the holy scripture of Muslims, was first revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) from God. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Since fasting during Ramadan is one of the five “Pillars of Islam”, it is extremely important for every able-bodied Muslim to observe Ramadan. For more information, visit https://www.alislam.org/ramadhan/
When is Ramadan?
This year, Ramadan will be observed from Thursday, 19th February 2026 to
Thursday, 19th March 2026. Since the Islamic calendar (which is a Lunar calendar) is shorter than the solar calendar, the month of Ramadan shifts by a few days each year. This means that, in 2027, Ramadan will start a few days earlier than it did in 2026. This also means that, over time, Ramadan is experienced during different seasons around the world — allowing different countries to experience longer/shorter fasts throughout the years.
Why are we conducting The Ramadan Experience?
The Ramadan Experience is designed to help people better understand Islam and Ramadan through personal experience, and also foster harmony and understanding between people of different (religious) backgrounds. By fasting and reflecting, participants gain insight into the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of Ramadan and help share that experience with a wider audience.
Who is eligible to participate?
Anyone interested in learning about Ramadan and willing to participate
respectfully may apply. Participants should be non-Muslim and can come from any religious (or non-religious) background.
Do I have to be on camera?
Yes. As you are sharing your experience, you will need to film yourself and be comfortable speaking on camera.
What if I have no video experience?
While video experience is preferred, prior video or vlogging experience is not
required. You will receive guidance on what and how to record. You only need a phone that has the capacity to film in HD (which many smartphones have).
What does fasting entail?
Fasting means abstaining from food, drink (including water), sexual relations, arguments, and inappropriate speech from dawn until sunset. It also involves patience, reflection, and self-discipline. If selected, The Ramadan Experience team will guide you on all aspects related to fasting.
How many days do I have to fast?
This experience involves fasting for a minimum of 3 days during the first week of Ramadan.
Can I participate if I have a medical condition?
If you have a medical condition that requires medication or could be worsened by fasting, you should not fast. Islam prohibits sick individuals from fasting. Selected participants will sign a medical waiver before beginning their fasting journey.
What happens if I get sick during the experience?
If you become sick, you should stop fasting immediately. Your health comes first, and continuing to fast while ill goes against Islamic teachings.
Do I have to be a Muslim to participate?
No. This experience is actually open only to non-Muslims and is specifically
designed to help them explore Ramadan in a supportive, guided way.
For further inquiries or questions, you can contact us through email a tep@reviewofreligions.org