here's an idea then, how about *you* don't eat anything for 40 days? And that can be because of *your* beliefs. However Muslims can keep adhering to *their* definition of fasting, because of *their* beliefs. And then nobody needs to get upset about things. Islam, when not in the hands of fanatics, tends to be quite a sane religion. Ramadan fasting is not about "punishing" followers of Islam by witholding food. It is about changing one's routine (although that's not the best way of describing it) and thereby actively increasing your awareness of those less fortunate than yourself, for a significant period of time rather than a two-minutes silence once a year. Personally, I'm glad I don't "have religion".