DEARBORN — Many in the Detroit Metro region’s large Muslim population are fasting during holy month of Ramadan, but they’re not alone. A number of non-Muslims are fasting as well.

Some tell the AANews that they’ve been observing Ramadan for years, while others said that this year marks their first time on the journey.

These are their stories. 

Angie Mangold, Huron Township

Angie Mangold was raised as a Christian and is the daughter of a minister.

Her son, who is of half Lebanese decent, converted to Islam three years ago and has been teaching her values and traditions of the religion.

“This year I decided to fast with him,” Mangold said. “I also wanted to get closer to God and the Quran said that the Prophet Muhammad is a mercy to everybody.”

Mangold said her first day of fasting was extremely difficult, but that it’s been easier for her as the month progresses.

 “It was excruciating,” she said. “I thought I was going to starve to death. I’ve fasted before with our church, but never from sun up to sun down. I’m not going to lie; it’s difficult.”

Mangold isn’t just abstaining from food and water. Like most Muslims, she is also praying while fasting. 

Mangold works in the ophthalmology department at Henry Ford Hospital and has to leave her house before 7 a.m., but not before she squeezes in a morning prayer. 

She added that the prayers have been therapeutical.  

“My friends taught me how to pray and I get up for morning prayer,” she said. “I love the morning prayers. It’s so beneficial. I’ve never gotten up for prayer before.”

She added that observing the holy month of Ramadan has taught her some important values and allowed her to connect with herself spiritually like never before.

“I’m thankful and so grateful for everything God has given me,” she said. “I have a roof over my head. Some people go to bed hungry, but I don’t because I can break fast and eat. And I’m just very thankful that God has blessed me.”