Rafael Narbaez: "I got rid of all my peanuts."

Islam is a flexible faith. During the fast, there are accommodations for people who cannot fast because of health concerns. There are adjustments for travelers. There is even flexibility if a person makes a rare and honest mistake. The key to the fast is a person’s intentions. Rafael Narbaez talks about his intention to be careful—right down to the last tempting peanut:

I remember the first time I fasted back in 1991 because of my fascination for peanuts. Not Planters Peanuts, but the kind that are roasted in a shell. The first year I fasted, it was the 13th day. I was in my room, looking under my bed for something, and I found a peanut.
   I didn’t even think twice. I just cracked it open and put it in my mouth. I said, “Oh my God, I can’t do that!” It wasn’t time to break fast.
   I thought I learned my lesson. I’ll be darned if the second year that I fasted, the same thing happened. Again with the peanut!
   So the third year, a month before Ramadan, I got rid of all my peanuts. I made sure they were no peanuts anywhere.
   But — I happened to be at a fundraiser that year during Ramadan. It was at a hotel, and the staff had water out on the dinner tables. After the waiter poured the water in the glass, I automatically, not thinking, took a drink.
   Then one of the people at the table said, “I guess you’re breaking your fast.” They all started laughing, and I started laughing. I did it again!
   But I think I’ve done pretty good since then. The last 14 Ramadans have been okay.
   I’d like to wish everybody a peaceful and safe Ramadan. I wish everybody a successful Eid.
   And, please? Don’t eat the peanut!

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