Miss Muslim
Sin City and sultry photo sessions don't stop Miss USA from fasting for Ramadan
- How does Miss USA Rima Fakih fast for Ramadan? By posing topless in preparationfor the Miss Universe competition, to be held later this month.
- Rima Fakih is the first Arab-American and Muslim to be crowned Miss USA.AP Photo
When the ninth month of the Islamic calendar descends upon the Muslim faithful, it doesn't pause for anyone. Even when you're the high pageant priestess of an entire country.
So hijabs off to Miss USA, Rima Fakih. Despite her gruelingly seductive schedule preparing for the Miss Universe competition on Monday night, Fakih doesn't let the dutiful doldrums get to the good Muslim girl in her.
Perhaps Las Vegas, body paint, and sexy semi-nude shoots don't exactly meet the traditional definition of devotion. But fasting for Ramadan from sunrise to sunset, according to Fakih, is not an option - it's an obligation.
"I am fasting," Fakih told the Detroit Free Press. "It's part of my religion. I wanted to be respectful."
Some have quibbled with Fakih's interpretation of "respect" as it relates to posing topless during the Islamic holy holiday, but Fakih walks a fine line between prudish and pious.
Maintaining the integrity and propriety of the Miss Universe skin deluge, Fakih said, "For me, I like to do the back. I didn't want to do the front for many reasons. I'm Arab, I'm Muslim, and I didn't want to disappoint many people."
Fakih may be observing Ramadan, but she won't relinquish her liberal views when it comes to her work. "I apologize if I disrespect anyone," she said.
You go, girl.