RAMADAN HEALTH GUIDE

FASTING is complete abstinence from food and drink between dawn and dusk. All those who are ill or frail, pregnant or menstruating women, breastfeeding mothers and travellers are exempted. They are required to make up the number of days missed at a later date or give a fixed sum to charity.


Health is the key to happiness, and what we consume
directly affects our health. Islam encourages Muslims to
ensure that they are mindful of their health. The blessed
Prophet said: “Take advantage of the good health before
illnesses afflict you”. He also encouraged Muslims to try
their best to take up a healthy living lifestyle that includes
a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and
a balance between material and spiritual needs.
The Health Survey for England 2004 (Department of
Health, 2005) has shown poor health and lifestyle choices
of the Asian community in general and Muslim community
in particular. Compared with the 24% of men in the
general population who smoked cigarettes, higher levels
of cigarette smoking were reported by Bangladeshi men
(40%). South Asian men and women had the highest
rates of diabetes. Pakistanis and Bangladeshis were up
to five times more likely than the general population to
have diabetes, and Indian men and women were up to
three times as likely. Some 33% of Pakistani men and
women eat the recommended five or more portions of
fruit and vegetables a day, compared with 28% of Bangladeshi men
and women.The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to focus on
bringing back a balanced and healthy lifestyle in your life.
Through fasting you begin to learn how to manage your
eating habits, how to improve self-control and discipline.
This month requires you to give the stomach a break, and
by doing so you are able to break down and expel the
accumulated toxins from your body.