Ramadan

Ramadan is a month, in which Muslims, from all over the world observe fasting, as it is one of the pillars of Islam.  Ramadan is an exceptionally important month to Muslims as it is the hallowed month in which the Quran descended to Earth via the angel Gabriel. 

Fasting during other months will also make a persons' body accustomed to the physical and mental strain of fasting, during the entire month of Ramadan. However, one must understand that Ramadan is not all about fasting; this month is very much a way to thank God for all their blessings and it is a time where Muslims ask for forgiveness. As in Ramadan Muslims fast, they also perform different types of prayers like Nawafil, Tahajood and Taraweh prayers as well.  These allow for the Muslims to complete reciting the Quran and it is encouraged to pray these prayers in a group with an Imam leading the prayer. 

Reading the Quran is the best practice which is mentioned by prophet Mohammad (pbuh), which is available in different kinds of Hadith (practices of the Prophet (pbuh) himself).  Muslims all over the world give importance to reading the Quran and it has great rewards, while reading the Quran in the holy month of Ramadan, which brings a person closer to Allah.

Ensuring one does not lose their rationale is very important, especially during Ramadan. (...And do not speak ill of each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay ye would abhor it..But fear God: For God is Oft-Returning Most Merciful). Surat Al-Hujurat: Verse 12.  Fasting teaches us patience, as anger must be controlled and tempers must be restricted.  

Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons such as; weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting, as well as so-called crash diets, but fasting in Ramadan differs from such diet plans because there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily observed and is not a prescribed imposition from physicians.  

During Ramadan lunch is omitted daily and we take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not detrimental to health, in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism and it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improves their longevity.

Fasting during Ramadan would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate or stable non-insulin dependant diabetes, obesity and hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan,"  entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients’ health or baseline medical condition.  Patients who suffer from medical illnesses such as; coronary artery disease, heart disease, kidney stones, cancer and even those who are too frail – such as the elderly are advised not to fast which in Islam is perfectly permissible. 

I always seem to look forward to the month of Ramadan.  No matter how grueling it can get – like last year – I always seem to have fond memories of the month of Ramadan.  I think it is because everybody seems to be so different during that month; more pious, more generous, more caring and there is a real sense of community.  Ramadan is upon us as it begins in the next few, very short, weeks.  I am going to strive to make it my very best one yet. 

Much love,

Jackson L.