Dr Muhammad Aziz Rahman, Professor of Public Health
Ramadan, the sacred month for Muslims around the world, commenced this year on 1 March. A quarter of the world’s population is observing this holy month of fasting, during which practising Muslims abstain from food or drink from sunrise to sunset.
Besides spiritual boosting over the month, there are opportunities for Muslims to create healthier lifestyles during Ramadan. At the same time, it’s important for non-Muslims to be aware of this ritual and show sensitivity to the Muslims who will be fasting.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The beginning and end of any month, including Ramadan, depends on the sighting of the moon. Out of all months, this month bears special significance as Islam’s holy book, the Quran, which Muslims follow, was revealed upon Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in this month.
At the end of one month, Muslims celebrate the day known as Eid-ul-Fitr, where they have special foods and celebrate with family and friends.
Fasting during Ramadan is like the practice of intermittent fasting, with the exception that people can’t even drink water during the fasting period. Muslims start the day with a light breakfast before sunrise, and the day ends with a meal during sunset (Iftar).
Depending on the geographical location and timing of the year, the duration of fasting is around 12 to 16 hours per day for 29 to 30 days, although it will be longer in many European countries.
For Muslims, Ramadan is the month of self-control, self-regulation, self-purification, and self-training. It not only involves abstaining from eating or drinking, but also exercising patience and self-control.
Muslims become empathetic with the underprivileged and can put themselves in the position of people around the world who are hungry, thirsty, and who struggle to meet their fundamental needs.
In addition, it is an endeavour to fortify oneself spiritually and withstand sin, temptation, and desires.
Muslims worship more and give more generously to charities this month. In the hopes of receiving additional blessings from the Almighty, during Ramadan many Muslims perform their yearly required charity, known as zakat, to help underprivileged people.
During Ramadan, fasting can be taken as an opportunity to address unhealthy behaviours.
Firstly, a fasting person can break the habit of unnecessary eating or snacking during the day, which will also lessen their intake of sugar, salt, and caffeine. It may be an opportunity for people to reassess their diet, adopt more mindful eating habits and limit their portions of food, so that such practices can continue throughout the year.
Secondly, as smoking is prohibited during the period of fasting, the duration will serve as an opportunity to reduce and eventually quit smoking. It’s also a great opportunity to strengthen connections with family members when they come together to break the fast or have dinner.
Finally, spirituality is boosted in this month, which is evidenced by the reduced anxiety and distress Muslims feel after Ramadan. Therefore, continued connectivity to the creator all year round can assist in improving the mental health and wellbeing of Muslim community members.
Non-Muslims living in a multicultural society in any setting of the world also need to be aware and respectful of the fasting practice of a Muslim brother or sister around them.
A simple greeting of “Happy Ramadan/Ramadan Mubarak” or expressing awareness of the fasting month during interaction with a Muslim colleague or a neighbour creates a sense of harmony.
At the same time, where possible, avoiding eating in front of a Muslim colleague is very courteous. Non-Muslim friends or colleagues are not required to observe the fast with their Muslim counterparts, but they are always welcome to join the Iftar.
If a non-Muslim colleague or a supervisor can assist in reducing the workload of a Muslim colleague by being generous, it will be highly appreciated, although Ramadan fasting is not likely to impact on their regular work performance.
At the end of Ramadan, a non-Muslim friend can share the joy of celebrating the “Eid-ul-Fitr” with Muslim families and can greet them with “Happy Eid”.
Health professionals who are non-Muslims also need to be aware of this religious practice of fasting to appropriately advise patients regarding medication and lifestyle management, specifically for patients with diabetes, heart diseases, or for pregnant women.
The month of Ramadan is a perfect occasion for Muslims to adopt a healthy lifestyle and fine-tune their daily routine to achieve optimum health and wellbeing year-round.
In a multicultural society, it also provides a way for non-Muslims to interact with Muslim communities and show appreciation for and sensitivity to this yearly custom.
Professor Rahman is Head of Public Health and Research Adviser at Federation University Australia, and Vice President (Development) of the Public Health Association of Australia.
Disclaimer: Do not use any information in this piece to treat or prevent any condition. This information is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional. Consult your general practitioner. We accept no liability for damage, injury or loss due to information provided.
Image: Inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, captured and supplied by Aziz Rahman
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