Abstract

EFFECT OF RAMADAN FASTING ON HEALTH

Mehdi Dehghani Firoozabadi and Mohammad Ali Sheikhi*

Abstract

One of the 5 fundamental rituals of Islam, the religion professed by over one billion people, is Fasting during the month of Ramadan. The time of observance differs each year because it is a lunar calendar. Fasting is from dawn to sunset, a period that varies with the geographical site and the season. In summer months and northern latitudes, the fast can last up to 18 hours or more. Muslims observing the fast must not only abstain from eating and drinking, but also from taking oral medications as well as intravenous fluids and nutrients. Fasting is not obligatory for children, menstruating women, sick, and traveling people. During the Ramadan fast, Muslims eat 2 meals, one before sunrise and the other shortly after sunset. Changes in sleep habit (shortening of time to sleep) accompany the change of meal schedule.1 Fasting during Ramadan may have effects on cardiac patients; the obligation that the daily calorie intake has to be taken in one or 2 meals instead of is an effort. Also, the obligation that they perform heavy physical worship after a heavy meal. But the importance face of Fasting, is mental and healthiness effect on people because people can change their bad habit with confidence after this month.

Keywords: the Ramadan fast, Muslims eat 2 meals, one before sunrise and the other shortly after sunset.