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
Booklet
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 healthy living lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and a balance between material and spiritual needs.
The Health Survey of England 2004 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 recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetable 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. This booklet is aimed at helping you understand the health issues related to fasting so that you are able to make more informed choices, minimize complications and maximize on the benefit of your fast. The booklet will guide you through physiological changes that occur when you are fasting; give examples of beneficial and harmful foods during fasting, discuss potential medical problems and remedies, suggest a diet plan and respond to the most frequently asked questions about fasting in general and medical issues in particular.
The booklet also contains a chapter for doctors and medical professionals to enable them to provide more informed services. The booklet has been put together by medical experts, Islamic scholars and researchers who have stayed within the spirit of Islam while ensuring the medical advice and suggestions are scientific and culturally sensitive.
