Cultural Competency - Multicultural Health Generalizations: Fasting
Islamic Fasting During Ramadan
- About Ramadan
- Ramadan, the holiest of the four holy months, is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar; beginning approximately October 4, 2005, and concluding around November 2, 2005.
- Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon, after which all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset.
- However, that is merely the physical component of the fast; the spiritual aspects of the fast include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are also to be avoided. Purity of thought and action is paramount.
- The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well.
- It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor), just before sunrise and another (known as the Iftar), directly after sunset. Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an evening meal.
- Fasting is not required for children but often by the early teenage years, fasting begins for at least part of the day (Ali, 1996).
- Fasting and Health
- Women who are menstruating, pregnant, or lactating, as well as sick individuals and travelers, are exempt from fasting (Ali, 1996). These individuals, however, are required to fast at another time during the year.
- Long periods of fasting from both food and drink, alternating with feasting, can be challenging for those with a chronic illness such as diabetes. If at all possible, health care providers should work with patients to adapt their treatment plans with the fasting schedule.
- If it is not therapeutic for the hospitalized Muslim patient to fast, it is helpful if the healthcare provider can explain such reasons. To the devout Muslim, the fast may be more important than the treatment plan. Hence, it can be beneficial to find a workable compromise.
Sources:
1) Lawrence, P. and Rozmus, C., 2001. Culturally Sensitive Care of the Muslim Patient. Journal of Transcultural Nursing 12, 3, 228-233.
2) http://www.ramadan.co.uk/index1.php?page=others.htm (disabled link - redirected to http://www.ramadan.co.uk/index1.php?page=resource.htm)
Muslims and Fasting
- During the sacred month of Ramadan (this year beginning approximately October 15), Muslims traditionally abstain from food, drink and sexual activity from sunrise to sunset.
- At sunset, this fast is broken by drinking water, eating three dates, and performing special 'taraweeh' prayers after the daily night prayer.
- Fasting serves various purposes:
- While hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering and poor.
- While abstaining from sexual activity, the body and mind are symbolically cleansed.
- Since not all fasting Muslim patients will mention their ritual, healthcare providers may want to offer a discussion of how to fast safely and successfully.
- Those who cannot fast due to chronic illness, such as diabetes, necessitating frequent medications or are too weak to fast give to charity instead of fasting.
- Women who are pregnant, breast-feeding or menstruating do not fast.
Source:
M. Amir Ali, Ph.D. The Institute of Islamic Information & Education Chicago, Illinois http://www.iiie.net/Articles/tabid/54/TID/24/cid/1/Default.aspx
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