Effects on human health

Studies conducted on Ramadan-style fasting have shown that fasting affects human biochemistry. Such fasting results in an increase in serum lipids and uric acid, though the latter has no adverse health effects. Long term effects, such and increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in LDL cholesterol have been observed with Ramadan fasting. [3]

A decrease in blood glucose, actate and pyruvate, has also been observed, possibly indicating alterations in metabolic activities. Basal metabolism also slows down, and fat is used more efficiently during such fasting. During fasting, the liver responds with adaptive changes in metabolic activities. The increased activities of enzymes involved in the degradation as well as the production of glucose suggest that RTF enhances nutrition and energy metabolism. There is no conclusive evidence whether the weight of an individual is affected positively or negatively by Ramadan style fasting.[3]

Because Muslims must abstain from smoking during Ramadan, The Muslim Health Network, the anti-smoking charity Quit and the British Heart Foundation launched the "Tobacco and secondhand Smoke Free Ramadan Campaign" in 2003.[4]

posted by cssaction @ 01:04, ,

Six days of Shawwal

Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in ‘Shawwal’, the month following Ramadan beginning after Eid ul-Fitr. There are six days of fasting during Shawwal which, together with the Ramadan fasts, are equivalent to fasting "perpetually" (according to Sahih Muslim). Usually, this is taken to mean the whole year Islam online . It is a common misconception that the six days of fasting must be undertaken on consecutive days. It is said that fasting six days of Shawwal is like fasting for one full year.[2]

posted by cssaction @ 01:03, ,

Eid ul-Fitr

The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic: عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast, a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (‘Zakat al-Fitr’), everyone put on their best, preferably new, clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two rakaahs only, and it is an optional prayer as opposed to the compulsory 5 daily prayers.

posted by cssaction @ 01:03, ,