Fasting not for Everyone on Ramadan

Today is the start of Ramadan, a month long holy day celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Dr. Sadaf Lodhi of the Westchester Medical Practice explains the meaning of Ramadan and some health concerns associated with the month-long fast.  

It is that time of year that millions of Muslims anticipate:  the month of Ramadan.  The month of Ramadan is the 9th month in the Islamic Lunar calendar.  It is considered the most holiest of months for Muslims and is believed to be the month in which the Quran (Muslim holy book) was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.   It moves up by approximately 11 days each year and starts with the new moon. 

The end of Ramadan is marked by the holiday of Eid ul -Fitr that takes place either 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month.  Ramadan is a month of fasting and is one of the five pillars of Islam that requires individuals to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset everyday for thirty days.  Many Muslims use this month as a means for spiritual and physical renewal. 

Ramadan teaches:  self-discipline, patience and spirituality.  Muslims try to increase their acts of kindness, charity, prayers, introspection and self-reflection during this month. 

Some muslims are exempt from fasting: pregnant or breastfeeding mothers (for fear that the fasting may harm the baby and his/her nutrition), people who are seriously sick(those with chronic condition that does not allow them to fast such as diabetics, the elderly, those who perform very physically tough jobs, travelers or those at health risk should not fast.  Children are required to start fasting once they begin puberty. 

This year Ramadan begins on July 9 and ends with the celebration of Eid -ul-Fitr on August 8, 2013 based on the Fiqh council of North America.  To all the Muslims served by Hudson Valley Hospital Center we wish you a blessed and joyous Ramadan.

Ramadan Kareem!  Ramadan Mubarak!