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Islamic Fasting and Health: Difference between revisions
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{{QualityScore|Lead=1|Structure=4|Content=4|Language= | {{QualityScore|Lead=1|Structure=4|Content=4|Language=3|References=4}} | ||
<metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc> | <metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc> | ||
This article discusses the numerous adverse effects of [[Islam|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') that have been observed using [[Islam and Science|scientific]] studies and news sources. | This article discusses the numerous adverse effects of [[Islam|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') that have been observed using [[Islam and Science|scientific]] studies and news sources. | ||
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
Medical fasting can have [[health]] benefits. | Medical fasting can have [[health]] benefits. Islamic fasting, however, differs in many respects, and thus has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior. Health effects include heat stress, dehydration, migraines and, for lactating women, the nutritional make-up of their milk, among other harms. | ||
===What is Islamic Fasting?=== | ===What is Islamic Fasting?=== | ||
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*Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead. | *Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead. | ||
Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of | Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of food is the correct Islamic way. | ||
==Effects on Health== | ==Effects on Health== | ||
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During Ramadan, Moslems are required strictly to avoid fluids and nourishment from dawn to sunset. Heat stress during such abstinence represents a substantial health hazard. In the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) where numerous Moslems, particularly of Turkish origin, perform heat work and other heavy labour, we observed moderate to severe health disturbances in such labourers during Ramadan, e.g.: '''tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and circulatory collapse'''. The '''severe dehydration''' of these workers was demonstrated by substantial increases in their hematocrit, serum protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolyte imbalance. Because of the evidence of the substantial health hazard to Islamic workers in such situations, we have strongly urged employers to refrain from assigning Islamic workers to heat work or heavy daytime work during Ramadan; we have therefore limited systematic studies of health problems during Ramadan to persons performing only moderate work. Even under these conditions signs of dehydration were found in the 32 labourers monitored. Some of these labourers also had to interrupt their observance of Ramadan due to health problems, e.g.: acute gout due to serum uric acid increase, or circulatory insufficiency. In light of the observed potentially harmful pathophysiological effects, the danger of dehydration of Islamic workers due to heat work during Ramadan should be taken very seriously.<ref>Schmahl FW, Metzler B, "The health risks of occupational stress in Islamic industrial workers during the Ramadan fasting period", Polish Journal of Occupational Medicine 1991 4:3 219-28</ref>}} | During Ramadan, Moslems are required strictly to avoid fluids and nourishment from dawn to sunset. Heat stress during such abstinence represents a substantial health hazard. In the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) where numerous Moslems, particularly of Turkish origin, perform heat work and other heavy labour, we observed moderate to severe health disturbances in such labourers during Ramadan, e.g.: '''tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and circulatory collapse'''. The '''severe dehydration''' of these workers was demonstrated by substantial increases in their hematocrit, serum protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolyte imbalance. Because of the evidence of the substantial health hazard to Islamic workers in such situations, we have strongly urged employers to refrain from assigning Islamic workers to heat work or heavy daytime work during Ramadan; we have therefore limited systematic studies of health problems during Ramadan to persons performing only moderate work. Even under these conditions signs of dehydration were found in the 32 labourers monitored. Some of these labourers also had to interrupt their observance of Ramadan due to health problems, e.g.: acute gout due to serum uric acid increase, or circulatory insufficiency. In light of the observed potentially harmful pathophysiological effects, the danger of dehydration of Islamic workers due to heat work during Ramadan should be taken very seriously.<ref>Schmahl FW, Metzler B, "The health risks of occupational stress in Islamic industrial workers during the Ramadan fasting period", Polish Journal of Occupational Medicine 1991 4:3 219-28</ref>}} | ||
Naturally | Naturally mthis would affect productivity, as is evidenced in a later section on Economical effects. | ||
===Weight Fluctuation=== | ===Weight Fluctuation=== | ||
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===Affect on Circadian Patterns and Sleep Disorders=== | ===Affect on Circadian Patterns and Sleep Disorders=== | ||
The results of the following study can lead | The results of the following study can lead to the conclusion that fasting negatively effects an individual's circadian rhythm. As a result, unfavorable side-effects such as lethargy and a lack of motivation, may contribute to a society's lack of productivity: | ||
{{Quote||This change of meal schedule is accompanied with changes in sleep habits, such as delayed and shortened sleep periods, which may affect endocrine and neuroendocrine circadian patterns. Several cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, vascular tone, and coagulation-fibrinolysis) show circadian pattern. Several studies reported that autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity may be responsible for circadian patterns of cardiovascular parameters. '''Changes of sleep habit in Ramadan affects autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity'''. The other negative effects may be that, during fasting patients with cardiovascular disease cannot consume medications, such as anti-ischemic, anti-platelet, anti-hypertensive drugs, and drugs of heart failure on time. Some patients may get admitted to the hospital with cardiovascular symptoms owing to failure of therapy.<ref>"Does Ramadan modify the Circadian Patterns?", Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, March 2006, Vol. 52 Issue 1 [https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/6924/1/jp06011.pdf pdf]</ref>}} | {{Quote||This change of meal schedule is accompanied with changes in sleep habits, such as delayed and shortened sleep periods, which may affect endocrine and neuroendocrine circadian patterns. Several cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, vascular tone, and coagulation-fibrinolysis) show circadian pattern. Several studies reported that autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity may be responsible for circadian patterns of cardiovascular parameters. '''Changes of sleep habit in Ramadan affects autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity'''. The other negative effects may be that, during fasting patients with cardiovascular disease cannot consume medications, such as anti-ischemic, anti-platelet, anti-hypertensive drugs, and drugs of heart failure on time. Some patients may get admitted to the hospital with cardiovascular symptoms owing to failure of therapy.<ref>"Does Ramadan modify the Circadian Patterns?", Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, March 2006, Vol. 52 Issue 1 [https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/6924/1/jp06011.pdf pdf]</ref>}} | ||
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In a certain study, the nutritional status of lactating women was affected by Ramadan fasting. All of the nutrient intakes (except vitamins A, E and C) decreased during Ramadan. The study said that it would seem prudent to excuse lactating women from fasting during Ramadan.<ref>"The effect of Ramadan on maternal nutrition and composition of breast milk." Pg. 278-283, vol. 48 - Nutrition and Dietetics; Food Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey</ref> | In a certain study, the nutritional status of lactating women was affected by Ramadan fasting. All of the nutrient intakes (except vitamins A, E and C) decreased during Ramadan. The study said that it would seem prudent to excuse lactating women from fasting during Ramadan.<ref>"The effect of Ramadan on maternal nutrition and composition of breast milk." Pg. 278-283, vol. 48 - Nutrition and Dietetics; Food Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey</ref> | ||
===Binge eating, headaches and increase in gastric acidity=== | ===Binge eating, headaches and increase in gastric acidity=== | ||
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Dr. Muhammad Alabdooni, a Muslim and the chairman of the Dutch Moroccan Physicians Association, also maintains there is no scientific proof that Islamic fasting is physiologically beneficial.<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/fasting-during-ramadan-good-your-health Is fasting during Ramadan good for your health?] - Radio Netherlands Worldwide</ref> | Dr. Muhammad Alabdooni, a Muslim and the chairman of the Dutch Moroccan Physicians Association, also maintains there is no scientific proof that Islamic fasting is physiologically beneficial.<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/fasting-during-ramadan-good-your-health Is fasting during Ramadan good for your health?] - Radio Netherlands Worldwide</ref> | ||
==Social Effects== | ==Social Effects== | ||
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===Irritability=== | ===Irritability=== | ||
The following study in | The following study in Morocco found that irritability increased during Ramadan: | ||
{{Quote|| | {{Quote|| | ||
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{{Quote||The Passports Department in Makkah arrested over 1,800 persons suspected of pickpocketing and stealing from pilgrims and visitors during the [2011] Umrah and Ramadan seasons ... Hussein stated that the advancement in technology, particularly facial recognition, reduced crimes tremendously in previous years.<ref>[http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article499367.ece 1,800 nabbed for thefts in Ramadan] - Arab News, September 9, 2011</ref>}} | {{Quote||The Passports Department in Makkah arrested over 1,800 persons suspected of pickpocketing and stealing from pilgrims and visitors during the [2011] Umrah and Ramadan seasons ... Hussein stated that the advancement in technology, particularly facial recognition, reduced crimes tremendously in previous years.<ref>[http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article499367.ece 1,800 nabbed for thefts in Ramadan] - Arab News, September 9, 2011</ref>}} | ||
===Emergency Services=== | ===Emergency Services=== | ||
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{{Quote||2=The results are shown in Table 1. This demonstrates a '''significant rise in the number of Muslims attending during Ramadan''' compared to non-Muslims, with the proportion of Muslims rising from 3.63% of total attendances in the periods before and after Ramadan to 5.11% during Ramadan (P=0.0024). '''The rise in non accident-related attendances among Muslims was also significant''' when compared to non-Muslims (P=0.027) [...]<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1294766/ The effect of the fast of Ramadan on accident and emergency attendances] (J R Soc Med. 1994 September; 87(9): 517–518.)</ref>}} | {{Quote||2=The results are shown in Table 1. This demonstrates a '''significant rise in the number of Muslims attending during Ramadan''' compared to non-Muslims, with the proportion of Muslims rising from 3.63% of total attendances in the periods before and after Ramadan to 5.11% during Ramadan (P=0.0024). '''The rise in non accident-related attendances among Muslims was also significant''' when compared to non-Muslims (P=0.027) [...]<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1294766/ The effect of the fast of Ramadan on accident and emergency attendances] (J R Soc Med. 1994 September; 87(9): 517–518.)</ref>}} | ||
An increase in road traffic accidents in the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan was reported.<ref>Bener, A., Absood, G. H., Achan, N. V., & Sankaran-Kutty, M. (1992). Road traffic injuries in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 112, 273-276.</ref> | An increase in road traffic accidents in the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan was reported.<ref>Bener, A., Absood, G. H., Achan, N. V., & Sankaran-Kutty, M. (1992). Road traffic injuries in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 112, 273-276.</ref> | ||
====Disruption of Services==== | ====Disruption of Services==== | ||
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Monzur was reportedly battered until unconscious and later taken to the Royal London Hospital. His left arm was broken and metal bolts later put in. Tower Hamlets police have made no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.<ref>Sheena McKenzie - [http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/battered_stepney_man_in_recovery_1_655839?action=login Battered Stepney man in recovery] - East London Advertiser, September 23, 2010</ref>}} | Monzur was reportedly battered until unconscious and later taken to the Royal London Hospital. His left arm was broken and metal bolts later put in. Tower Hamlets police have made no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.<ref>Sheena McKenzie - [http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/battered_stepney_man_in_recovery_1_655839?action=login Battered Stepney man in recovery] - East London Advertiser, September 23, 2010</ref>}} | ||
== | ==Economic Effects== | ||
As some of the above studies established, fasting can cause dehydration, sleep disorders and other harmful affects. Naturally all of this would affect productivity and the national economy. Those living in Muslim majority nations can readily feel the effects of stagnation that accompanies the month of Ramadan. In such places, it is a month that is marked by very low productivity. When the entire population of a country observes fasting during the time they are at work, it is inevitable that they will suffer a significant loss in general productivity. In a survey carried out by Cairo’s Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World it is found that the productivity of Arab businesses during the month of Ramadan dropped by a staggering 78%: | As some of the above studies established, fasting can cause dehydration, sleep disorders and other harmful affects. Naturally all of this would affect productivity and the national economy. Those living in Muslim majority nations can readily feel the effects of stagnation that accompanies the month of Ramadan. In such places, it is a month that is marked by very low productivity. When the entire population of a country observes fasting during the time they are at work, it is inevitable that they will suffer a significant loss in general productivity. In a survey carried out by Cairo’s Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World it is found that the productivity of Arab businesses during the month of Ramadan dropped by a staggering 78%: | ||
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{{Quote||I couldn't concentrate in school. I had nasty heart burn all morning, because we'd wake up at an ungodly hour to gorge! [...] There are many women in my life and some of them are extremely old with various medical conditions. They all feel compelled to fast. It drives me insane!<ref>[http://nimbu.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/its-a-strange-ramadan/ It’s a strange Ramadan] - Blog from Nimbu, a former Muslim, September 14, 2007</ref>}} | {{Quote||I couldn't concentrate in school. I had nasty heart burn all morning, because we'd wake up at an ungodly hour to gorge! [...] There are many women in my life and some of them are extremely old with various medical conditions. They all feel compelled to fast. It drives me insane!<ref>[http://nimbu.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/its-a-strange-ramadan/ It’s a strange Ramadan] - Blog from Nimbu, a former Muslim, September 14, 2007</ref>}} | ||
== | ==Summary== | ||
Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In | Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In fact it causes a host of health, performance and mood disorders. Fasting is not normally prescribed for the well being of human beings. Instead, it is commonly understood that eating healthy, smaller-portioned meals, interspersed throughout the day is far better in maintaining a well-balanced diet and far more forgiving on a person's metabolism. Any claims that prolonged and intermittent fasting contributes to the well-being of an individual's health are misleading, based on the scientific studies that prove otherwise. The only benefit of fasting that can be claimed, then, must be metaphysical. However, what is clear is that the practice has concrete and definite physical, social, and economic harms. | ||
==Responses to Apologetics== | ==Responses to Apologetics== | ||
#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The | #'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The majority of evidence for the harms of Ramadan fasting come directly from the conclusions of scientific studies | ||
#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many | #'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslim [[Du'aah]] attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy | ||
#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast | #'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast, meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as ad hominem tu quoque, meaning it is not a valid defense of Islamic fasting, but a diversion from the main point. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||