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The salient features of Islamic fasting are: | The salient features of Islamic fasting are: | ||
* For 30 days every [[Islamic Lunar Calendar|lunar year]] (during the month of Ramadan), waking up before dawn and eating and [[Drinks|drinking]] to prepare for the fast (binge eating is a common habit).<ref name="Anjali Dange"></ref><ref>Abdel-Moneim Said | * For 30 days every [[Islamic Lunar Calendar|lunar year]] (during the month of Ramadan), waking up before dawn and eating and [[Drinks|drinking]] to prepare for the fast (binge eating is a common habit).<ref name="Anjali Dange">{{cite web|url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/963/op11.htm |title=Wasting Ramadan |publisher=Al-Ahram Weekly |author=</ref><ref>Abdel-Moneim Said |date=September 3, 2009 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2009/963/op11.htm&date=2011-08-28 |archivedate=2011-08-28 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 --> | ||
* Refraining from consuming any food or water from dawn to sunset | * Refraining from consuming any food or water from dawn to sunset | ||
* 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. | ||
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Abu-Salameh said that he has gotten migraine headaches during Ramadan, and has treated Beduin who came to his clinic complaining about severe headaches. He noted that the medical literature has almost ignored the phenomenon until now. | Abu-Salameh said that he has gotten migraine headaches during Ramadan, and has treated Beduin who came to his clinic complaining about severe headaches. He noted that the medical literature has almost ignored the phenomenon until now. | ||
Meanwhile, Dr. Michael J. Drescher of Hartford Hospital in Connecticut and colleagues at Sheba and Shaare Zedek Medical Centers in Israel recently suggested that otherwise-healthy Muslims suffering from migraine attacks during the Ramadan fast ask their doctors for a prescription for etoricoxib (commercial name Arcoxia) to prevent the headaches that come with fasting.<ref> | Meanwhile, Dr. Michael J. Drescher of Hartford Hospital in Connecticut and colleagues at Sheba and Shaare Zedek Medical Centers in Israel recently suggested that otherwise-healthy Muslims suffering from migraine attacks during the Ramadan fast ask their doctors for a prescription for etoricoxib (commercial name Arcoxia) to prevent the headaches that come with fasting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jpost.com/HealthAndSci-Tech/Health/Article.aspx?id=184112 |title=Beduin doctor: Migraines common during Ramadan fast |publisher=The Jerusalem Post |author=Judy Siegel-Itzkovich |date=August 9, 2010 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.jpost.com/HealthAndSci-Tech/Health/Article.aspx?id=184112&date=2011-04-04 |archivedate=2011-04-04 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 -->}} | ||
===Tachycardia, Severe Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting and Circulatory Collapse=== | ===Tachycardia, Severe Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting and Circulatory Collapse=== | ||
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Dr Phadke says that fasting can also increase levels of gastric acidity in the stomach which can cause burning and heaviness, and sometimes a sour taste in the mouth.<ref name="Anjali Dange">[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.khaleejtimes.com%2FDisplayArticleNew.asp%3Fcol%3D%26section%3Dtheuae%26xfile%3Ddata%2Ftheuae%2F2008%2FSeptember%2Ftheuae_September167.xml&date=2011-07-12 <!-- http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=§ion=theuae&xfile=data/theuae/2008/September/theuae_September167.xml -->Dietitian Advises Selective Eating Habits During Ramadan] - Khaleej Times Online, September 7, 2008</ref>}} | Dr Phadke says that fasting can also increase levels of gastric acidity in the stomach which can cause burning and heaviness, and sometimes a sour taste in the mouth.<ref name="Anjali Dange">[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.khaleejtimes.com%2FDisplayArticleNew.asp%3Fcol%3D%26section%3Dtheuae%26xfile%3Ddata%2Ftheuae%2F2008%2FSeptember%2Ftheuae_September167.xml&date=2011-07-12 <!-- http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=§ion=theuae&xfile=data/theuae/2008/September/theuae_September167.xml -->Dietitian Advises Selective Eating Habits During Ramadan] - Khaleej Times Online, September 7, 2008</ref>}} | ||
{{Quote||During Ramadan most of the population sleep during the day, with the iftar beginning at sundown: large feasts at which many end up eating so much they need to be taken to hospital casualty wards, with a record high almost 8,000 cases of indigestion recorded at the Hamad Medical Hospital emergency room solely in the first week of Ramadan 2011.<ref name="ANSMarch132012Ram"> | {{Quote||During Ramadan most of the population sleep during the day, with the iftar beginning at sundown: large feasts at which many end up eating so much they need to be taken to hospital casualty wards, with a record high almost 8,000 cases of indigestion recorded at the Hamad Medical Hospital emergency room solely in the first week of Ramadan 2011.<ref name="ANSMarch132012Ram">{{cite web|url=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2012/03/13/visualizza_new.html_131156617.html |title=Qatar: surge in diabetes/obesity, unhealthy Arab habits |publisher=ANSAmed |author= |date=March 13, 2012 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2012/03/13/visualizza_new.html_131156617.html&date=2012-03-15 |archivedate=2012-03-15 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 -->}} | ||
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> | ||
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METHODS AND SUBJECTS: We studied 100 healthy volunteers during the month of Ramadan for two successive years (1994 and 1995). All subjects were male (mean age, 32+/-5.8 years), and 51% of them were smokers. Irritability was assessed over a 6-week period (before, four times during, and after the end of Ramadan). We assessed both subjective (visual analog scale) and objective irritability. We also recorded the consumption of psychostimulants, duration of sleep, and anxiety level as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. | METHODS AND SUBJECTS: We studied 100 healthy volunteers during the month of Ramadan for two successive years (1994 and 1995). All subjects were male (mean age, 32+/-5.8 years), and 51% of them were smokers. Irritability was assessed over a 6-week period (before, four times during, and after the end of Ramadan). We assessed both subjective (visual analog scale) and objective irritability. We also recorded the consumption of psychostimulants, duration of sleep, and anxiety level as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. | ||
RESULTS: Irritability was significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers before the beginning of Ramadan. It was higher in both groups during the Ramadan month. '''Irritability increased continuously during Ramadan and reached its peak at the end of the month.''' Consumption of psychostimulants (coffee and tea) and anxiety level followed the same pattern. Smokers and nonsmokers had a similar pattern of irritability over time, but irritability increased more in smokers than in nonsmokers.<ref>Kadri N, Tilane A, El Batal M, Taltit Y, Tahiri SM, Moussaoui D, " | RESULTS: Irritability was significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers before the beginning of Ramadan. It was higher in both groups during the Ramadan month. '''Irritability increased continuously during Ramadan and reached its peak at the end of the month.''' Consumption of psychostimulants (coffee and tea) and anxiety level followed the same pattern. Smokers and nonsmokers had a similar pattern of irritability over time, but irritability increased more in smokers than in nonsmokers.<ref>Kadri N, Tilane A, El Batal M, Taltit Y, Tahiri SM, Moussaoui D, "{{cite web|url=http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/reprint/62/2/280.pdf |title=Irritability During the Month of Ramadan |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/reprint/62/2/280.pdf&date=2011-04-04 |archivedate=2011-04-04 |deadurl=no}}<!-- 26 -->", Psychosomatic Medicine 2000 Mar-Apr 62:2 280-5</ref>}} | ||
{{Quote||Wael Bakor, 29, marketing manager at a major company in Jeddah, expressed regret at the attitude of employees. “Unfortunately, people become more tense and irritated during Ramadan. One can easily notice the bad moods, the tension and the inability to put up with anyone or anything,” he said.<ref name="arabnews">Hassna’a Mokhtar - [http://www.webcitation.org/61GqHsLOo <!-- Original URL http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=101889&d=30&m=9&y=2007 -->Productivity and Self-Discipline in Ramadan] - ArabNews, September 30, 2007</ref>}} | {{Quote||Wael Bakor, 29, marketing manager at a major company in Jeddah, expressed regret at the attitude of employees. “Unfortunately, people become more tense and irritated during Ramadan. One can easily notice the bad moods, the tension and the inability to put up with anyone or anything,” he said.<ref name="arabnews">Hassna’a Mokhtar - [http://www.webcitation.org/61GqHsLOo <!-- Original URL http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=101889&d=30&m=9&y=2007 -->Productivity and Self-Discipline in Ramadan] - ArabNews, September 30, 2007</ref>}} | ||
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In a study done on the Arab world,<ref name="ANSA"/> experts claimed that increases in blood crimes (+1.5%) and theft (+3.5%) were observed during Ramadan. | In a study done on the Arab world,<ref name="ANSA"/> experts claimed that increases in blood crimes (+1.5%) and theft (+3.5%) were observed during Ramadan. | ||
{{Quote||[Egypt] In the past few years, Ramadan — a month usually reserved for pious contemplation and reverence — has been marred by an alarming rise in violent crime, experts have said.<ref> | {{Quote||[Egypt] In the past few years, Ramadan — a month usually reserved for pious contemplation and reverence — has been marred by an alarming rise in violent crime, experts have said.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3746 |title=Ramadan saw rise in violent domestic crimes |publisher=Daily News Egypt |author=Yasmine Saleh |date=November 2, 2006 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.dailystaregypt.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=3746&date=2011-07-12 |archivedate=2011-07-12 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 -->}} | ||
{{Quote||Director of Jakarta Police’s General Crime Unit, Sr. Comr. Muhammad Iriawan called on Jakarta residents to be alert as crimes tended to increase during the fasting month of Ramadan. | {{Quote||Director of Jakarta Police’s General Crime Unit, Sr. Comr. Muhammad Iriawan called on Jakarta residents to be alert as crimes tended to increase during the fasting month of Ramadan. | ||
... | ... | ||
Iriawan said crimes such as house break-ins and robberies tend to increase during Ramadan, when the need for extra money was high because of the festivities.<ref> | Iriawan said crimes such as house break-ins and robberies tend to increase during Ramadan, when the need for extra money was high because of the festivities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thejakartaglobe.com/home/4-gold-shop-robbers-killed-2-caught-during-police-raids-across-the-city/326794 |title=4 Gold Shop Robbers Killed, 2 Caught During Police Raids Across the City |publisher=The Jakarta Globe |author=Bati Kartini & Samuel L |date=August 28, 2009 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://thejakartaglobe.com/home/4-gold-shop-robbers-killed-2-caught-during-police-raids-across-the-city/326794&date=2011-07-12 |archivedate=2011-07-12 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 -->}} | ||
{{Quote||official of the Jakarta city administration, A Sjarief Mustafa, says that the number of prostitutes caught by his office had increased from 94, before Ramadan, to 264 during it. He also said that the numbers of beggars had increased. | {{Quote||official of the Jakarta city administration, A Sjarief Mustafa, says that the number of prostitutes caught by his office had increased from 94, before Ramadan, to 264 during it. He also said that the numbers of beggars had increased. | ||
He claimed that the incidence of social ills such as begging and prostitution always increased during the "holy month", and said that people from the provinces often used the "momentum" of Ramadan to come to Jakarta and seek money from the Jakarta's residents.<ref> | He claimed that the incidence of social ills such as begging and prostitution always increased during the "holy month", and said that people from the provinces often used the "momentum" of Ramadan to come to Jakarta and seek money from the Jakarta's residents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indonesiamatters.com/762/ramadan-crime/ |title=Ramadan Crime |publisher=Indonesia Matters |author=David |date=October 20, 2006 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.indonesiamatters.com/762/ramadan-crime/&date=2011-07-12 |archivedate=2011-07-12 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 -->}} | ||
{{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>}} | ||
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===Violence and Anti-Social Behavior Towards Non-Muslims=== | ===Violence and Anti-Social Behavior Towards Non-Muslims=== | ||
The month of Ramadan often sees an increase in violence and anti-social behavior towards religious minorities living among a large Muslim population.<ref name="MNN"></ref> In some Muslim majority countries like [[Algeria]],<ref name="Algeria">[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/22/3018315.htm?section=justin Christians tried for breaking Ramadan fast] - ABC News, September 22, 2010</ref> Morocco,<ref>Doug Bandow - [http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=11966 Morocco: The Limits of Islamic Religious Tolerance] - KATO Insitute, July 8, 2010</ref> [[Pakistan]],<ref> | The month of Ramadan often sees an increase in violence and anti-social behavior towards religious minorities living among a large Muslim population.<ref name="MNN"></ref> In some Muslim majority countries like [[Algeria]],<ref name="Algeria">[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/22/3018315.htm?section=justin Christians tried for breaking Ramadan fast] - ABC News, September 22, 2010</ref> Morocco,<ref>Doug Bandow - [http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=11966 Morocco: The Limits of Islamic Religious Tolerance] - KATO Insitute, July 8, 2010</ref> [[Pakistan]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/181534/25-jailed-pak-eating-public.html |title=25 jailed in Pak for eating in public during Ramadan |publisher=PTI |author= |date=August 5, 2011 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/181534/25-jailed-pak-eating-public.html&date=2011-08-06 |archivedate=2011-08-06 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 --> [[Saudi Arabia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bikyamasr.com/73404/saudi-warns-non-muslims-with-expulsion-if-eating-drinking-in-public-during-ramadan/ |title=Saudi warns non-Muslims with expulsion if eating, drinking in public during Ramadan |publisher=Bikya Masr |author= |date=July 21, 2012 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.bikyamasr.com/73404/saudi-warns-non-muslims-with-expulsion-if-eating-drinking-in-public-during-ramadan/&date=2012-07-22 |archivedate=2012-07-22 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 --> and in parts of the United Arab Emirates,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/190323/20110801/non-muslim-holidaying-in-dubai-warned-to-respect-ramadan-rules.htm |title=Non-Muslim Holidaying in Dubai Warned to Respect 'Ramadan Rules' |publisher=International Business Times |author=Anissa Haddadi |date=August 1, 2011 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/190323/20110801/non-muslim-holidaying-in-dubai-warned-to-respect-ramadan-rules.htm&date=2011-08-02 |archivedate=2011-08-02 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 --> it is against the law to eat or drink in public during fasting hours, and violating these laws can involve jail-time or expulsion. | ||
{{Quote||Last year [2009] during Ramadan, there was an upsurge against Christians in the Muslim world," says Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors, USA. Dykstra says that although persecution did not increase in every Muslim nation, it did increase significantly in many of them, Egypt being one of the worst. | {{Quote||Last year [2009] during Ramadan, there was an upsurge against Christians in the Muslim world," says Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors, USA. Dykstra says that although persecution did not increase in every Muslim nation, it did increase significantly in many of them, Egypt being one of the worst. | ||
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ICC's Jonathan Racho said: "Forcing Christians to fast during the Islamic fasting month is both outrageous and a clear violation of freedom of religion. We call upon Pakistani officials to immediately release Gull and Ashir and take appropriate legal measures against police officers who detained them."<ref>[http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue6747.html Christians arrested in Pakistan for eating during Ramadan] - The Christian Telegraph, September 2, 2009</ref>}} | ICC's Jonathan Racho said: "Forcing Christians to fast during the Islamic fasting month is both outrageous and a clear violation of freedom of religion. We call upon Pakistani officials to immediately release Gull and Ashir and take appropriate legal measures against police officers who detained them."<ref>[http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue6747.html Christians arrested in Pakistan for eating during Ramadan] - The Christian Telegraph, September 2, 2009</ref>}} | ||
Ramadan-inspired violence against non-Muslims and non-observant Muslims is on the increase in secular societies. Notable incidents include; a Jewish women in Toulouse, [[France]], being called a "dirty Jew" and struck on the head by two Muslim teenagers for buying food during fasting hours; a Muslim man in a central Lyon Restaurant struck in the head with a glass bottle and hit with a chair by three youths for not respecting Ramadan;<ref>[http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=25211 Two people assaulted in France for eating during Ramadam. One was not even Muslim] - Vlad Tepes, August 24, 2010</ref> an 11-year-old in Sydney, [[Australia]], chased and later beaten by Muslim students because he ate a salami sandwich during Ramadan;<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/national/parents-say-son-was-tormented-for-eating-salami-sandwich-during-ramadan/story-e6frfkvr-1225797140592 Parents say son was tormented for eating salami sandwich during Ramadan] - The Daily Telegraph, November 13, 2009</ref> a Turkish MP in Berlin, [[Germany]], beaten by restaurant staff for ordering pork sausages;<ref> | Ramadan-inspired violence against non-Muslims and non-observant Muslims is on the increase in secular societies. Notable incidents include; a Jewish women in Toulouse, [[France]], being called a "dirty Jew" and struck on the head by two Muslim teenagers for buying food during fasting hours; a Muslim man in a central Lyon Restaurant struck in the head with a glass bottle and hit with a chair by three youths for not respecting Ramadan;<ref>[http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=25211 Two people assaulted in France for eating during Ramadam. One was not even Muslim] - Vlad Tepes, August 24, 2010</ref> an 11-year-old in Sydney, [[Australia]], chased and later beaten by Muslim students because he ate a salami sandwich during Ramadan;<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/national/parents-say-son-was-tormented-for-eating-salami-sandwich-during-ramadan/story-e6frfkvr-1225797140592 Parents say son was tormented for eating salami sandwich during Ramadan] - The Daily Telegraph, November 13, 2009</ref> a Turkish MP in Berlin, [[Germany]], beaten by restaurant staff for ordering pork sausages;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.am/eng/news/70698.html |title=Turkish MP was beaten for ordering pork sausage in Germany |publisher=NEWS.am |author= |date=August 11, 2011 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://news.am/eng/news/70698.html&date=2011-08-12 |archivedate=2011-08-12 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 --> and the following report is of an atheist living in the [[United Kingdom]]: | ||
{{Quote||Monzur Rahman was left with a broken arm, damaged eye and lying unconscious in the street after the violent attack earlier this month. The 39-year-old atheist claims he was brutally set upon by a pack of youths for failing to observe Ramadan. | {{Quote||Monzur Rahman was left with a broken arm, damaged eye and lying unconscious in the street after the violent attack earlier this month. The 39-year-old atheist claims he was brutally set upon by a pack of youths for failing to observe Ramadan. | ||
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{{Quote||"Jordanian workers in general are not hard working and in Ramadan, employees frequently are absent or ask for leave, a notable phenomenon that negatively affects the overall economic performance," economist Salameh Darawi told The Jordan Times over the phone Wednesday. | {{Quote||"Jordanian workers in general are not hard working and in Ramadan, employees frequently are absent or ask for leave, a notable phenomenon that negatively affects the overall economic performance," economist Salameh Darawi told The Jordan Times over the phone Wednesday. | ||
Economic analyst Hussam Ayesh said productivity drops by about 50 per cent in the public and private sectors during Ramadan.<ref name="jordan"> | Economic analyst Hussam Ayesh said productivity drops by about 50 per cent in the public and private sectors during Ramadan.<ref name="jordan">{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=19888 |title=Productivity suffers during holy month |publisher=The Jordan Times |author=Mohammad Ghazal |date=September 10, 2009 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.jordantimes.com/?news=19888&date=2011-04-04 |archivedate=2011-04-04 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 -->}} | ||
===Comments from Muslims and former Muslims=== | ===Comments from Muslims and former Muslims=== | ||
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#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below. | #'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below. | ||
#'''''"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 attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science|science]] or a [[Jahannam#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity? | #'''''"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 attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science|science]] or a [[Jahannam#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity? | ||
#'''''"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> | #'''''"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>{{cite web|url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting |title=Fasting |publisher=Wikipedia |author= |date=March 14, 2013 |quote= |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting&date=2013-03-14 |archivedate=2013-03-14 |deadurl=no}}</ref><!-- 6 --> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as [[Tu Quoque|ad hominem tu quoque]]. Meaning it is not a valid defense of Islam, but a diversion that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws. | ||
{{Core Science}} | {{Core Science}} | ||