Obesity Control And Charity Work In Ramadan Obesity is a common complaint. A recent study conducted in Riyadh and published in The Annals of Saudi Medicine 1996 showed that only 36.6 % of Saudi males were within their ideal weight. 34.8 % were over weight, 26.9 % were moderately obese whereas 1.7 % were morbidly obese. The interesting part of this study is that 40.7 % of the over weight people did not know that they were obese. These findings are compatible with other countries as well. There is a long list of diseases associated with obesity. Apart from being an important predisposing factor for coronary heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease (stroke) and diabetes, obesity is also associated with pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, obstructive sleep apnoea, pickwickian syndrome, cholelithiasis, renal vein thrombosis, intertrigo, hirsutism, acanthosis nigricans, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, infertility and osteoporosis etc . Obesity is also associated with at least three cancers (colorectal, endometrial, and breast). It is also related with psychological problems and frequent attacks of headache. Having understood the complications of obesity let us see the effects of Ramadan fasting on weight control. Firstly, it is noteworthy that this Muslim type of fasting reduces weight by a very gradual and controlled manner, which is not detrimental to health. It is medically recommended that the obese and over weight people should reduce their weight gradually otherwise it may have harmful effects instead of causing any benefit. A month of Ramadan fasting, in general reduces weight by 2-3 kilograms only, which is appropriate. To make sure that fast does not threaten the health of Muslims and yet achieves its beneficial effects, Islam has already taken the precautionary measures. Hence we see that taking a meal in the morning (Suhoor) before fasting begins is highly recommended. Allah's apostle (PBUH) says:" Take Suhoor as there is blessing in it ". Similarly, it has been stressed that once the fasting time is over, the Muslims should not delay in breaking their fast. Sahl bin Sa'd narrates: "Allah's apostle (PBUH) said,' the people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast”. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also prohibited people from fasting continuously without eating or drinking between two fasts. A month of vigorous fasting also helps to mobilize the abdominal adipose tissue, the excess of which is related with the coronary heart disease. In Ramadan more and more people are inclined to offer prayers in the mosques, which means an increased physical activity, and this also has a positive effect on weight control. After a heavy Iftaar meal, three consecutive prayers of Maghrib, Isha and Taraaweeh not only help to assimilate the food, which is so overwhelmingly taken at Iftaar, but also cast an overall pleasant effect on health. Last but not the least, it should be emphasized that people interested to lose weight should avoid excessive fats at the evening meals (iftaar) otherwise too much fat taken after the fasting is over may not help much. To conclude, although Ramadan fasting has it's own exalted objectives, weight control and thus protection from obesity related diseases is just one of it's innumerable other blessings. Let's consider another bounty of Ramadan. As we know that in Ramadan a Muslim has to fast from sunrise to sunset, this duration may well be over sixteen hours in summer time. Endurance of thirst and hunger for such a long time makes a person tough and well prepared to face a situation like that if at all it recurs in future life. For example, soldiers may come across a similar situation in wartime when they may have to fast or thrive on minimal food. Similarly patients undergoing various operations, ultrasound, endoscopies or other investigations may have to fast for many hours. In some diseases like acute pancreatitis, oral feeding has to be stopped altogether and patient has to depend on parenteral nutrition. Such embarrassing situations may not matter much for a Muslim who has been fasting before in the month of Ramadan. It is also easy to appreciate that a person, who has experienced the thirst and hunger, will better realize the agonies of poor people and will be more kind to them. Ibn Abbas quotes that Allah's apostle (PBUH) was the most generous among the people and he (PBUH) used to be more so in the month of Ramadan." As a matter of fact in this holy month of benevolence, charity works reach their peak. Even on the day of Eid, well-to-do Muslims are required to pay a certain amount (Fitra) to the poor. Muslim population today exceeds one billion and even if half of Muslims pay their share, the amount thus circulated among the poor will not be less than 300 million dollars which by all means is a large amount dispensed on a single day. This reflects the spirit of Ramadan, which prevails from the beginning, till the last day and which leaves a pleasant impact on the entire society. |
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