Healthy fasting at Ramadan

Fri 26th May 2017

Many members of the Muslim community may be fasting during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan – which this year falls between 26 May and 24 June.

It is common for people to have one meal just before sunrise and an evening meal after sunset during Ramadan. During hot weather, dehydration is a common and serious risk. It is important to balance food and fluid intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water.

If you start to feel unwell, disoriented or confused, or collapse or faint, advice is to stop fasting and have a drink of water or other fluid. This is especially important for older adults, those with poorly controlled medical conditions such as low/high blood pressure, diabetes and those who are receiving dialysis treatment The Muslim Council of Britain has confirmed that breaking fast in such conditions is allowable under Islamic law.

Guidance has been produced to help ensure that members of the Muslim community stay health during Ramadan, and is available on the NHS Choices website.