From Sahor to Iftar, Ahmed direct Muslims to refrain from gobbling heavy meals and ice cold beverages during the fasting period as this may harm the body and cause severe health condition.
The medical practitioner and Executive Chairman/CEO Fitplus Health Care Group gave this advice at the annual Ramadan lecture series organized by Islamic Mission Organization International (IMO Inter.) Ire Akari Estate, Isolo Lagos.
The theme of this year’s lecture is health benefits of fasting and its impact on Muslim Umah.
The speaker spoke extensively on the science and practice of fasting in harmony with Allah’s commandments stating that intermittent fasting can help improve insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to transport glucose more efficiently from the blood stream to yourself.
Ahmed said: “Fasting keeps blood sugar level steady and boost insulin sensitivity. Medically insulin resistance in the body is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes (Cardiovascular diseases) those fasting helps improve insulin sensitivity through efficient blood sugar control. A study found that intermittent fasting (three days per week) reduced the risk of type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity which occurs during fasting.”
Ahmed warned that during Sahor and Iftar fasting Muslim must avoid gluttonous habit by consuming excessive food and drinks even as the temperature reaches its peak in the day time, adding thag fasting promotes fat utilization as an energy source.
“As a result during fasting your body taps into stored fat reserves thereby aiding weight loss. Emphasizing that Ramadan fasting is essentially Allah’s commandment for the glorification and devotional worship every time of the month and not result to over eating and unwholesome wrong deed or creed which may affect our health and alert the benefits gain during fasting.
“We should keep our food and drink intake at moderate level in size and variety which will help us stay in God’s consciousness and physically and mentally active in our spiritual worship and prayer every time to attract multiple blessings and unlock heavenly rewards and opportunities.
” Also fasting has been linked level of inflammation which contributes to better overall health and may reduce the risk of medical conditions like heart disease, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Fasting enhances brain function by clearing out damaged cells and toxins in the body. It may also protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
“Fasting is a Holy Month to keep ourselves in God’s love and maintain a good conscience towards everyone as such you should embrace a safe, healthy fasting approach that suite your well-being to avoid medical conditions.
However, he cautioned it is advisable to consult qualified health care professionals before embarking on any periodic fasting, especially “if you have any health concern. Quran principles taught us that contented life and genuine happiness come to those who are conscious of their spiritual needs, while fasting serves as a spiritual regimen for the body and mind drawing us closer to Allah thereby strengthen devotional life, discipline, empathy and religious commitment.”
In his remarks the President of IMO International, Dr. Kola Afolabi told the audiences that fasting is a period to engage in significant prayer and worship through daily Quran recitation (Tafsir) in order to maintain a good conscience.
The Ramadan lecture was attended by a cross section of Muslim faithfuls from the Mainland and Island while assorted edible palliatives were doled out to members of the congregation.
