The Islamic month of Ramadan started this week, where Muslims around the world will be going without food or drinks between sunrise and sunset for 30 days.
‘A period for mental resolve and spiritual benefits’, Ramadan is a time that’s about more than just abstaining from eating and drinking. It’s a time where you’re encouraged to stay away from distractions and luxuries. A time to live more simply and be closer to God.
Fasting for Ramadan has many benefits to the mind and body that’ll occur over the 30 days.
- Improved mental discipline
- A chance to rekindle your spiritual connection and shut away from any distractions
- Time to allow training/diet to take a backseat and focus on higher priorities
- Potential for restored insulin sensitivity and nutrient partitioning
- Higher growth hormone output during the fast
Many people have recently questioned their ability to get their Spring booster vaccine for COVID-19 as they are unsure if this affects their fasting. The NHS has called for all Muslims to protect themselves against the virus this Ramadan to reduce the risks of catching it when mixing with more people during the holy month, like when attending large family gatherings for Iftar, the meal at the end of the daily fasting.
The NHS said: "Since 2020, the Covid-19 vaccine has been our most important protection against the virus. Unfortunately, Covid-19 is still active, but the vaccine offers the best protection against becoming seriously unwell and passing the virus on to others.
"As Covid-19 is more serious in older people and those with a weakened immune system, the NHS is now calling those aged 75 and over, and people aged 12 and over who have a weakened immune system, to come forward for a spring booster. Whilst vaccines give us a good level of protection, that protection wanes after time and that’s why it’s so important not to delay having booster injections. Covid-19 vaccinations and boosters don’t contain animal products or pork and according to the British Islamic Medical Association individuals should not delay their Covid-19 vaccinations on account of Ramadan. The opinion of Islamic scholars is that having a vaccination does not invalidate the fast."
If you are looking to get your Spring booster, please check out the available places offering the vaccine within Newham on the London Borough of Newham's website.
