Health Beliefs and Practices of Muslim Women During Ramadan

Abstract

There are clear exemptions in Islam from fasting in Ramadan during sickness, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Yet, some Muslim women still elect to fast while sick, pregnant, or breastfeeding because of a confluence of social, religious, and cultural factors. Little is known about the physiological effects of fasting during Ramadan on the mother or her unborn baby, and thus nurses and other healthcare providers are faced with the difficult task of providing appropriate medical advice to Muslim women regarding the safety and impact of their fasting. This article describes what is known about this topic and suggests that healthcare professionals learn as much as possible about the multicultural best practices and research-driven information about fasting in order to help Muslim women make informed decisions.

Fasting in pregnancy: A survey of beliefs and manners of Muslim women about Ramadan fasting

“…That is why fasting is not obligatory for pregnant women if they are worried about fetal health. [2] In this study, 52.5% of women would feel guilty if they did not fast, and 83.3% told that fasting was more difficult during pregnancy. Despite adverse effects of fasting on maternal and fetal health, some women tend to fast during pregnancy.…”

“…According to most Islamic resources, pregnant women are exempted from fasting in Ramadan. [2,[7][8][9] The reason is the concern about the emergence of problems or complications in mothers and fetuses due to fasting. [1] According to the hadith quoted by Ibn-Abbas, if a pregnant woman is worried about her health or fetal health during her pregnancy, it is not necessary to fast but she should pay the atonement for all the days.…”

“…[18][19][20][21] Discussing and consulting pregnant women with regard to safety and risks of fasting is difficult without considering their faith and beliefs. [2] Yet, some of these pregnant women do not talk with healthcare staff as they are worried about being prevented from fasting. [3] This study was done to investigate the level of fasting among pregnant women in Amol and examine their beliefs and manners regarding fasting in Ramadan 2011.…”

“…[4,5] This divine obligation has many spiritual, physical, mental and social effects. [2,[4][5][6] Although fasting in Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims, various groups are exempted. [7,8] Fasting is not necessary during pregnancy and breast-feeding if a mother is worried about the health of herself or her fetus; and she can fast at another time or pay atonement.…”

“…According to this obligation, Muslims are forbidden from eating and drinking from sunrise until sunset for one month (29-30 consecutive days). [1][2][3] Since Ramadan is based on lunar calendar, it may occur in every season of the year. Fasting in this month varies between 12 and 19 hours (according to the season).…”