Ramadan Health
Fact Sheet 2017
Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory on all adult Muslims. Many
students and staff will be fasting or wanting to fast in Ramadan, which is
expected to commence this year from around the 27th May [Depending on
sighting of moon]. It helps if staff are aware of and respect this important
religious obligation and support as and where needed
What is a fast?
The fast lasts between dawn and sunset [roughly
from 2:30am to 9.25pm]. It is compulsory for all
healthy adult Muslims (who are otherwise not
exempt) on reaching puberty; it is a total fast, with
complete abstinence from both food and drink and
intimate relationship.
Who is exempt from fast?
 All those who are unable to fast due to illness
(physical or mental) or being very frail.
 Pregnant and menstruating women.
 Lactating women who have concerns about
their own, or their child’s health.
 Travellers.
(Despite being in the above categories, some prefer
not to miss these fasts in view of the special blessings
and spiritual benefits during this time.)
How fast becomes broken/void?
When an agent of consequence reaches the throat,
stomach, intestines, or a cavity that has a path,
immediately or via another cavity, to any of these
three and settles therein the fast is broken. An agent
of consequence is one that has nutritional or
medicinal benefit or has been introduced by oneself.
Thus this includes:
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Eating/drinking intentionally
Intimate relationship
Oral and nasal medication including inhalers,
nebuliser and via endotracheal intubation
Smoking
Rectal pessaries
Gastrostomy and jejunostomy
The student’s/staff’s perspective
 Muslim students and staff members maybe
concerned with the length/heat of the fasting day
and how this may impact on their role.
 It is particularly worth noting that this year the start
of Ramadan coincides with the last week of
examination period, so some students will be
revising and/or sitting exams while fasting.
 It would be appreciated if teachers/managers could
discuss this with their students/staff to see how
best they can support them at this time.
 Students or staff who do have concerns should
contact the Chaplaincy [email protected] or
the Muslim Chaplain [email protected]
for further advice and guidance.
The patient’s perspective
 Muslim staff members maybe concerned with the
length/heat of the fasting day and how this may
impact on their role.
 It would be appreciated if managers could discuss
this with their staff to see how best they can
support them through such a period
 Staff who do have concerns should contact the
Muslim Chaplain [email protected]
for further advice and guidance
What does not break the fast?
1. Injections (intravenous, intramuscular,
intracardiac, intraosseous, intrademal and
subcutaneous)
2. Bloods taken (thumb prick or intravenous)
3. Eye and ear drops (unless typanic membrane is
perforated)
4. Vaginal pessaries, urethral infusion, transdermal
patch, concentrated oxygen, epidural analgesia.
5. Eating and drinking out of forgetfulness.
A Ramadan timetable can be obtained from the Dean’s Office