RAMADAN
HEALTH AND SPIRITUAL GUIDE

Health is the key to happiness and what we consume directly affects our health.
Islam encourages Muslims to ensure that they are mindful of their health. The
blessed Prophet said: “Take advantage of the good health before illnesses
affl ict you”. He also encouraged Muslims to try their best to take up healthy living
lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular mental and physical exercise and

a balance between material and spiritual needs.
Although health data is not available, the Health Survey of England 2004 has
indicated an alarming anomaly in the health state of the Asian community in
general and Muslim community in particular. Compared with the 24% of men
in the general population who smoked cigarettes, higher levels of cigarette
smoking were reported by Bangladeshi (40%). South Asian men and women had the highest rates of diabetes. Pakistanis and Bangladeshis were up to fi ve times as likely as the general population to have diabetes, and Indian men and women were up to three times as likely. Some 33% of Pakistani men and women eat the recommended fi ve or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day, compared with Bangladeshi men and 28% of Bangladeshi women. Continue >>

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