Takeaway
Learn the basics about this important holiday. Ask your patients if they are fasting and how you can support their practice if medically possible.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | April 18, 2023 | 2 min read
By Zaina Siraj, medical student, Albany Medical College
We’re featuring this piece again in observance of Ramadan 2024.
Every year, Muslims observe the Holy month of Ramadan, a time that they focus on spiritual nourishment and take part in fasting, prayer, Quran (Muslim Holy Book) recitation, charity, and self-reflection to develop a closer connection to God. For many, this is a core tenet of their faith and identity.
While fasting is common in many faith groups and cultures, Ramadan differs in its adherence to abstaining from eating, drinking (even water), smoking, taking medications, chewing gum—not ingesting anything—from dawn until sunset. Length of fasts can vary depending on geographical region.
There are, however, those exempt from fasting. This includes people who have a chronic illness and need to eat and/or take regularly scheduled medication, those who are traveling or menstruating, or a child who hasn’t reached puberty.
Even with these exemptions, however, many patients still have a strong desire to fast. As a clinician, it’s essential to approach Ramadan from a lens of cultural humility, in that learning more about a patient’s culture and/or beliefs translates into more sensitive approaches to their care.
Here are a few tips:
1. Educate yourself.
Learn the basics of Ramadan and rituals involved, especially those pertaining to fasting. A great summary is written by Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research.
2. Ask your patient.
Ask your patient if fasting is important to them. Don’t assume you know their opinion.
3. Read.
Many articles have been published about risk stratification and chronic disease management guidelines for fasting patients. Here are some examples:
1. AAFP Chronic Disease Management During Ramadan
2. British Islamic Medical Association Ramadan Compendium
3. Diabetes and Ramadan: Practical Guidelines 2021
4. Ramadan Fasting and Pregnancy: An Evidence-Based Guide for the Obstetrician
4. Make a plan with your patient.
Both medically and religiously, the preservation of life is of utmost importance. If at any point, there’s a risk of harm it’s imperative that they don’t fast.
As written in Ramadan Fasting and Pregnancy: An Evidence-Based Guide for the Obstetrician, many studies have shown that patients avoid consulting their clinician about fasting “due to past negative provider experiences, fear of disrespectful treatment, or being given a blanket prohibition on fasting without well-informed explanations.” In contrast, if a patient feels like they’re a partner in care and that you’re working to accommodate their religious practices, they may feel more trusting. We must always respect our patient’s beliefs and values, and create positive healthcare experience.
This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.