By Aulah Najjuka
Research shows that fasting is good for your health and can result in a longer life since body cholesterol
and blood pressure all improve with fasting. It is not compulsory for every Muslim, but only for able and
adult Muslims. This means the sick, children, elderly people, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and
those menstruating and travelling are exempt from fasting.
Muslims always immensely improve their faith during Ramadhan by praying all five prayers, reciting the
Quran, and paying zakat. This helps put your mind at rest, thus improving their mental health, because
no one leaves with the same burden they came with after talking and praying to their God.
As Ramadhan continues, it is very crucial that one drinks enough fluids when breaking their fast at
sunset and at dawn before you start. This is because of the heat that comes with the day, as the country
is experiencing hotter days than last year’s Ramadhan.
Even though most people often prefer breaking their fast with fried and sweet food because of their
cravings, it is beneficial to break your fast with fruit because it provides your body organs with glucose,
especially the brain. At dawn, it is advisable to have a meal with protein and carbohydrates, such as
beans and chapati, as these are not easily digestible, which leaves a person feeling full for longer.
For physical activities, exercise is important and can be done during Ramadhan but can’t be pushed to
the pre-Ramadhan levels, so if you feel dehydrated or tired, then stop. But it’s better to exercise in the
morning, as the temperature could still be lower.
If you are in hot areas, then you should be careful during the hottest part of the day (12 noon–3 p.m.)
and wear light but appropriate clothes. When you are breaking your fast, drink enough and lick a pinch
of salt to replace what you lost while sweating the whole day.
Smoking and vaping, which has now become a serious habit among youth and mostly university
students, aren’t allowed. So if you are a smoker, then it might be time for you to quit. But if you are a
nicotine smoker, some Islamic scholars advise the use of a nicotine patch when you break your fast.
If you have an illness and you want to fast, you should consult your doctor first, mostly if they are
chronic illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure.
UCU, being a center for excellence for people from all walks of life, promotes other religions or beliefs
through course units like World Views that are offered by all students here. Here, students are taught
about different views or religions all over the world, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, and this
helps students and staff from other religions not feel left out.
Christians also fast during lent but unlike the moslems they have options on the foods they can desist
from eating during this period, the most common one being meat. They also have different timings for
the fast and options for the acts to observe such as penance etc.
For over 1.9 billion Muslims in the world and over 200 Muslim students at UCU, Ramadhan is the holiest
month of the Islamic calendar, and this year it started on March 11th. Throughout Ramadhan, which goes
on for 30 days, Muslims are supposed to abstain from things like food, drinks, smoking, and sex, and all
this between dawn and sunset.
