Islamic Fasting and Health - Revision history

Lightyears at 21:59, 20 March 2026

2026-03-20T21:59:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 20 March 2026
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	{{QualityScore\|Lead=2\|Structure=4\|Content=4\|Language=4\|References=4}}		{{QualityScore\|Lead=2\|Structure=4\|Content=4\|Language=4\|References=4}}
	<metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc>		<metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc>
	~~TNumerous~~ adverse effects of [[Islam\|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') have been observed in [[Islam and Science\|scientific]] studies and reported on in news sources.		Numerous adverse effects of [[Islam\|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') have been observed in [[Islam and Science\|scientific]] studies and reported on in news sources.

	Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In fact it causes a host of health, performance and mood disorders. Fasting is not normally prescribed for the well being of human beings. Instead, it is commonly understood that eating healthy, smaller-portioned meals, interspersed throughout the day is far better in maintaining a well-balanced diet and far more forgiving on a person's metabolism. Based on scientific studies, any claims that prolonged and intermittent fasting contributes to the well-being of an individual's health are misleading in relation to Ramadan. The only benefit of fasting that can be claimed, then, must be metaphysical. However, what is clear is that the practice has concrete and definite physical, social, and economic harms.		Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In fact it causes a host of health, performance and mood disorders. Fasting is not normally prescribed for the well being of human beings. Instead, it is commonly understood that eating healthy, smaller-portioned meals, interspersed throughout the day is far better in maintaining a well-balanced diet and far more forgiving on a person's metabolism. Based on scientific studies, any claims that prolonged and intermittent fasting contributes to the well-being of an individual's health are misleading in relation to Ramadan. The only benefit of fasting that can be claimed, then, must be metaphysical. However, what is clear is that the practice has concrete and definite physical, social, and economic harms.

Asmith: Changed score and fixed wording

2026-03-20T00:16:04Z

Changed score and fixed wording

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:16, 20 March 2026
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	{{QualityScore\|Lead=1\|Structure=4\|Content=4\|Language=3\|References=4}}		{{QualityScore\|Lead=2\|Structure=4\|Content=4\|Language=4\|References=4}}
	<metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc>		<metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc>
	~~This article discusses the numerous~~ adverse effects of [[Islam\|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') ~~that~~ have been observed ~~using~~ [[Islam and Science\|scientific]] studies and news sources.		TNumerous adverse effects of [[Islam\|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') have been observed in [[Islam and Science\|scientific]] studies and reported on in news sources.

			Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In fact it causes a host of health, performance and mood disorders. Fasting is not normally prescribed for the well being of human beings. Instead, it is commonly understood that eating healthy, smaller-portioned meals, interspersed throughout the day is far better in maintaining a well-balanced diet and far more forgiving on a person's metabolism. Based on scientific studies, any claims that prolonged and intermittent fasting contributes to the well-being of an individual's health are misleading in relation to Ramadan. The only benefit of fasting that can be claimed, then, must be metaphysical. However, what is clear is that the practice has concrete and definite physical, social, and economic harms.

	==Introduction==		==Introduction==
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	*Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead.		*Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead.

	Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of food is the correct Islamic way.		Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of food is the correct Islamic way but this is culturally uncommon.

	==Effects on Health==		==Effects on Health==
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	During Ramadan, Moslems are required strictly to avoid fluids and nourishment from dawn to sunset. Heat stress during such abstinence represents a substantial health hazard. In the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) where numerous Moslems, particularly of Turkish origin, perform heat work and other heavy labour, we observed moderate to severe health disturbances in such labourers during Ramadan, e.g.: '''tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and circulatory collapse'''. The '''severe dehydration''' of these workers was demonstrated by substantial increases in their hematocrit, serum protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolyte imbalance. Because of the evidence of the substantial health hazard to Islamic workers in such situations, we have strongly urged employers to refrain from assigning Islamic workers to heat work or heavy daytime work during Ramadan; we have therefore limited systematic studies of health problems during Ramadan to persons performing only moderate work. Even under these conditions signs of dehydration were found in the 32 labourers monitored. Some of these labourers also had to interrupt their observance of Ramadan due to health problems, e.g.: acute gout due to serum uric acid increase, or circulatory insufficiency. In light of the observed potentially harmful pathophysiological effects, the danger of dehydration of Islamic workers due to heat work during Ramadan should be taken very seriously.<ref>Schmahl FW, Metzler B, "The health risks of occupational stress in Islamic industrial workers during the Ramadan fasting period", Polish Journal of Occupational Medicine 1991 4:3 219-28</ref>}}		During Ramadan, Moslems are required strictly to avoid fluids and nourishment from dawn to sunset. Heat stress during such abstinence represents a substantial health hazard. In the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) where numerous Moslems, particularly of Turkish origin, perform heat work and other heavy labour, we observed moderate to severe health disturbances in such labourers during Ramadan, e.g.: '''tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and circulatory collapse'''. The '''severe dehydration''' of these workers was demonstrated by substantial increases in their hematocrit, serum protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolyte imbalance. Because of the evidence of the substantial health hazard to Islamic workers in such situations, we have strongly urged employers to refrain from assigning Islamic workers to heat work or heavy daytime work during Ramadan; we have therefore limited systematic studies of health problems during Ramadan to persons performing only moderate work. Even under these conditions signs of dehydration were found in the 32 labourers monitored. Some of these labourers also had to interrupt their observance of Ramadan due to health problems, e.g.: acute gout due to serum uric acid increase, or circulatory insufficiency. In light of the observed potentially harmful pathophysiological effects, the danger of dehydration of Islamic workers due to heat work during Ramadan should be taken very seriously.<ref>Schmahl FW, Metzler B, "The health risks of occupational stress in Islamic industrial workers during the Ramadan fasting period", Polish Journal of Occupational Medicine 1991 4:3 219-28</ref>}}

	Naturally ~~mthis~~ would affect productivity, as is evidenced in a later section on Economical effects.		Naturally this would affect productivity, as is evidenced in a later section on Economical effects.

	===Weight Fluctuation===		===Weight Fluctuation===
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	==Economic Effects==		==Economic Effects==

	As some of the above studies ~~established~~, fasting can cause dehydration, sleep disorders and other harmful affects. Naturally all of this would affect productivity and the national economy. Those living in Muslim majority nations can readily feel the effects of stagnation that accompanies the month of Ramadan. In such places, it is a month that is marked by very low productivity. When the entire population of a country observes fasting during the time they are at work, it is inevitable that they will suffer a significant loss in general productivity. In a survey carried out by Cairo’s Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World it is found that the productivity of Arab businesses during the month of Ramadan dropped by a staggering 78%:		As some of the above studies establish, fasting can cause dehydration, sleep disorders and other harmful affects. Naturally all of this would affect productivity and the national economy. Those living in Muslim majority nations can readily feel the effects of stagnation that accompanies the month of Ramadan. In such places, it is a month that is marked by very low productivity. When the entire population of a country observes fasting during the time they are at work, it is inevitable that they will suffer a significant loss in general productivity. In a survey carried out by Cairo’s Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World it is found that the productivity of Arab businesses during the month of Ramadan dropped by a staggering 78%:

	{{Quote\|\|During Ramadan, the productivity of Arab businesses drops by 78%. The essential factors? Fewer work hours, absenteeism, and sick leave. (...) The figures are included in a survey carried out by Cairòs Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World which was printed today by 'Leaders', a Tunisian website. (ANSAmed)<ref name="ANSA">[http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS280US281&q=%28ANSAmed%29+-+Tunis%2C+September%2C3+++During+Ramadan%2C+the+productivity+of+Arab+businesses+drops+by+78%25.+The+essential+factors%3F+Fewer+work+hours%2C+absenteeism%2C+and+sick+leave.&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= Ramadan: Productivity of Arab Businesses Drops by 78%] - ANSAmed, September 3, 2009 (''[http://www.ansamed.info/en/news/ME02.@AM60065.html original URL]'')</ref>}}		{{Quote\|\|During Ramadan, the productivity of Arab businesses drops by 78%. The essential factors? Fewer work hours, absenteeism, and sick leave. (...) The figures are included in a survey carried out by Cairòs Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World which was printed today by 'Leaders', a Tunisian website. (ANSAmed)<ref name="ANSA">[http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGIH_enUS280US281&q=%28ANSAmed%29+-+Tunis%2C+September%2C3+++During+Ramadan%2C+the+productivity+of+Arab+businesses+drops+by+78%25.+The+essential+factors%3F+Fewer+work+hours%2C+absenteeism%2C+and+sick+leave.&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= Ramadan: Productivity of Arab Businesses Drops by 78%] - ANSAmed, September 3, 2009 (''[http://www.ansamed.info/en/news/ME02.@AM60065.html original URL]'')</ref>}}
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	{{Quote\|\|I couldn't concentrate in school. I had nasty heart burn all morning, because we'd wake up at an ungodly hour to gorge! [...] There are many women in my life and some of them are extremely old with various medical conditions. They all feel compelled to fast. It drives me insane!<ref>[http://nimbu.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/its-a-strange-ramadan/ It’s a strange Ramadan] - Blog from Nimbu, a former Muslim, September 14, 2007</ref>}}		{{Quote\|\|I couldn't concentrate in school. I had nasty heart burn all morning, because we'd wake up at an ungodly hour to gorge! [...] There are many women in my life and some of them are extremely old with various medical conditions. They all feel compelled to fast. It drives me insane!<ref>[http://nimbu.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/its-a-strange-ramadan/ It’s a strange Ramadan] - Blog from Nimbu, a former Muslim, September 14, 2007</ref>}}

	==~~Summary==~~		==Apologetic Arguments==

	Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In fact it causes a host of health, performance and mood disorders. Fasting is not normally prescribed for the well being of human beings. Instead, it is commonly understood that eating healthy, smaller-portioned meals, interspersed throughout the day is far better in maintaining a well-balanced diet and far more forgiving on a person's metabolism. Any claims that prolonged and intermittent fasting contributes to the well-being of an individual's health are misleading, based on the scientific studies that prove otherwise. The only benefit of fasting that can be claimed, then, must be metaphysical. However, what is clear is that the practice has concrete and definite physical, social, and economic harms.

	~~==Responses to Apologetics~~==

	#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The majority of evidence for the harms of Ramadan fasting come directly from the conclusions of scientific studies		#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The majority of evidence for the harms of Ramadan fasting come directly from the conclusions of scientific studies
	#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. ~~But~~ many Muslim [[Du'aah]] attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy		#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. Yet many Muslim [[Du'aah]] attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy
	#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast, meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as ad hominem tu quoque, meaning it is not a valid defense of Islamic fasting, but a diversion from the main point.		#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast, meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as ad hominem tu quoque, meaning it is not a valid defense of Islamic fasting, but a diversion from the main point.

Asmith: /* Introduction */ cleaned up language

2025-12-08T03:55:10Z

Introduction: cleaned up language

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:55, 8 December 2025
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	{{QualityScore\|Lead=1\|Structure=4\|Content=4\|Language=2\|References=4}}		{{QualityScore\|Lead=1\|Structure=4\|Content=4\|Language=3\|References=4}}
	<metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc>		<metadesc>Islamic fasting has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior.</metadesc>
	This article discusses the numerous adverse effects of [[Islam\|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') that have been observed using [[Islam and Science\|scientific]] studies and news sources.		This article discusses the numerous adverse effects of [[Islam\|Islamic]] [[fasting]] (''[[Sawm]]'') that have been observed using [[Islam and Science\|scientific]] studies and news sources.
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	==Introduction==		==Introduction==

	Medical fasting can have [[health]] benefits. ~~As we will explain here,~~ Islamic fasting, however, differs in many respects, and thus has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior. Health effects include heat stress, dehydration, migraines and, for lactating women, the nutritional make-up of their milk, among other harms.		Medical fasting can have [[health]] benefits. Islamic fasting, however, differs in many respects, and thus has significant harmful effects on health, national economy and productivity, crime rate, public safety and social behavior. Health effects include heat stress, dehydration, migraines and, for lactating women, the nutritional make-up of their milk, among other harms.

	===What is Islamic Fasting?===		===What is Islamic Fasting?===
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	*Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead.		*Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead.

	Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of food is the correct Islamic way ~~however we cannot function for the whole day by eating only a small amount of food at the time of dawn. This would affect our performance even more during the day~~.		Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of food is the correct Islamic way.

	==Effects on Health==		==Effects on Health==
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	During Ramadan, Moslems are required strictly to avoid fluids and nourishment from dawn to sunset. Heat stress during such abstinence represents a substantial health hazard. In the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) where numerous Moslems, particularly of Turkish origin, perform heat work and other heavy labour, we observed moderate to severe health disturbances in such labourers during Ramadan, e.g.: '''tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and circulatory collapse'''. The '''severe dehydration''' of these workers was demonstrated by substantial increases in their hematocrit, serum protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolyte imbalance. Because of the evidence of the substantial health hazard to Islamic workers in such situations, we have strongly urged employers to refrain from assigning Islamic workers to heat work or heavy daytime work during Ramadan; we have therefore limited systematic studies of health problems during Ramadan to persons performing only moderate work. Even under these conditions signs of dehydration were found in the 32 labourers monitored. Some of these labourers also had to interrupt their observance of Ramadan due to health problems, e.g.: acute gout due to serum uric acid increase, or circulatory insufficiency. In light of the observed potentially harmful pathophysiological effects, the danger of dehydration of Islamic workers due to heat work during Ramadan should be taken very seriously.<ref>Schmahl FW, Metzler B, "The health risks of occupational stress in Islamic industrial workers during the Ramadan fasting period", Polish Journal of Occupational Medicine 1991 4:3 219-28</ref>}}		During Ramadan, Moslems are required strictly to avoid fluids and nourishment from dawn to sunset. Heat stress during such abstinence represents a substantial health hazard. In the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) where numerous Moslems, particularly of Turkish origin, perform heat work and other heavy labour, we observed moderate to severe health disturbances in such labourers during Ramadan, e.g.: '''tachycardia, severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and circulatory collapse'''. The '''severe dehydration''' of these workers was demonstrated by substantial increases in their hematocrit, serum protein, urea, creatinine, uric acid and electrolyte imbalance. Because of the evidence of the substantial health hazard to Islamic workers in such situations, we have strongly urged employers to refrain from assigning Islamic workers to heat work or heavy daytime work during Ramadan; we have therefore limited systematic studies of health problems during Ramadan to persons performing only moderate work. Even under these conditions signs of dehydration were found in the 32 labourers monitored. Some of these labourers also had to interrupt their observance of Ramadan due to health problems, e.g.: acute gout due to serum uric acid increase, or circulatory insufficiency. In light of the observed potentially harmful pathophysiological effects, the danger of dehydration of Islamic workers due to heat work during Ramadan should be taken very seriously.<ref>Schmahl FW, Metzler B, "The health risks of occupational stress in Islamic industrial workers during the Ramadan fasting period", Polish Journal of Occupational Medicine 1991 4:3 219-28</ref>}}

	Naturally ~~we would expect that this~~ would affect productivity, as is evidenced in a later section on Economical effects.		Naturally mthis would affect productivity, as is evidenced in a later section on Economical effects.

	===Weight Fluctuation===		===Weight Fluctuation===
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	===Affect on Circadian Patterns and Sleep Disorders===		===Affect on Circadian Patterns and Sleep Disorders===

	The results of the following study can lead us to ~~conclude~~ that fasting negatively effects an individual's circadian rhythm. As a result, unfavorable side-effects such as lethargy and a lack of motivation, may contribute to a society's lack of productivity:		The results of the following study can lead to the conclusion that fasting negatively effects an individual's circadian rhythm. As a result, unfavorable side-effects such as lethargy and a lack of motivation, may contribute to a society's lack of productivity:

	{{Quote\|\|This change of meal schedule is accompanied with changes in sleep habits, such as delayed and shortened sleep periods, which may affect endocrine and neuroendocrine circadian patterns. Several cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, vascular tone, and coagulation-fibrinolysis) show circadian pattern. Several studies reported that autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity may be responsible for circadian patterns of cardiovascular parameters. '''Changes of sleep habit in Ramadan affects autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity'''. The other negative effects may be that, during fasting patients with cardiovascular disease cannot consume medications, such as anti-ischemic, anti-platelet, anti-hypertensive drugs, and drugs of heart failure on time. Some patients may get admitted to the hospital with cardiovascular symptoms owing to failure of therapy.<ref>"Does Ramadan modify the Circadian Patterns?", Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, March 2006, Vol. 52 Issue 1 [https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/6924/1/jp06011.pdf pdf]</ref>}}		{{Quote\|\|This change of meal schedule is accompanied with changes in sleep habits, such as delayed and shortened sleep periods, which may affect endocrine and neuroendocrine circadian patterns. Several cardiovascular parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, vascular tone, and coagulation-fibrinolysis) show circadian pattern. Several studies reported that autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity may be responsible for circadian patterns of cardiovascular parameters. '''Changes of sleep habit in Ramadan affects autonomic activity and melatonin rhtyhmicity'''. The other negative effects may be that, during fasting patients with cardiovascular disease cannot consume medications, such as anti-ischemic, anti-platelet, anti-hypertensive drugs, and drugs of heart failure on time. Some patients may get admitted to the hospital with cardiovascular symptoms owing to failure of therapy.<ref>"Does Ramadan modify the Circadian Patterns?", Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, March 2006, Vol. 52 Issue 1 [https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/6924/1/jp06011.pdf pdf]</ref>}}
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	{{Quote\|\|2=The results are shown in Table 1. This demonstrates a '''significant rise in the number of Muslims attending during Ramadan''' compared to non-Muslims, with the proportion of Muslims rising from 3.63% of total attendances in the periods before and after Ramadan to 5.11% during Ramadan (P=0.0024). '''The rise in non accident-related attendances among Muslims was also significant''' when compared to non-Muslims (P=0.027) [...]<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1294766/ The effect of the fast of Ramadan on accident and emergency attendances] (J R Soc Med. 1994 September; 87(9): 517–518.)</ref>}}		{{Quote\|\|2=The results are shown in Table 1. This demonstrates a '''significant rise in the number of Muslims attending during Ramadan''' compared to non-Muslims, with the proportion of Muslims rising from 3.63% of total attendances in the periods before and after Ramadan to 5.11% during Ramadan (P=0.0024). '''The rise in non accident-related attendances among Muslims was also significant''' when compared to non-Muslims (P=0.027) [...]<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1294766/ The effect of the fast of Ramadan on accident and emergency attendances] (J R Soc Med. 1994 September; 87(9): 517–518.)</ref>}}

	An increase in road traffic accidents in the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan was reported.<ref>Bener, A., Absood, G. H., Achan, N. V., & Sankaran-Kutty, M. (1992). Road traffic injuries in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 112, 273-276.</ref> ~~Taking this into consideration, you would expect Emergency Services in Muslim majority nations to work twice as hard during this period. Unfortunately, this is not the case.~~		An increase in road traffic accidents in the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan was reported.<ref>Bener, A., Absood, G. H., Achan, N. V., & Sankaran-Kutty, M. (1992). Road traffic injuries in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 112, 273-276.</ref>

	====Disruption of Services====		====Disruption of Services====
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	Monzur was reportedly battered until unconscious and later taken to the Royal London Hospital. His left arm was broken and metal bolts later put in. Tower Hamlets police have made no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.<ref>Sheena McKenzie - [http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/battered_stepney_man_in_recovery_1_655839?action=login Battered Stepney man in recovery] - East London Advertiser, September 23, 2010</ref>}}		Monzur was reportedly battered until unconscious and later taken to the Royal London Hospital. His left arm was broken and metal bolts later put in. Tower Hamlets police have made no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.<ref>Sheena McKenzie - [http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/battered_stepney_man_in_recovery_1_655839?action=login Battered Stepney man in recovery] - East London Advertiser, September 23, 2010</ref>}}

	==~~Economical~~ Effects==		==Economic Effects==

	As some of the above studies established, fasting can cause dehydration, sleep disorders and other harmful affects. Naturally all of this would affect productivity and the national economy. Those living in Muslim majority nations can readily feel the effects of stagnation that accompanies the month of Ramadan. In such places, it is a month that is marked by very low productivity. When the entire population of a country observes fasting during the time they are at work, it is inevitable that they will suffer a significant loss in general productivity. In a survey carried out by Cairo’s Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World it is found that the productivity of Arab businesses during the month of Ramadan dropped by a staggering 78%:		As some of the above studies established, fasting can cause dehydration, sleep disorders and other harmful affects. Naturally all of this would affect productivity and the national economy. Those living in Muslim majority nations can readily feel the effects of stagnation that accompanies the month of Ramadan. In such places, it is a month that is marked by very low productivity. When the entire population of a country observes fasting during the time they are at work, it is inevitable that they will suffer a significant loss in general productivity. In a survey carried out by Cairo’s Institute of Social Sciences of the Arab World it is found that the productivity of Arab businesses during the month of Ramadan dropped by a staggering 78%:
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	{{Quote\|\|I couldn't concentrate in school. I had nasty heart burn all morning, because we'd wake up at an ungodly hour to gorge! [...] There are many women in my life and some of them are extremely old with various medical conditions. They all feel compelled to fast. It drives me insane!<ref>[http://nimbu.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/its-a-strange-ramadan/ It’s a strange Ramadan] - Blog from Nimbu, a former Muslim, September 14, 2007</ref>}}		{{Quote\|\|I couldn't concentrate in school. I had nasty heart burn all morning, because we'd wake up at an ungodly hour to gorge! [...] There are many women in my life and some of them are extremely old with various medical conditions. They all feel compelled to fast. It drives me insane!<ref>[http://nimbu.wordpress.com/2007/09/14/its-a-strange-ramadan/ It’s a strange Ramadan] - Blog from Nimbu, a former Muslim, September 14, 2007</ref>}}

	==~~Conclusion~~==		==Summary==

	Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In-fact it causes a host of health, performance and mood disorders. Fasting is not normally prescribed for the well being of human beings. Instead, it is commonly understood that eating healthy, smaller-portioned meals, interspersed throughout the day is far better in maintaining a well-balanced diet and far more forgiving on a person's metabolism. Any claims that prolonged and intermittent fasting contributes to the well-being of an individual's health are misleading, based on the scientific studies that prove otherwise. The only benefit of fasting that can be claimed, then, must be metaphysical. However, what is clear is that the practice has concrete and definite physical, social, and economic harms.		Intermittent and prolonged fasting is generally not conducive to a healthy lifestyle. Depriving the body of water and essential nutrients by dividing and postponing meals to irregular intervals does nothing to limit consumption. In fact it causes a host of health, performance and mood disorders. Fasting is not normally prescribed for the well being of human beings. Instead, it is commonly understood that eating healthy, smaller-portioned meals, interspersed throughout the day is far better in maintaining a well-balanced diet and far more forgiving on a person's metabolism. Any claims that prolonged and intermittent fasting contributes to the well-being of an individual's health are misleading, based on the scientific studies that prove otherwise. The only benefit of fasting that can be claimed, then, must be metaphysical. However, what is clear is that the practice has concrete and definite physical, social, and economic harms.

	==Responses to Apologetics==		==Responses to Apologetics==

	#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The ~~claim that "most~~ of the ~~evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority~~ of ~~this page references and quotes~~ directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting\|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below.		#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The majority of evidence for the harms of Ramadan fasting come directly from the conclusions of scientific studies
	#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many ~~Muslims~~ attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science\|science]] or a [[Jahannam (Hell)#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist\|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity?		#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslim [[Du'aah]] attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy
	#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast~~. Meaning~~ Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as ad hominem tu quoque~~. Meaning~~ it is not a valid defense of ~~Islam~~, but a diversion ~~that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws~~.		#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast, meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as ad hominem tu quoque, meaning it is not a valid defense of Islamic fasting, but a diversion from the main point.

	==See Also==		==See Also==

Lightyears: Removed 3 sections which have been rightly criticised. Later studies debunk the pregnancy study. Yemen trafficking is a thing only there and unrelated to fasting according to the study itself. Liver toxicity is big leap from paracetemol which would break fast anyway and the study mentions a prolonged period of malnutrition..

2025-05-21T15:53:48Z

Removed 3 sections which have been rightly criticised. Later studies debunk the pregnancy study. Yemen trafficking is a thing only there and unrelated to fasting according to the study itself. Liver toxicity is big leap from paracetemol which would break fast anyway and the study mentions a prolonged period of malnutrition..

@@ Line 95: / Line 95: @@
 In a certain study, the nutritional status of lactating women was affected by Ramadan fasting. All of the nutrient intakes (except vitamins A, E and C) decreased during Ramadan. The study said that it would seem prudent to excuse lactating women from fasting during Ramadan.<ref>"The effect of Ramadan on maternal nutrition and composition of breast milk." Pg. 278-283, vol. 48 - Nutrition and Dietetics; Food Engineering, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey</ref>
 ===Binge eating, headaches and increase in gastric acidity===
@@ Line 119: / Line 108: @@
 Dr. Muhammad Alabdooni, a Muslim and the chairman of the Dutch Moroccan Physicians Association, also maintains there is no scientific proof that Islamic fasting is physiologically beneficial.<ref>[http://www.rnw.nl/africa/article/fasting-during-ramadan-good-your-health Is fasting during Ramadan good for your health?] - Radio Netherlands Worldwide</ref>
 ==Social Effects==
@@ Line 162: / Line 141: @@
 {{Quote||The Passports Department in Makkah arrested over 1,800 persons suspected of pickpocketing and stealing from pilgrims and visitors during the [2011] Umrah and Ramadan seasons ... Hussein stated that the advancement in technology, particularly facial recognition, reduced crimes tremendously in previous years.<ref>[http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article499367.ece 1,800 nabbed for thefts in Ramadan] - Arab News, September 9, 2011</ref>}}
 ===Emergency Services===

IbnPinker at 00:27, 8 March 2021

2021-03-08T00:27:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:27, 8 March 2021
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	===Irritability===		===Irritability===

	The following study in [[Morocco]] found that irritability increased during Ramadan:		The following study in Morocco found that irritability increased during Ramadan:

	{{Quote\|\|		{{Quote\|\|

IbnPinker at 00:05, 8 March 2021

2021-03-08T00:05:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:05, 8 March 2021
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	*Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead.		*Breaking the fast at sunset and again eating and drinking to prepare for the day ahead.

	Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of [[food]] is the correct Islamic way however we cannot function for the whole day by eating only a small amount of food at the time of dawn. This would affect our performance even more during the day.		Some Muslims claim eating a small amount of food is the correct Islamic way however we cannot function for the whole day by eating only a small amount of food at the time of dawn. This would affect our performance even more during the day.

	==Effects on Health==		==Effects on Health==

IbnPinker at 23:57, 7 March 2021

2021-03-07T23:57:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:57, 7 March 2021
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	===Tachycardia, Severe Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting and Circulatory Collapse===		===Tachycardia, Severe Headaches, Dizziness, Nausea, Vomiting and Circulatory Collapse===

	The following study was carried out on ~~[[Turkey\|~~Turkish]] Muslims in [[Germany]] who were involved in heavy and manual work. 'Moderate to severe health disturbances' including severe dehydration were found in such laborers during Ramadan:		The following study was carried out on Turkish Muslims in Germany who were involved in heavy and manual work. 'Moderate to severe health disturbances' including severe dehydration were found in such laborers during Ramadan:

	{{Quote\|\|		{{Quote\|\|

IbnPinker at 23:06, 7 March 2021

2021-03-07T23:06:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:06, 7 March 2021
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	{{Quote\|\|2=The results are shown in Table 1. This demonstrates a '''significant rise in the number of Muslims attending during Ramadan''' compared to non-Muslims, with the proportion of Muslims rising from 3.63% of total attendances in the periods before and after Ramadan to 5.11% during Ramadan (P=0.0024). '''The rise in non accident-related attendances among Muslims was also significant''' when compared to non-Muslims (P=0.027) [...]<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1294766/ The effect of the fast of Ramadan on accident and emergency attendances] (J R Soc Med. 1994 September; 87(9): 517–518.)</ref>}}		{{Quote\|\|2=The results are shown in Table 1. This demonstrates a '''significant rise in the number of Muslims attending during Ramadan''' compared to non-Muslims, with the proportion of Muslims rising from 3.63% of total attendances in the periods before and after Ramadan to 5.11% during Ramadan (P=0.0024). '''The rise in non accident-related attendances among Muslims was also significant''' when compared to non-Muslims (P=0.027) [...]<ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1294766/ The effect of the fast of Ramadan on accident and emergency attendances] (J R Soc Med. 1994 September; 87(9): 517–518.)</ref>}}

	An increase in road traffic accidents in the [[United Arab Emirates]] during Ramadan was reported.<ref>Bener, A., Absood, G. H., Achan, N. V., & Sankaran-Kutty, M. (1992). Road traffic injuries in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 112, 273-276.</ref> Taking this into consideration, you would expect Emergency Services in Muslim majority nations to work twice as hard during this period. Unfortunately, this is not the case.		An increase in road traffic accidents in the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan was reported.<ref>Bener, A., Absood, G. H., Achan, N. V., & Sankaran-Kutty, M. (1992). Road traffic injuries in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. The Journal of the Royal Society of Health, 112, 273-276.</ref> Taking this into consideration, you would expect Emergency Services in Muslim majority nations to work twice as hard during this period. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

	====Disruption of Services====		====Disruption of Services====

IbnPinker at 19:56, 7 March 2021

2021-03-07T19:56:14Z

IbnPinker at 18:16, 7 March 2021

2021-03-07T18:16:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 7 March 2021
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	#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting\|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below.		#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting\|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below.
	#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslims attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science\|science]] or a [[Jahannam#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist\|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity?		#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslims attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science\|science]] or a [[Jahannam (Hell)#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist\|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity?
	#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast. Meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as [[Tu Quoque\|ad hominem tu quoque]]. Meaning it is not a valid defense of Islam, but a diversion that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws.		#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast. Meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as [[Tu Quoque\|ad hominem tu quoque]]. Meaning it is not a valid defense of Islam, but a diversion that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:16, 7 March 2021
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	#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting\|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below.		#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting\|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below.
	#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslims attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science\|science]] or a [[Jahannam#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist\|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity?		#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslims attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science\|science]] or a [[Jahannam (Hell)#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist\|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity?
	#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast. Meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as [[Tu Quoque\|ad hominem tu quoque]]. Meaning it is not a valid defense of Islam, but a diversion that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws.		#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast. Meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as [[Tu Quoque\|ad hominem tu quoque]]. Meaning it is not a valid defense of Islam, but a diversion that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:56, 7 March 2021
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	===Violence and Anti-Social Behavior Towards Non-Muslims===		===Violence and Anti-Social Behavior Towards Non-Muslims===

	The month of Ramadan often sees an increase in violence and anti-social behavior towards religious minorities living among a large Muslim population.<ref name="MNN"></ref> In some Muslim majority countries like [[Algeria]],<ref name="Algeria">[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/22/3018315.htm?section=justin Christians tried for breaking Ramadan fast] - ABC News, September 22, 2010</ref> Morocco,<ref>Doug Bandow - [http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=11966 Morocco: The Limits of Islamic Religious Tolerance] - KATO Insitute, July 8, 2010</ref> Pakistan,<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/181534/25-jailed-pak-eating-public.html\|2=2011-08-06}} 25 jailed in Pak for eating in public during Ramadan] - PTI, August 5, 2011</ref> Saudi Arabia,<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.bikyamasr.com/73404/saudi-warns-non-muslims-with-expulsion-if-eating-drinking-in-public-during-ramadan/\|2=2012-07-22}} Saudi warns non-Muslims with expulsion if eating, drinking in public during Ramadan] - Bikya Masr, July 21, 2012</ref> and in parts of the United Arab Emirates,<ref>Anissa Haddadi - [{{Reference archive\|1=http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/190323/20110801/non-muslim-holidaying-in-dubai-warned-to-respect-ramadan-rules.htm\|2=2011-08-02}} Non-Muslim Holidaying in Dubai Warned to Respect 'Ramadan Rules'] - International Business Times, August 1, 2011</ref> it is against the law to eat or drink in public during fasting hours, and violating these laws can involve jail-time or expulsion.		The month of Ramadan often sees an increase in violence and anti-social behavior towards religious minorities living among a large Muslim population.<ref name="MNN"></ref> In some Muslim majority countries like Algeria,<ref name="Algeria">[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/09/22/3018315.htm?section=justin Christians tried for breaking Ramadan fast] - ABC News, September 22, 2010</ref> Morocco,<ref>Doug Bandow - [http://www.cato.org/pub_display.php?pub_id=11966 Morocco: The Limits of Islamic Religious Tolerance] - KATO Insitute, July 8, 2010</ref> Pakistan,<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/181534/25-jailed-pak-eating-public.html\|2=2011-08-06}} 25 jailed in Pak for eating in public during Ramadan] - PTI, August 5, 2011</ref> Saudi Arabia,<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://www.bikyamasr.com/73404/saudi-warns-non-muslims-with-expulsion-if-eating-drinking-in-public-during-ramadan/\|2=2012-07-22}} Saudi warns non-Muslims with expulsion if eating, drinking in public during Ramadan] - Bikya Masr, July 21, 2012</ref> and in parts of the United Arab Emirates,<ref>Anissa Haddadi - [{{Reference archive\|1=http://uk.ibtimes.com/articles/190323/20110801/non-muslim-holidaying-in-dubai-warned-to-respect-ramadan-rules.htm\|2=2011-08-02}} Non-Muslim Holidaying in Dubai Warned to Respect 'Ramadan Rules'] - International Business Times, August 1, 2011</ref> it is against the law to eat or drink in public during fasting hours, and violating these laws can involve jail-time or expulsion.

	{{Quote\|\|Last year [2009] during Ramadan, there was an upsurge against Christians in the Muslim world," says Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors, USA. Dykstra says that although persecution did not increase in every Muslim nation, it did increase significantly in many of them, Egypt being one of the worst.		{{Quote\|\|Last year [2009] during Ramadan, there was an upsurge against Christians in the Muslim world," says Jerry Dykstra of Open Doors, USA. Dykstra says that although persecution did not increase in every Muslim nation, it did increase significantly in many of them, Egypt being one of the worst.
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	ICC's Jonathan Racho said: "Forcing Christians to fast during the Islamic fasting month is both outrageous and a clear violation of freedom of religion. We call upon Pakistani officials to immediately release Gull and Ashir and take appropriate legal measures against police officers who detained them."<ref>[http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue6747.html Christians arrested in Pakistan for eating during Ramadan] - The Christian Telegraph, September 2, 2009</ref>}}		ICC's Jonathan Racho said: "Forcing Christians to fast during the Islamic fasting month is both outrageous and a clear violation of freedom of religion. We call upon Pakistani officials to immediately release Gull and Ashir and take appropriate legal measures against police officers who detained them."<ref>[http://www.christiantelegraph.com/issue6747.html Christians arrested in Pakistan for eating during Ramadan] - The Christian Telegraph, September 2, 2009</ref>}}

	Ramadan-inspired violence against non-Muslims and non-observant Muslims is on the increase in secular societies. Notable incidents include; a Jewish women in Toulouse, [[France]], being called a "dirty Jew" and struck on the head by two Muslim teenagers for buying food during fasting hours; a Muslim man in a central Lyon Restaurant struck in the head with a glass bottle and hit with a chair by three youths for not respecting Ramadan;<ref>[http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=25211 Two people assaulted in France for eating during Ramadam. One was not even Muslim] - Vlad Tepes, August 24, 2010</ref> an 11-year-old in Sydney, [[Australia]], chased and later beaten by Muslim students because he ate a salami sandwich during Ramadan;<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/national/parents-say-son-was-tormented-for-eating-salami-sandwich-during-ramadan/story-e6frfkvr-1225797140592 Parents say son was tormented for eating salami sandwich during Ramadan] - The Daily Telegraph, November 13, 2009</ref> a Turkish MP in Berlin, [[Germany]], beaten by restaurant staff for ordering pork sausages;<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://news.am/eng/news/70698.html\|2=2011-08-12}} Turkish MP was beaten for ordering pork sausage in Germany] - NEWS.am, August 11, 2011</ref> and the following report is of an atheist living in the [[United Kingdom]]:		Ramadan-inspired violence against non-Muslims and non-observant Muslims is on the increase in secular societies. Notable incidents include; a Jewish women in Toulouse, France, being called a "dirty Jew" and struck on the head by two Muslim teenagers for buying food during fasting hours; a Muslim man in a central Lyon Restaurant struck in the head with a glass bottle and hit with a chair by three youths for not respecting Ramadan;<ref>[http://vladtepesblog.com/?p=25211 Two people assaulted in France for eating during Ramadam. One was not even Muslim] - Vlad Tepes, August 24, 2010</ref> an 11-year-old in Sydney, Australia, chased and later beaten by Muslim students because he ate a salami sandwich during Ramadan;<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/national/parents-say-son-was-tormented-for-eating-salami-sandwich-during-ramadan/story-e6frfkvr-1225797140592 Parents say son was tormented for eating salami sandwich during Ramadan] - The Daily Telegraph, November 13, 2009</ref> a Turkish MP in Berlin, Germany, beaten by restaurant staff for ordering pork sausages;<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://news.am/eng/news/70698.html\|2=2011-08-12}} Turkish MP was beaten for ordering pork sausage in Germany] - NEWS.am, August 11, 2011</ref> and the following report is of an atheist living in the United Kingdom:

	{{Quote\|\|Monzur Rahman was left with a broken arm, damaged eye and lying unconscious in the street after the violent attack earlier this month. The 39-year-old atheist claims he was brutally set upon by a pack of youths for failing to observe Ramadan.		{{Quote\|\|Monzur Rahman was left with a broken arm, damaged eye and lying unconscious in the street after the violent attack earlier this month. The 39-year-old atheist claims he was brutally set upon by a pack of youths for failing to observe Ramadan.
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	{{Quote\|\|'''Low productivity during Ramadan affects Dubai employees'''<BR><BR>Performance in most companies, institutions and government departments around the Arab world is usually at a low during the month of Ramadan, with poor productivity and constant reported absences.<ref>[http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NjkyOTQ3NTM0 Low productivity during Ramadan affects Dubai employees] - Kuwait Times, September 24, 2007</ref>}}		{{Quote\|\|'''Low productivity during Ramadan affects Dubai employees'''<BR><BR>Performance in most companies, institutions and government departments around the Arab world is usually at a low during the month of Ramadan, with poor productivity and constant reported absences.<ref>[http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=NjkyOTQ3NTM0 Low productivity during Ramadan affects Dubai employees] - Kuwait Times, September 24, 2007</ref>}}

	In [[Bahrain]], the work day is reduced to six-hours instead of the normal eight hours:<ref name="arabnews" />		In Bahrain, the work day is reduced to six-hours instead of the normal eight hours:<ref name="arabnews" />

	{{Quote\|\|Alaa Al-Mohammadi, 27, works as a teaching assistant at King Abdul Aziz University, which, during Ramadan, opens between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Al-Mohammadi noticed the low level of productivity during the month of Ramadan, especially among students. “On account of the nature of the month when people stay up all night, absenteeism increases among students,” she said.<ref name="arabnews"/>}}		{{Quote\|\|Alaa Al-Mohammadi, 27, works as a teaching assistant at King Abdul Aziz University, which, during Ramadan, opens between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Al-Mohammadi noticed the low level of productivity during the month of Ramadan, especially among students. “On account of the nature of the month when people stay up all night, absenteeism increases among students,” she said.<ref name="arabnews"/>}}
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	#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting\|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below.		#'''''"Most of the evidence provided is from newspaper articles. Not very scientific is it?"'''''<br>The claim that "most of the evidence provided is from news paper articles" is false. The majority of this page references and quotes directly from the conclusions of scientific studies. It also quotes medical experts and statistics provided by Medical facilities. As for the news articles quoted here, they are reliable sources that reference and describe the conclusions of scientific studies. For an indepth section by section response, see the '[[Talk:Adverse Effects of Islamic Fasting\|talk]]' page, or simply view the references provided below.
	#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslims attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science\|science]] or a [[Jahannam (Hell)#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist\|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity?		#'''''"Muslims do not fast in Ramadan so they can be healthy. They fast because Allah commanded them to."'''''<br>This is true. But many Muslims attempt to justify this unhealthy practice by claiming it is healthy. Besides, if Allah is all-knowing and merciful, he would not endanger his followers' health by making a hazardous activity become compulsory. However, it would make complete sense if we were to accept he is ignorant of [[Islam and Science\|science]] or a [[Jahannam (Hell)#Why_It_Makes_Allah_a_Sadist\|sadist]]. But then why would anyone want to worship such a deity?
	#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast. Meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as ~~[[Tu Quoque\|~~ad hominem tu quoque]]. Meaning it is not a valid defense of Islam, but a diversion that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws.		#'''''"Islam is just one of numerous religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Catholicism etc.) that prescribe fasting for its people."'''''<br>This claim is true, but also very disingenuous. Rules vary but fasting in Christianity is not compulsory, nor is it expected to be a complete fast. Meaning Christians generally reduce (not stop) their intake of food, and also drink freely during fasts. This is perfectly healthy and not comparable to the Islamic sawm. Similarly in Hinduism, fasting is a part of the religion, but individuals observe different kinds of fasts based on their personal beliefs and local customs.<ref>[{{Reference archive\|1=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting\|2=2013-03-14}} Fasting] - Wikipedia, accessed March 14, 2013</ref> This argument is also a logical fallacy known as ad hominem tu quoque. Meaning it is not a valid defense of Islam, but a diversion that some may construe as an indirect admission of Islam's flaws.

	==See Also==		==See Also==