religion where you cant eat until sunset in may

Nonoral dosage forms such as injections, inhalations, suppositories and eye/ear drops are usually allowed during the fast, although some variations of consideration exist. For short-term conditions requiring treatment, such as antibiotics for infections or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, medications with once-daily dosing should be selected.

2 Suggested regimens are available for certain chronic conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, 3 thyroid disease 4 and heart disease, 5 although more information is needed. Individuals who take chronic medications need to adjust medication schedules so they can be taken between the evening meal of Iftar (sunset) and the morning meal of Suhoor (dawn).įor medications taken multiple times during the day, recommended strategies include choosing long-acting formulations (e.g., sustained release) or changing dosing regimens to once or twice daily. 1 Similarly, some children may also insist upon fasting, although they usually fast for only a portion of the day.Ĭaring for patients who celebrate the month of Ramadan represents a unique undertaking for health care professionals, including pharmacists. Thus, many observers still choose to fast and do not disclose this to their health care professionals, even if it puts their health at risk. As a result, there is a strong desire to participate in all aspects, even when exceptions can be made for chronic illness.

It is also important to note that Ramadan is the largest Muslim celebration of the year, akin to Christmas for Christians and Diwali for Hindus. Instead, they can honor Ramadan through charity, such as by feeding a less privileged person in lieu of fasting. Most important, exceptions are made for people who cannot perform the fasting safely, such as the elderly and those who are chronically ill (e.g., those with diabetes). Similarly, women who are menstruating or who have postpartum bleeding perform their fasts after bleeding has stopped. Anyone who is travelling, sick, pregnant or breastfeeding during Ramadan can make up the missed fasts when able. Generally speaking, fasting during Ramadan is mandatory for all adult Muslims who are of sound mind and physically able to tolerate it. For Muslims in Canada, this means that fasting can last up to 17 hours a day. For the next few years, Ramadan will fall over the longest days of the year in May and June. Iftar is usually rich in calories and is taken with a large amount of fluids.Įvery year, Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, which means it moves ahead by a couple of weeks on the Western (Gregorian) calendar.

At sunset, families break the fast together during a celebratory evening meal known as Iftar, often eating with neighbours and extended family. For Muslims, the goal is to improve their spiritual and physical state and to fortify their relationship with God.Įach day of Ramadan begins with a predawn meal known as Suhoor that includes enough food and water to sustain the individual over a long day of fasting.

Over the month of Ramadan, between dawn and sunset, individuals refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, intercourse and taking oral medications. Ramadan is a warm, community celebration for practising Muslims that involves a month of fasting, worship and feasting.

Religion where you cant eat until sunset in may