JEDDAH: For the first time in decades Muslims in Saudi Arabia (and other arid parts of the world) are observing Ramadan during the hottest month of the year — August.
The abstention of food and water during the daylight hours focuses the mind on one very important pillar of Islam and graphically reminds the faithful of one of its central tenets making each believer mindful of what many of the world’s poorest feel each day.
Dealing with abstaining from food and especially water during the longer summer hours can be a challenge, especially for those who labor outdoors. Mild dehydration affects mental performance; in adults, it can produce light-headedness, fatigue, headaches, as well as a decrease in alertness and an inability to concentrate. At higher levels of dehydration the effects are more severe, including loss of motor skills and delirium.
For this reason, the Ministry of Labor strongly urges employers to avoid outdoor labor by their workers (such as construction, garbage collection and landscaping) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For its part, the National Society for Human Rights has become more vocal this year about the need for the ministry to enforce this rule in order to protect workers. During Ramadan, the danger to outdoor laborers who adhere strictly to fasting is exacerbated if they are ordered to toil in the sun for nine hours in heat that can break 45 to 50 degrees Celsius in the Arabian Peninsula.
“This year, due to the hot summer temperatures, it is important to educate the public and let everyone know the best measures to take regarding the best types of foods and drinks to partake of during Sahoor before fasting and how to break the fast at sunset in order to stay healthy throughout the month,” said Dr. Khaled Madani, general supervisor of the Department of Nutrition in Makkah province who is also vice president of Saudi Society for Food and Nutrition.
“Some of the best ways to protect oneself from dehydration is to try to stay in a cool place and not to overtax one’s body in order to properly balance fluids throughout the day during the fast,” Madani said.
He explained that some tips for believer’s fasting during the summer months is to try to drink as much water and healthy drinks such as milk and juice as he can before beginning the next day’s fast. Also taking Sahoor as late as possible before the sunrise will help shorten the fasting time.
Madani advised against popular Ramadan foods such as kunafa and fried sambousa that are high in fats and sugars.
“The best types of foods to eat in my opinion and especially during the hot days are fruit and vegetables because they contain a large percentage of water,” he said. Another important point, according to Madani, is not to overindulge once the fast is broken.
“While also breaking the fast and throughout the evening hours when eating and drinking is permitted one should also be mindful of one of the most important issues in all aspects of Islam which is moderation and care for the body which Allah has given us as a gift and trust,” he said.
