Holy Month Of Ramadan Research Articles

Observational Study of the Tunisian Diabetic Patients' Profile during the Fasting of the Holy Month of Ramadan

Observational Study of the Tunisian Diabetic Patients' Profile during the Fasting of the Holy Month of Ramadan

Brutalisation as a Survival Strategy: How the 'Islamic State' Is Prolonging Its Doomsday Battle

The recent bomb attacks at the Istanbul airport (28 June 2016), in a tourist cafe in Dhaka, Bangladesh (2 July), and in Bagdad (3 July) were part of a “Ramadan campaign” announced by the spokesman of the self-declared “Islamic State” caliphate in late May 2016. This series of attacks was intended to make the Islamic holy month of Ramadan “a month of calamity everywhere for the non-believers.” It has generated significant international attention for an organisation which has recently lost the cities of Ramadi and Falluja in Iraq and which is under serious pressure in the strategic city of Manbij in Syria. This article analyses the Islamic State’s (IS) contextual use of different forms of violence and argues that the attacks and the defeats are two sides of one coin: the group is losing territory and credibility by failing to continue with its expansion of the universal Islamic caliphate that “Caliph” Abu Bakr promised in summer 2014; it is now compensating for these territorial losses by expanding its field of action through terrorist attacks, thereby suggesting a fictitious expansion. The article explains how the group has exhibited a three-stage “cycle of violence” in which violence has served specific functions. In the first stage, from roughly 2003 to 2010, violence was used as part of a mobilisation strategy. In the second stage, from 2010 to 2015, violence served mainly to facilitate the group’s expansion and rule. In the third stage, which began in 2015, the increasingly brutal violence and the fictitious expansion have constituted the centrepiece of a survival strategy. Against this background, the article suggests that the Islamic State will most likely not have a future as a territorial entity but will, at best, survive as a terrorist apocalyptic sect.

Effects of fasting on Blood pressure in normotensive males

Muslims all over the world fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting means abstinence from drinking any liquids, eating, smoking and taking anything parenterally. It is intermittent in nature from the start of dawn to end at dusk. Fasting has various physiological effects on different biological parameters of the human body. Previous studies that look at effect of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure have focused mainly on hypertensive patients and patients with already established heart disease.(1,2)There is very limited data regarding the effect of fasting on the normal population. (3,4) A few previous studies have advocated a hypotensive role of fasting.(5) In our study published in Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad (JAMC) in 2015, “Effects of Ramadan Fasting on Blood pressure in normotensive males”, we investigated the effect of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure of normotensive men. We conducted a repeated measure observational study in Karachi, Pakistan on 70 individuals who were normotensive, non-smokers between the ages of 18–50 years. . Blood pressure, pulse, BMI of each participant was recorded one week before the start of Ramadan and in the first, second and third week of Ramadan. The results of our study show that intermittent fasting has a hypotensive effect in normotensive males as proven in animal models and certain human population. There was an average drop of 8/3 mmHg and while the results are significant, their clinical relevance needs to be analysed. Studies on animal models have suggested atrial natriuretic peptide, catecholamines, opiates and body mass index as possible reasons for the decrease in blood pressure due to fasting.(3, 6) Dewanti et al suggested that the cause of drop in blood pressure was the drop in BMI however in our study we found that a drop in BMI only occurred before Iftar towards the end of the fast. There was no significant drop in post-Iftar BMI although there was a significant drop in blood pressure post-Iftar. At the same time ANP has been investigated and found to have no relationship with the phenomenon. We observed a drop in both pre and post Iftar period blood pressure readings. From the community health perspective these results cast doubt on the results of screening for hypertension in the month of Ramadan. Our study has some limitations. First of all, our results cannot be generalized to women and individuals suffering from chronic diseases. Secondly, one cannot exclude the confounding effect of the type of food taken during the breaking of the fast for example individuals taking stimulants like coffee and tea might have yielded readings that were confounded.

A narrative review on fasting of pregnant women in the holy month of Ramadan

One of the basic rituals of Islam is fasting during Ramadan. In this month, all able-bodied Muslims abstain from food, fluids, smoking, and oral medications from sunrise to sunset. According to the Quran, if fasting poses major health risks to individuals, fasting during this holy month is not allowed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fasting on maternal and fetal health. Therefore, we investigated studies in three different areas, including fetal growth and development, intrauterine and early-life conditions, and laboratory findings. According to the results, fasting had no significant effect on pregnant and healthy women. However, further studies should be conducted in this area in order to obtain more comprehensive and accurate results. Furthermore, it is suggested that healthy pregnant women be monitored by physicians during fasting.

Physiology of Ramadan Fasting

Considering the emphasis of Islam on the importance of fasting, Muslims attempt to fast from dawn until sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is associated with several benefits for normal and healthy individuals. However, it could pose high risks to the health of diabetic patients due to certain physiological changes. This study aimed to compare the physiological changes associated with fasting in healthy individuals and diabetic patients during Ramadan. Furthermore, we reviewed the domestic articles published in this regard.

Management of Thyroid Diseases and Steroid Replacement in Ramadan: A Review Study

Most Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Patients with thyroid diseases do not normally need medication adjustment and are able to fast safely. On the other hand, hypothyroid patients are prescribed with thyroxine tablets, which should be taken on an empty stomach at bedtime or half an hour before Sohur. Hyperthyroid patients receiving treatment with methimazole or carbimazole have to adjust to 1-2 daily doses, while patients using propylthiouracil need to change their drug regimen. Severely symptomatic hyperthyroid patients require immediate treatment and must avoid fasting for a few days. Since adrenal insufficiency might be life-threatening, proper education is essential for these patients if they are willing to fast in Ramadan. In this regard, the educational content should be focused on the disease, proper medication, alarming signs and symptoms, sick day rules, dietary regimen, and physical activity.

Guidelines for managing diabetes in Ramadan.

Globally there are approximately 90 million Muslims with diabetes of which approximately 400 000 reside within the UK. The holy month of Ramadan is a fundamental practice of this religion of which fasting from sun-rise to sun-set is an integral part. This poses many potential risks for those with diabetes who wish to observe Ramadan. The evidence base for best clinical management of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes during Ramadan was reviewed. We reviewed current and previous recommendations for safe fasting during Ramadan. The risks associated with fasting in those with diabetes and preparing your patient for Ramadan are discussed. We have reviewed the evidence around diet-controlled diabetes and therapies including; metformin, acarbose, metglitinides, sulfonylureas, thiazolidinidiones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4), sodium glucose co-transporter -2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide -1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and insulin. Up to date guidelines for the management of treatment regimes are set-out for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who wish to fast during Ramadan.

Experience with diabetic adolescents observing ramadan fasting

Background and Aims: Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an obligatory duty for all healthy adult Muslims. Fasting can be a major challenge for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as they have to keep good glycemic control to avoid complications. Limited data was published regarding the safety of fasting Ramadan in adolescent patients with T1DM. We have therefore conducted this study addressing the question “Can adolescents with T1DM fast safely during the Holy month of Ramadan, without getting significant hypo/hyperglycemia?” Patients and Methods: This is an observational, prospective, single center study, conducted during Ramadan 2013. Twenty-three patients were observed (7 males, 16 females). Median age was 14 years. All of them had T1DM, and were planning to observe the fast during Ramadan. They were provided with dairies to be filled by the parents or the adolescents themselves (with parental supervision), indicating the days they fasted/didn't fast, and the reasons for not fasting e.g. hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, menstrual period, sickness or other reasons. Patients were also asked to record the blood glucose readings and their insulin doses on daily basis. They were asked to bring their folders back to the Diabetic clinic after Ramadan. Outcome measures obtained included the percentages of the days fasted/not-fasted, the reasons for not fasting, HbA1c changes, and a comparison between patients on multiple daily injections and those on insulin pump. Moreover, we studied the relationship between the number of days not-fasted due to diabetes related issues and the HbA1c before Ramadan. Results: Patients were able to fast 79.9% of the total days eligible for fasting, while 20.1% of the days were not fasted due to either hypoglycemia (29.1%), hyperglycemia (19.4%) or other reasons (51.5%). None of the patients developed severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. There was a mild increment in mean HbA1c after Ramadan (from 8.3% to 8.5%). The patients on insulin pump tended to fast more days than those taking multiple daily injections (82.8% versus 77.3% out of the total eligible days). Patients who had able to fast more days without diabetes related problems tended to have had a marginally better glycemic control before Ramadan (8.3% versus 8.7%). Conclusions: Adolescent patients with T1DM wishing to fast during the holy month of Ramadan may contemplate doing this under medical supervision. The use of insulin pump therapy may help patients to fast more easily and have better control. Adequate education and good glycemic control prior to Ramadan is associated with better outcome.

Evaluation of the Status of Iran’s Scientific Production Concerning “Ramadan Fasting” in the Health Field Using PubMed and the Scopus Databases From Beginning to 2015: A Letter to the Editor

Research and scholarly activities have always attracted the attention of both officials and scholars, as these activities have significant impact on the country’s scientific and economic growth. Experts consider research as the infrastructure of development and describe a successful and progressive society orbiting around scientific elite and competency. A society that its decisions are supported by academic institutions, aims towards development and promotion. Health scientific production is one of the means of improving health systems in each country. The number of articles published in the health field of each country is the index of its health system development and countries are classified according to their ability to produce knowledge. Furthermore, with increase in the number of scientific publications in the field of health, the challenges and solutions will be followed and discussed in this area too. Dissemination and application of knowledge in the field of health has a direct effect on improving researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers in the health sector. Fasting is one of the topics discussed in the medical field and one of the pillars of Islam worship. According to the commands of Islam, Muslims are required to fast during the holy month of Ramadan and do a series of tasks and rituals during this month. Some of these practices entail abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. This hunger and thirst during the day, raises the question that what are the impacts of fasting on human health. One of the most common methods of evaluating scientific activities is scientometrics that was introduced in Russia and grew in eastern European countries, and then all around the world. Publication of articles in scientific journals that is the result of authors and peer review work (before publication) is one of the most important examples of scientific production. Scientometrics that describes research in various scientific communities could be a useful element for policy and research management and allocation of funds and resources in sciences. This research seeks to understand the fact that whether researchers have focused on the effects of fasting on health and how much is the medical scientific production on fasting. The findings could help the Iranian and foreign researchers to understand the shortages of research on fasting in the health field. To collect data, Medline and Scopus databases were used. Medline database is one of the areas of search and retrieval of medical science that is provided by national center for biotechnology information, (NCBI) at the US national library of medicine. For searching, keywords were fasting (Mesh) and Ramadan. Scopus database is one of medical science citation databases. In order to search in the Scopus database “fasting” and “Ramadan” keywords were used. A total of 476 papers were published in the PubMed database regarding these topics. Iran’s share of total production (476 Articles) was 40 articles (4.8%), which would locate Iran in the second place after Turkey with 48 articles. The other published articles belonged to Saudi Arabia (31 articles), Tunisia (30 articles), Morocco (25 articles), the United Kingdom (24 articles), Malaysia (15 articles), Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore (14 articles each), Qatar (13 articles), France (9 articles), Egypt (8 articles), and Algeria (6 articles). The Scopus database contained 540 articles in this area. Iran’s share of total production (540 article) was 57 articles (10.5%). Turkey was in the second place with

Primary Care Providers' Knowledge and Practices of Diabetes Management During Ramadan.

There are an estimated 3.5 million Muslims in North America. During the holy month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims are to fast from predawn to after sunset. While there are exemptions for older and sick adults, many adults with diabetes fast during Ramadan. However, there are risks associated with fasting and specific management considerations for patients with diabetes. We evaluated provider practices and knowledge regarding the management of patients with diabetes who fast during Ramadan. A 15-question quality improvement survey based on a literature review and the American Diabetes Association guidelines was developed and offered to providers at the outpatient primary care and geriatric clinics at an inner-city hospital in New York City. Forty-five providers completed the survey. Most respondents did not ask their Muslim patients with diabetes if they were fasting during the previous Ramadan. Knowledge of fasting practices during Ramadan was variable, and most felt uncomfortable managing patients with diabetes during Ramadan. There is room for improvement in educating providers about specific cultural and medical issues regarding fasting for patients with diabetes during Ramadan.

Orchestrated scientific collaboration: critical to the control of MERS-CoV.

Orchestrated scientific collaboration: critical to the control of MERS-CoV.

Investigating the condition of medical counseling and some of clinical aspects for fasting in holy month of Ramadan from the perspective of diabetic and hypertensive patients

Introduction: Although fasting has many benefits for health, it can be dangerous for patients. So it is necessary that physicians have adequate information about clinical aspects of fasting and they should advice patients. Therefore in this study we analyses the condition of physicians counseling about fasting from the perspective of patients. Methods:In this descriptive analytical cross-sectional study, patients with diabetes and hypertension who were going to doctors in Isfahan in holy month of Ramadan of 2012 and 2013 completed the questionnaires. A valid self-regulation questionnaire including patient`s satisfaction from the quality of physicians counseling about fasting (In the area of education, evaluation of the patient condition, communication /relationship with patients), caring for diseases in holy Ramadan and the incidence of symptoms in fasting had been used with = 0.76. The patients completed the questionnaire after visit. The data was analyzed by Independent t-test, chi-square, Regression, one-way ANOVA in the19 spss software. Results: 285 patients, 199(69.8) female and 86(30.2) male, were selected. The mean satisfaction score of counseling was 70.50 ±13.23. The highest score (75.36±14.16) was referred to counseling of physician, and the least score (66.09±18.84) to patient assessment by physician. Mean score of Patients' satisfaction of specialists was higher than of general practitioner (p-value<0.0001). There were no significant differences between mean score of patients' satisfaction and their education, age, sex, disease and disease duration. In about one-third of cases, there weren’t any conversation about Ramadan fasting. The most common symptoms during fasting were fatigue and headache. Conclusion:The quality of medical counseling for holy Ramadan in Isfahan was relatively appropriate but it is far from what is expected. It is necessary that physicians pay more attention to counseling for fasting in holy Ramadan.

Holidays in lights: Tracking cultural patterns in demand for energy services.

Successful climate change mitigation will involve not only technological innovation, but also innovation in how we understand the societal and individual behaviors that shape the demand for energy services. Traditionally, individual energy behaviors have been described as a function of utility optimization and behavioral economics, with price restructuring as the dominant policy lever. Previous research at the macro‐level has identified economic activity, power generation and technology, and economic role as significant factors that shape energy use. However, most demand models lack basic contextual information on how dominant social phenomenon, the changing demographics of cities, and the sociocultural setting within which people operate, affect energy decisions and use patterns. Here we use high‐quality Suomi‐NPP VIIRS nighttime environmental products to: (1) observe aggregate human behavior through variations in energy service demand patterns during the Christmas and New Year's season and the Holy Month of Ramadan and (2) demonstrate that patterns in energy behaviors closely track sociocultural boundaries at the country, city, and district level. These findings indicate that energy decision making and demand is a sociocultural process as well as an economic process, often involving a combination of individual price‐based incentives and societal‐level factors. While nighttime satellite imagery has been used to map regional energy infrastructure distribution, tracking daily dynamic lighting demand at three major scales of urbanization is novel. This methodology can enrich research on the relative importance of drivers of energy demand and conservation behaviors at fine scales. Our initial results demonstrate the importance of seating energy demand frameworks in a social context.

Evidence for an association between suicide and religion: a 33-year retrospective autopsy analysis of suicide by hanging during the month of Ramadan in Istanbul

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on the number of suicides in order to assess whether religious faith is associated with a decreased number of suicides during that period. In this retrospective study, a total number of 82,871 autopsies have been performed in the Morgue Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine (Istanbul) of the Ministry of Justice between 1978 and 2012, 33 years. For the study purposes, the earlier start of Islamic calendar months (i.e. 10 or 11 days earlier each year) compared with the Gregorian calendar was taken into account and file details such as crime scene investigation reports, information obtained from the police, and autopsy results were assessed. Of the 4315 suicide cases, 267 were reported during Ramadan, while 4048 were recorded during other months. Of the 33 years examined, only five Ramadan months exhibited a suicide rate above the annual average and there was a significantly lower (p = 0.042) incidence of suicides during Ramadan. Suicide by hanging is less frequent during Ramadan compared with non-Ramadan months, probably reflecting a positive spiritual influence of this period on Muslims.

Understanding the traveling behavior of Muslims in the United States

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of Islamic beliefs and practices on leisure and travel behavior of Muslims in Clemson, South Carolina. With the increase of Muslims in the USA, from both conversion and immigration, it is important to examine the effects of their religion on leisure and travel behavior.Design/methodology/approach– Using the grounded theory approach, semi-structured interviews with six Muslim men and six Muslim women of different nationalities were conducted in English in the local Mosque of Clemson, South Carolina, in the fall of 2011.Findings– The results provide some evidence that Islamic beliefs and behavioral practices influence leisure and travel behavior of Muslims in the USA. The study identifies seven major themes that play an important role in determining leisure and travel behavior of Muslims in Clemson. These are the importance of mosques, traveling with a Mohram, Hijab and a dress code for men and women, drinking alcohol and being in places where alcohol is served, eating pork, Holy Month of Ramadan and Dabiha.Practical implications– The study highlights the need for tourism marketers to pay more attention to the influence of religion on leisure and travel behavior of Muslim travelers.Originality/value– The study provides the tourism industry with a better understanding of the importance of religion influences on the special needs of Muslim travelers and shows how the industry can better accommodate these needs.

Trading growth for happiness

Social Science![Figure][1] Muslims pray before breaking fast during the holy month of Ramadan PHOTO: © DIVYAKANT SOLANKI/EPA/CORBIS Does the dawn-to-dusk fasting practiced by Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan affect labor supply and productivity? The timing of Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, and day length varies with latitude and season; Campante and Yanagizawa-Drott use these sources of exogenous variation to demonstrate that longer fasting results in a lower rate of growth in gross domestic product. They also find that an increase in subjective well-being serves as recompense for what is a costly religious practice, probably via well-established cultural mechanisms that have contributed to the evolution of many prosocial religions, as described by Norenzayan et al. Quart. J. Econ. 130 , 10.1093/qje/qjv002 (2015); Behav. Brain Sci. 10.1017/S0140525X14001356 (2014). [1]: pending:yes

Pharmacist Role in Pharmaceutical Care during Ramadan

Introduction: Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Hijri calendar where Muslims are ex-pected to fast every day from dawn to sunset. The eating behavior changes during Ramadan and the abstinence of food affects the oral drugs administration and other convenience dosage forms. There is a need to highlight and illustrate the role of the pharmacists in medication adjustment challenges that the patients conquer in the Holy month of Ramadan. Objectives: To estimate the awareness of pharmacists’ role in providing pharmaceutical care during Ramadan; moreover, to explore pharmacists’ perspective on the importance of medication regimen adjustment along with the proper counseling required to optimize patients’ health throughout fasting. Method: This is an observational study that was done through dissemination of a cross-sectional survey among 130 pharmacists covering Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Northern Emirates regions. The targeted population consisted of practicing community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists across UAE. Results: Among pharmacists participated in the study 115 pharmacists (88.5%) were Muslims and 79 pharmacists (60.8%) were Arabs. 126 pharmacists (97%) reported performing one or more kinds of medication regimen adjustment around Ramadan for at least one patient. Changing the frequency had the highest percentage by the pharmacist compared to other methods of regimen adjustment (39%). Moreover, the results revealed that 46.9% of the pharmacists chose not to change the medication itself. Nineteen percent of Muslim pharmacists initiated the conversation about medication regimen adjustment (P = 0.0448) compared to non-Muslims, while14% of pharmacists were Arabs who showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion: In conclusion, pharmacists are more qualified to adjust and manage medication regimens than what they are presently performing. Utilization of such skill is required to adjust patients’ medication regimen during fasting the Holy month of Ramadan and to ensure safe transition for fasting patients into and out of Ramadan.

The Contribution of Diaspora on Household Poverty Alleviation: Zanzibar Urban West Region

The main objective of this study was to examine the contributions of Diaspora on household poverty alleviation in Unguja Urban West Region Zanzibar. The results indicate that the people living in Diaspora contribute greatly to their household members in terms of improving their income. The Diaspora brought to the home population between TZS 1, 000,000 up to TZS 5,000,000 which mark 64% of the income. About 44% of the total income brought by Diaspora is coming in the holy month of Ramadan. While 33.3% of the income is coming in the holydays and only 23% of the funds are coming in other months when needed by household members. Furthermore, the results show the positive effect on the contribution of Diaspora on supporting social services to the household members. Whereas 59% of the income brought for social services from the Diaspora is being used for education development, 26% is being used for the development of health and15% is for other services like paying for electricity and water bills. Zanzibaris in Diaspora are increasingly making contributions to the establishment of investments. The statistics on investment by Diaspora show that investment in car ranks top (28.2%) followed by investment in running shops (18%) building schools (15.3%), establishing stationary, (15.3%) opening dispensary (13%) and 10.2% are invested in other areas. General findings reveal that members living in Diaspora established Information Technology Centre and Education Centres in Unguja Ukuu which help the member of households and other people in the society in Unguja. The study conclude that Diaspora is important in the poverty reduction to the extent that their contribution in improving peoples income, provision of social services like education and health services are the major indicators in the improvement of living standards to the people. It is recommended therefore that the Zanzibar government should increasingly recognize the contribution they make in poverty alleviation and economic development of their home country and has to take some positive steps to engage in Diaspora. Also the government is recommended to know where Diaspora lives, their numbers, level of education and their occupation the case that will be easily to utilize them in their country of origin.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words: Enhancing a Sense of Community During Ramadan

This essay discusses the rituals that are observed during the holy month of Ramadan, how they vary within Muslim cultures, and reinforce a sense of community.

The Calendar Impact And Trading Behavior: An Empirical Evidence From Around The Globe

This paper is aimed to determine a change in the stock markets returns or its volatility from the globally selected Islamic mutual funds during the month of Ramadan, as all Muslims around the world eagerly and enthusiastically follow the rituals of the holy month of Ramadan. The paper uses monthly data of equity funds for those which are domiciled and those which operate globally within the period of January 2004 until December 2009. It is interesting to note that the empirical results provide no supporting evidence for the effect of the Ramadan month on the Islamic equity fund performance when examined using a dummy variable for the Ramadan month. Nevertheless, the evidence reveals that the volatility of stock returns remarkably decreases during this month. The reason for the decrease in volatility may be the result of the speed of economic activities during that month. Although, there is a decline in stock return volatility in the month of Ramadan, the return indicates no significant change.