Consultant Paediatrician at Al Thumama Health Centre of the Primary Health Care Corporation Dr. Budoor Al-Shammari
Doha, Qatar: Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam and an act of worship that Allah Almighty and His Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), commanded us to observe. It is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman. Training students to fast is considered an important educational practice, as it plays a major role in instilling this religious duty in their hearts.
Consultant Paediatrician at Al Thumama Health Centre of the Primary Health Care Corporation Dr. Budoor Al-Shammari (pictured) emphasised the importance of awareness and guidance regarding students’ fasting. She noted that this responsibility begins first with the family, followed by schools and teachers, stressing that fasting brings students spiritual reward and blessings.
She explained that fasting teaches students to be mindful of Allah both in private and in public, strengthens their willpower, and contributes to refining behaviour and adopting the virtues of the righteous predecessors.
From a health perspective, especially for students, studies have shown that fasting has a positive and effective impact on increasing concentration, improving comprehension skills, and enhancing academic achievement. Research has also demonstrated that fasting plays an important role in strengthening memory, particularly short-term memory.
She added that fasting helps the body eliminate weak and unhealthy cells and contributes to reducing excess weight and obesity among students.
To ensure a successful fasting experience, Dr. Budoor Al-Shammari highlighted several important guidelines for male and female students, most notably gradually training the student to fast, especially at the preparatory stage, by starting with approximately six hours per day and then increasing the duration gradually. This approach is commonly known as “bird fasting.”
Eating small, frequent meals that include all essential nutrients, with a focus on complex carbohydrates that provide longer-lasting energy, while not neglecting the role of protein in promoting a feeling of fullness.
Delaying the Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) until just before the Fajer call to prayer, as suhoor carries blessings, and drinking sufficient amounts of water between Iftar (breaking the fast) and the beginning of the fast, ranging from two to three liters daily.
Staying engaged in acts of worship such as prayer and reading the Quran, as this helps divert attention from food, and not neglecting physical activity. Among the best recommended activities are brisk walking and cycling.
