Barts Health NHS Trust has joined forces with local Muslim religious leaders to encourage residents to have a healthy and memorable Ramadan.

This year, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar starts on or around 7th June 2016 and lasts until 6th July 2016. Adults are required to fast from dawn to sunset, but those in poor health or who have deteriorating health, the very elderly and mothers who are breastfeeding are exempt from doing so.
Residents who suffer from any chronic illness or health complication are advised to speak to their GP to see if they can safely fast during Ramadan. If fasting is not recommended by the GP, residents should speak to their local Imam.
Imam Faruq Siddiqi, Muslim Chaplain at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “Ramadan is a very important spiritual month for Muslims and fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam that is practiced during the month. Although everyone will want to fast, patients who suffer from any chronic illness or health complication should consult their GP prior to fasting, to see if they can do so safely during Ramadan.
“Remember that Islam enables you to avoid fasting if your health is likely to deteriorate and it will be un-Islamic to make your health worse due to fasting.”
Dr Tahseen Chowdhury, Consultant Diabetologist at Barts Health NHS Trust, said: “Many people in the area hope to fast during the month of Ramadan. It is important, however, that if you have significant health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems, you consult with your GP, nurse or consultant and seek advice on whether or not it is safe to fast. Many health conditions can be seriously affected by fasting.”
Barts Health NHS Trust launched this year pre Ramadan campaign on 17 May at the Mile End Hospital. The media launch was chaired by the Inclusion lead Banji Adewumi and conducted by the community engagement manager Khasruz Zaman.
The main speakers of the launch were diabetes consultant Dr Tahseen Chowdhury and Trust Muslim Chaplain Imam Faruq Siddiqi and renal specialist nurse Helen Rainey.