People suffering from sickle cell anaemia (SCD) have been advised to listen to medical advice before fasting during the holy month.
The Islamic faith allows exemptions from fasting during Ramadan for those who are sick and many with the hereditary blood disease are already at risk of a variety of acute and chronic health issues, including infection, crisis attacks and stroke.
Those, however, passionately wanting to participate in fasting should be careful. Bahrain Sickle Cell Society chairman Zakariya Al Kadhem urged them to consider ‘finding other ways that can bring them closer to God’.
“Ramadan is not just about fasting. It’s a time to give back, forgive and fulfil your duty, whether big or small,” he said. “If your doctor has advised you to not fast, it’s important to listen to the medical professional and your body. It’s not smart to take a decision that supersedes professional medical advice.”
He recommended that people should consult their imam and donate money, work on building stronger bonds with family, forgive, pray and be mindful to those who are fasting.
“Although I am not fasting, I still aim to be respectful towards others, and I won’t eat or drink in front of my family,” he explained.
Mr Al Kadhem revealed that he had not been able to fast for many years because of his chronic condition and physical limitations.
“I have felt the shame, but it’s important to push through and focus on your mission, even if it’s different to another person’s,” he said, adding that not eating or drinking isn’t enough to fulfil your mission during Ramadan, it’s deeper than that.
Doctors say dehydration can contribute to major complications among sufferers who number more than 8,000 in Bahrain.
Sickle cell is caused by a defect in a gene. A person will be born with sickle cell disease only if two genes are inherited – one from the mother and one from the father. A person who inherits just one gene is healthy and said to be a ‘carrier’ of the disease.
In someone who has SCD, the haemoglobin is abnormal causing the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a ‘sickle’. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells.
Mr Al Kadhem recommended a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and staying away from oily foods and sugar. For those insisting on fasting, he believes they should break their fast in small portions.
Eating a small number of dates or drinking warm soup, he added, is an ideal way to break their fast.
“If sickle cell patients are going to fast they must also refrain from exercise, as it dehydrates them even more throughout the day,” he suggested, adding that dehydration could lead to serious complications for patients ranging from infections, exhaustion, stokes, pain crisis and even death.
In Bahrain, Muslims are fasting for up to 14 hours a day as they abstain from food, drink, sex and smoking during daylight hours.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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