Ramadan fasting enhances mental health, immunity — Neurosurgeon

Scholars have emphasised the numerous benefits of Ramadan fasting, highlighting its positive impact on the health and well-being of Muslims who observe it. Dr Abdul-Haadi Tihamiy, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, said fasting not only strengthens the immune system but also enhances mental health. Speaking at the Ramadan Da’wah […]

Scholars have emphasised the numerous benefits of Ramadan fasting, highlighting its positive impact on the health and well-being of Muslims who observe it.

Dr Abdul-Haadi Tihamiy, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Abeokuta, said fasting not only strengthens the immune system but also enhances mental health.

Speaking at the Ramadan Da’wah workshop organised by the Lekki Muslim Ummah, themed “Poverty Alleviation: The Role of Islamic Philanthropy,” Dr Tihamiy, alongside other scholars, discussed various aspects of health and social well-being.

The Chief Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, Dr Imam Ridwan Jamiu, addressed Zakat and Waqf as essential tools in Islamic social finance while Dr Jubril Salahudeen of Dr Nungu Business School explored the causes and solutions to poverty among Muslims.

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As the event’s keynote speaker, Dr Tihamiy highlighted the extensive health benefits of fasting, stating that many medical conditions can be managed or even treated through it. He noted that fasting aids in alleviating depression, anxiety and stress disorders.

“During fasting, the liver gets a chance to rest and detoxify harmful substances in the body,” he said.

He further said extensive research has provided “undeniable evidence” supporting Ramadan fasting as a therapeutic approach for certain health conditions.

“Time-restricted fasting, such as Ramadan fasting, has been proven highly beneficial. Hundreds of scientific papers confirm how fasting helps detoxify the body and allows the system to rest.

“However, an area yet to be fully explored is its effectiveness in managing obesity. Research has also shown that fasting can significantly help control Type 2 diabetes, to the extent that some experts now recommend it as a therapy for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus,” he explained.

In his lecture, Imam Jamiu said poverty is a “disease” that Islam seeks to eradicate through Zakat (obligatory charity) and Waqf (charitable endowments).

“Islam recognises poverty as a challenge that must be tackled through Zakat, charity, and Waqf. These instruments serve as mechanisms to create jobs and support families in need,” he said, adding that proper management of Zakat distribution ensures its effectiveness in alleviating financial hardships.

Dr Salahudeen, in his speech, underscored the importance of education in overcoming poverty. He urged wealthy individuals to extend support to the underprivileged, thereby reducing economic disparities.

Dr Abdul Ganiy Labinjo, President of Lekki Muslim Ummah (LEMU), highlighted the organisation’s structured Zakat distribution system as part of its efforts to combat poverty within the Muslim community.

However, he advised against excessive dependence on charity, encouraging self-reliance.

“Being a Muslim does not mean you have to be poor. Some people wrongly associate Islam with poverty, perhaps because of the emphasis on sadaqat (voluntary charity) and zakat. However, this does not mean everything should be free,” he said.

Dr Labinjo also criticised the misconception that qadar (destiny) should be used as an excuse for inaction.

“I don’t believe qadar means sitting idly and expecting wealth to come effortlessly. My understanding is that after making your best efforts, if things don’t work out, then you accept it as Allah’s will. But you must first put in the effort and adopt a proactive mindset,” he said.