Ramadan

There are two billion Muslims Globally on this small planet which we all share…that`s more than twenty five percent of the World`s population  and  it`s estimated that ninety three percent observe Ramadan.

Ramadan is one month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.  It is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam – the third Abrahamic religion alongside Judaism and Christianity.  Ramadan involves fasting , which means not eating or drinking from dawn to sunset.  It doesn`t  apply to children, the elderly,  chronically ill, or those who are travelling.  The permitted pre- dawn  meal  is called Suhur and the meal after sunset,  is known as Iftar.

This year Ramandan, which is during the ninth month of Islamic calendar, started on Sunday March 10^th and ends on Tuesday April 9^th.

Dr Arthif Daniel is a dental surgeon based in England. He is a member of the WBC`s Medical Committee and Advisory Board, a professional Boxer with the nickname of Dr Hitman and he is a Believer, one who submits himself to God – the Arabic word for which is “Muslim.” And who follows the Religion of Abraham, commonly known as Islam.

Daniel explains that Ramadan is a fundamental  religious and life principle ,  which tests both faith, patience and elicits empathy with the poor. A time of abstinence, goodwill  and goodness in word plus deed.

At his own  request, he  himself started observing  Ramadan at the age of nine, but at that stage for the young, it`s done in half fast stages, only  lasting until midday should they wish to partake.  The reason for all of this is to attain God consciousness  and there`s the added aspects of all the good things that any Believer is supposed to do, which  is even more emphasized during the month of Ramadan. As is mentioned in the Final Testament, The Noble Quran:

“O you who believe. Fasting has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who came before you (i.e. the previous Abrahamic Prophets & their respective nations), so that you may attain God consciousness.” 2:183

This also and importantly practically involves refraining from cursing, losing your temper:  “A person who doesn`t give up false speech or false actions, God is no need of his abstention of food and drink” – a statement of the Abrahamic Prophet, Muhammad, upon whom be peace.

The spiritual element is important and overrides the physical  element. Daniel explains: “You don`t feel the pangs of hunger or thirst realizing the attention for doing so is higher.  We can also feel the token of appreciation for those who suffer poverty.  Charity, which is the fourth pillar of the Religion of Abraham is massively focused upon in terms of giving.  You put your hand in your pocket as a heightened token of that appreciation.”

Moderation when the food is actually available is an essential  part of Ramadan, when it comes to breaking the fast, but not giving in to excess or gluttony.   With the pre-dawn meal, the intake of water, as well as eating fresh fruit including dates is fundamental.  Nutritious  foods  in the correct amounts.  Controlling  the three most basic desires.

There is a consensus in medicine that properly controlled and regulated fasting,  has significant health benefits. However during Ramadan, quite apart from the spiritual considerations, a boxer is not going to be in prime/optimal physical condition.

Many boxers who are Believers will train normally during Ramadan, but avoid sparring. One option is to train in the time leading to dusk and then be able to eat and replenish energy which has been expended.  Another  option is night time training after the post dusk meal. Although  everyone is different and each boxer finds their own way, which best suits them.

Boxers  who work out in the gym year round and who have fine –tuned  metabolic rates don`t  tent to lose weight during Ramadan, while the rest of us do.  But,  there are the distinct and tangible benefits of eating fresh fruits, oats and dates.