Ramadan takes places between 28 February and 30 March, and we know it can be a challenging time for people who are affected by eating disorders and distress. We've put together this information to support individuals and their loved ones.

The Holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims around the world fast from dawn (Suhoor) to dusk (Iftar), abstaining from food and drink amongst other things. It is a time where communal eating with family and friends both during Suhoor and Iftar is commonly practiced. The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day celebration of prayer, family, food and fun.

Although Muslims eagerly await Ramadan all year round for the peace and blessings it brings, it is rarely discussed, but Ramadan can also be a challenging time for anyone with a mental illness, including those suffering with an eating disorder (ED). There are many different types of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia and binge eating disorders. Eating Disorders do not discriminate; anyone can be affected, including people of all genders, ages, ethnicities and religious and spiritual backgrounds.

People suffering with an ED may feel guilt, shame and isolation for not being able to fast during this time or alternatively they may decide to fast but find it extremely anxiety provoking, stressful and in some cases it can also compromise health and wellbeing; therefore it is important to follow both professional/medical advice as well as advice from a trusted Imam/Spiritual leader who is well versed in mental health and social and community matters for support during this time.

Overall, it is important to remember that Ramadan is not only a time for fasting but is also a time for devotion and connection with God through prayer, self-reflection, charity, and other acts of kindness.

According to the Quran (Surah Al-Baqarah verse 184) fasting is not obligatory for those who are ill, pregnant/nursing, travelling, young children and the elderly and highlights alternative ways of taking part during this month.

Information for those with an ED during Ramadan

• Place focus on what you CAN do rather than what you can’t
• Connect with God through reading the Quran, reading with its translation and spending time pondering upon its lessons
• Listen to the Quran
• Read books or listen to podcasts to increase knowledge of Islam
• Help or volunteer for your local community, charity or mosque
• Spend time with those who may be needy or lonely- including the sick or elderly can be rewarding
• Attend Taraweeh prayers, Dhikr (remembrance of God) with family and friends
• Give charity and show acts of kindness to others around you
• Practice self-compassion- taking care of yourself is also showing gratitude to God

Information for family, friends and carers during Ramadan

• Remind family and individual that they are exempt from fasting- lowering the pressure to fast or feeling forced to fast
• Help the individual find alternatives to fasting- promoting inclusion, a sense of belonging and participation
• Include individual with an ED at both Suhoor and Iftar times, if possible, even if they are not fasting- Try to not pressure individual into eating too much or at all at these times but instead encourage togetherness
• Avoid using critical words, comments and remarks about diet and weight goals during Suhoor and Iftar and instead use neutral language
• Support individual with their mealtimes to ensure they are eating regularly even though others may be fasting
• Try to remain patient and try to gain more understanding of eating disorders
• Overall, ask the individual what would be most helpful for them and how they would like to be supported during this time- try to keep communication open and flexible

Useful Links
Association of UK Dieticians on Ramadan and eating disorders
Guide to Ramadan and eating disorders from Forward Thinking Birmingham

Information from Beat
Information for young people from Young Minds