Karachi, February 18, 2025 – In anticipation of the upcoming holy month of Ramadan, the Women’s Wing of Karachi Press Club, in collaboration with the Women’s Circle of Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi, organized a special event to welcome Ramadan. The program, held at the Women Comples of Karachi Press Club, focused on the spiritual, social, and health aspects of fasting, featuring distinguished speakers who highlighted the importance of reconnecting with the Quran and adopting a healthy lifestyle during Ramadan.
The event featured a presentation by Deputy Secretary Information Asri Ghauri, who emphasized the significance of Ramadan in light of the Quran and Hadith. She stressed that a true connection with the Quran is essential for attaining the spiritual essence of fasting. Quoting from Surah Al-Baqara, she reminded the audience that fasting has been ordained upon believers to help them develop righteousness. She further elaborated on the need to revive the values and principles brought by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to create a just and pious society, similar to the State of Medina.
“Ramadan is a special guest, a divine gift for all of us,” she said, adding that distancing from the Quran has led to modern-day challenges such as economic instability, increasing crime rates, and social unrest. She also spoke about the significance of the Quran’s revelation in this sacred month and the blessings of Lailatul Qadr, the Night of Power, which falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Health and Nutrition During Ramadan
The event also featured a special talk by Dr. Erfana Malik, a family physician, who provided essential health guidelines for Ramadan. She highlighted that besides the spiritual benefits, fasting has medical advantages that impact overall well-being.
Dr. Malik advised participants to maintain a balanced diet and avoid unhealthy eating habits during Sehri and Iftar. She recommended replacing simple carbohydrates with complex ones, as they digest slowly and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. She also encouraged the consumption of lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs, and yogurt while preferring olive oil over other cooking oils.
“Hydration is key,” she emphasized, advising women to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water between Iftar and Sehri to prevent dehydration and fatigue. Additionally, she cautioned against strenuous exercise while fasting and suggested light physical activity, such as short walks, to maintain fitness without exhausting the body.
“Ramadan is an opportunity to reset our lifestyle, break unhealthy habits, and adopt a healthier routine,” Dr. Malik remarked. She also discussed the importance of Suhoor, advising never to skip the pre-dawn meal, as it plays a crucial role in sustaining energy levels throughout the day.
Diabetes and Fasting: International Guidelines
Addressing concerns about diabetes and fasting, Dr. Malik shed light on international medical guidelines, including recommendations from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the Diabetes and Ramadan Alliance.
She explained that diabetic patients fall into two categories: high-risk and low-risk.
- High-risk patients (including Type 1 diabetics, Type 2 diabetics on insulin, and those with complications or multiple health conditions) are generally advised not to fast, as it may pose severe health risks.
- Low-risk patients (Type 2 diabetics on oral medication with no major complications) may fast with careful monitoring and dosage adjustments, as per their doctor’s advice.
Dr. Malik dispelled the common myth that checking blood glucose during fasting is not allowed. “Monitoring your sugar levels is essential. If you feel symptoms like dizziness, sweating, or tremors, check your blood sugar immediately,” she urged. She advised diabetics to break their fast if their blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dl (3 mmol) or rises above 300 mg/dl (16 mmol), as severe fluctuations could lead to serious complications.
The session concluded with a heartfelt dua (prayer) for peace, health, and blessings in Ramadan, followed by a group photo session to commemorate the gathering.
Prominent attendees included Member Governing Body Mona Siddiqui, Deputy Nazima Karachi Azra Saleem, Central Secretary Information Fariha Ashraf, and Secretary Information Karachi Samreen Ahmed. The event was a successful initiative to prepare women for a spiritually and physically fulfilling Ramadan.
