Muslim Community Leader Health Training Day

Time: 10.00am – 3.00 pm Wednesday 14 July 2010
Location: London Muslim Centre, 46-92 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX

Press Conference

Time: 10.30am – 11.30 am Wednesday 14 July 2010
Location: Al Hayaa Fitness, London Muslim Centre, 46-92 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX
RSVP by Tuesday 13 July to Ruhul Tarafder:

In the first event of its kind in the UK, doctors and other health professionals are running a day of training for Imams, scholars, and respected voices to highlight the dangers of ignoring medical advice during Ramadan. Health professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, will give a presentation to an audience of 40 community leaders on Wednesday 14 July, outlining the dangers of not following medical advice.

An accompanying booklet with all the information will be distributed throughout the east London area at mosques, pharmacies, GP surgeries and clinics, hospital wards and waiting rooms. It is hoped the information – available in a booklet in Bengali, Somali and English - will enable community leaders to advise others how to protect their health while still observing religious practices.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a contemplative time for Muslims across the world, who pray and fast during daylight hours as well as attend special services with family and friends. The training day is a unique initiative by Faith in Health and The Association of Islamic Teachers, in partnership with Barts and The London NHS Trust, NHS Tower Hamlets, and Unitas Communications. Barts and The London Lead Cancer Nurse Nuala Close explained: “This is an extremely important and busy time of the year for Muslims and we realised that many were cancelling vital medical appointments for cancer and other serious conditions like diabetes.

“Others were failing to take their medication altogether in order to avoid breaking their fast, or taking it in a single dose on an empty stomach when their fast ended which is highly dangerous with powerful toxic drugs such as those used in chemotherapy.

“We realised something urgently needed to be done to prevent people jeopardising their health unnecessarily.” GPs, pharmacists and hospital doctors will be available at the training day to explain the dangers of such practices and suggest alternative ways of how Muslims can stay healthy without breaking the parameters of Ramadan.

In some cases, for example, a charitable donation can be made if it is considered too dangerous for a person to fast because of a health condition. Another solution can be to switch the times a person takes their medication to night-time so their daylight fast is not compromised.

The ultimate aim of the training day is for community leaders and role models to be able to reassure their fellow Muslims – based on the sound medical advice we hope to offer – that prioritising their health is not out of keeping with the expectations of fasting.

Chief Imam of the East London Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Qayum, said: “Islam has great flexibility for those with medical conditions during the month of Ramadan. Every case is unique and I would encourage people to seek advice from their doctors and Imams on the best course of action rather than try to adjust their medical plans on their own which may result in a detriment to their health.”

Professor Sir Mike Richards, the Government's national cancer director, also welcomed the project.

He said: “This is an important initiative which will promote awareness of cancer and other conditions. Muslim patients can be confident about taking medication and coming to hospital appointments during Ramadan.

“We are grateful to the community leaders who are working in partnership with hospital and local health services to ensure that the message is heard within the community.