Fasting is an obligation upon every Muslim and training students to fast is considered an important educational practice, says a doctor from the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC).Dr Budoor al-Shammari, consultant paediatrician at Al Thumama Health Centre, has emphasised the importance of awareness and guidance regarding students’ fasting. She noted that this responsibility begins first with the family, followed by schools and teachers, stressing that fasting brings students spiritual reward and blessings.Dr al-Shammari says that fasting plays a major role in instilling the religious duty in their hearts and carries positive effects that are clearly reflected in a student’s life, behaviour, and academic performance.She explained that fasting teaches students to be mindful of Allah, the Almighty both in private and in public, strengthens their willpower, and contributes to refining behaviour and adopting the virtues of the righteous predecessors.Dr al-Shammari highlights that from a health perspective, especially for students, studies have shown that fasting has a positive and effective impact on increasing concentration, improving comprehension skills, and enhancing academic achievement. Research has also demonstrated that fasting plays an important role in strengthening memory, particularly short-term memory.She added that fasting helps the body eliminate weak and unhealthy cells and contributes to reducing excess weight and obesity among students.To ensure a successful fasting experience, Dr al-Shammari has highlighted several important guidelines for male and female students. The physician says that fasting gradually trains the student to fast, especially at the preparatory stage, by starting with approximately six hours per day and then increasing the duration gradually. This approach is commonly known as “bird fasting.”Dr al-Shammari suggests eating small, frequent meals that include all essential nutrients, with a focus on complex carbohydrates that provide longer-lasting energy, while not neglecting the role of protein in promoting a feeling of fullness.She has also recommended delaying the Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) until just before the Fajer call to prayer, as Suhoor carries blessings and drinking sufficient amounts of water between Iftar (breaking the fast) and the beginning of the fast, ranging from two to three litres daily.According to Dr al-Shammari, staying engaged in acts of worship such as prayer and reading the Quran is another step as this helps divert attention from food, and not neglecting physical activity. She has also noted that the best recommended physical activities are brisk walking and cycling.
Friday, February 27, 2026
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Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.
