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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is a special time for Muslims. During
this holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world abstain from food, drinks and other physical
needs during daylight hours. It is also a time of reflection, sacrifice, generosity and devotion.
Through fasting and devotion one feels closer to their Creator and acknowledges that
everything in this life is a blessing from him
Through fasting one experiences thirst and hunger remembering those in the world who have
very little to eat on a daily basis.
It is a time for generosity and good will towards others
With self- control, a Muslim practices good habits, speech and manners
The bond of sisterhood and brotherhood is strengthened through family and community
gatherings
It is an opportunity to establish more healthy lifestyle habits especially with dietary habits
These experiences and lessons that are experienced during the month of Ramadan should stay with the
individuals throughout the year
EID-AL-FITR
Eid Al Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the month which is after Ramadan in the Islamic
calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan and celebrations continue for three days. It is also a time to
give charity to those in need, time for celebration with friends and family. After Eid prayers, visits
are made to families and friends, presents are given to children and everyone joins in the sprit of
festivity.
Ella Kumar
South Asian Lifestyle Coordinator
ProCare Health Ltd
Email : ellakumar@xtra.co.nz
09 629066(H)
021 0477642
Janifa Janif
Relationship Manager
Settling In
Family and Community Services
Ministry of Social Development
09 9161836
Purvi Chhichhia
Health Promotion Advisor
Procare Health Ltd
Email : Purvi.Chhichhia@procare.co.nz
Hashem Slaimankhel
Chairman
Umma Trust
ummatrust@xtra.co.nz
LIFESTYLE DURING
HEALTHIER
FASTING (SAWM)
Suhoor at pre-dawn followed by breaking fast at scheduled time. Next meal is approx
2 hours later and supper approximately at10.30pm.
Please do eat your pre-dawn meal before you start your day of fasting
Toast, Cereals like oats (high in fibre will keep you full for longer time), high fibre cereals,
weetbix with yogurt, egg sandwiches with wholemeal bread and vegetables, tuna or chicken
sandwich or traditional snacks like upma and powa.
A handful of nuts with the breakfast is good
Water to avoid dehydration and headaches during the day is important
Remember normally our body can survive without food for days together.
DINNER:
SUPPER:
A smaller quantity as, you do not want to sleep with a heavy full stomach.
Light snacks, it may be just fruits if you have a good dinner.
SELF REFLECTION
Your fasting is also with the mind. You believe in the fasting and the reason for this.
You also have the control and the power to decide how your health should be.
Make good choices so you look after your self so you can have many years to look forward
for fasting, being with your families, watching your children and grand children grow up.
The opportunity of foods available to us in this country is unlimited. We dont have to eat all
the foods everyday. Make wise choices.
Adults try to have good healthy food around more often in the home so it is easier to access
for the children.
Remember some people
may look thin but may have harmful
fat around their internal
organs. Our South Asian, Middle
Eastern and African
communities are at risk of heart
disease and diabetes and we
need to reduce our intake of fatty,
fried and sugary foods.
Trying cooking with less salt, sugar and saturated fat such as ghee
Spices and herbs such as Garam masala, fresh lime, pepper, chilli, coriander, parsley
can be used instead of salt to add flavour to your favourite dishes
Snacks like samosas and pastries can be baked in the oven by brushing or spraying
them with oil and bake till crisp and brown
Grill or stir fry vegetables instead of frying
To retain vitamins and minerals in the vegetables do not overcook.
Use wholemeal flour for making breads, naans and trying serving your favourite
dishes with brown rice