Sheikh Dr. Al Kubaisi Emphasizes Importance of Healthy Fasting during Ramadan

Sunday, Aug 22, 2010

Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and liquids from dawn to dusk, but also about maintaining positive thoughts and actions and nourishing spiritual life, according to the prominent Islamic preacher Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al Kubaisi.

Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and liquids from dawn to dusk, but also about maintaining positive thoughts and actions and nourishing spiritual life, according to the prominent Islamic preacher Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al Kubaisi.

Sheikh Dr Ahmed Al Kubaisi’s remarks were part of a special lecture on the principles behind Ramadan and the importance of healthy fasting hosted by Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of TECOM Investments. Dr. Nasir Nawasreh, General Physician at The City Hospital, also offered his views on the subject.

The event also encouraged donations for Al Noor Training Center for Children with Special Needs. Handicraft items made by the centre’s children proved highly popular among visitors to the event.

Citing scriptures, Sheikh Al Kubaisi said:"In order to obtain forgiveness and blessing, one must continue to execute daily work normally in addition to abiding by a set of duties during Ramadan. These include honouring parents, not using fasting as an excuse for being tardy, visiting relatives, abstaining from gossip and demonstrating general goodwill.

"Act as if this is the last Ramadan in your life and think of it as a chance to communicate with God. Adhering to the true principles behind Ramadan alone will bring forgiveness to the believer.”

Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, Executive Director, Center for Healthcare Planning and Quality at Dubai Healthcare City, said: “Dubai Healthcare City was established to bring quality healthcare to the community. With over 60 different specialties and 90 facilities, our role is not just to provide healthcare but to encourage greater community awareness on looking after our health and wellbeing. We have organized this lecture to offer information on spiritual and physical welfare that Ramadan brings to our life. We are glad it also encouraged discussions on health issues that impact everyone.”

Dr. Nasir Nawasreh explained how the month of Ramadan must be regarded an opportunity to make healthy lifestyle choices:”Seminars and lectures such as these gain more significance in an era where fast food, lack of physical exercise, diabetes and obesity are commonplace. Dubai Healthcare City needs to be commended for its endeavour to host the ‘Healthy Fasting’ lecture as it is crucial to raise awareness about the practice during Ramadan.”

As part of its social responsibility agenda throughout the year, DHCC is hosting community-oriented events that specifically focus on health issues and promote holistic well being.