Latest news with #Negm
See - Sada Elbalad
17-04-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Negm: Islam Offers Holistic Model of Solidarity
Mohamed Mandour In his address at the international conference titled "Citizenship, Identity, and the Shared Values of Coexistence' held in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Ibrahim Negm, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, emphasized that compassion and social solidarity lie at the heart of the Islamic message. These values form the foundation for building cohesive societies capable of confronting modern challenges such as poverty, violence, and social fragmentation. Dr. Negm stressed that Islam offers a holistic model of solidarity that transcends emotional or material support, encompassing ethical conduct, faith, and institutional action. Drawing on examples from the Prophet's life—such as the brotherhood between the Muhajirin and the Ansar—and the waqf (endowment) system, Negm called for the revival and application of these principles to address contemporary moral and societal crises. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Arts & Culture Arwa Gouda Gets Married (Photos)
Khaleej Times
27-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan in UAE: Fasting boosts mental health, helps manage stress; here's how say doctors
As Ramadan approaches, doctors in the UAE are emphasising the psychological benefits of fasting, highlighting its impact on mental clarity, cognitive function, stress management, and emotional well-being. Beyond its religious and cultural significance, fasting has gained scientific recognition for its positive effects on mental health. Experts note that fasting helps regulate stress hormones, improves focus, and promotes emotional stability, making it a tool for overall psychological well-being which additionally helps gain mastery over habit and routine. With millions worldwide preparing for a month of spiritual reflection and self-discipline, medical professionals are encouraging individuals to approach fasting mindfully, ensuring both physical and mental well-being throughout Ramadan. Dr Mahmoud Negm, Consultant Psychiatrist, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi said, 'Fasting can enhance cognitive function by promoting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. The reduction in glucose levels and the increase in ketones (which serve as an alternative energy source for the brain) may help improve focus, alertness, and mental clarity. Additionally, fasting triggers the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports learning, memory, and cognitive resilience.' Improves memory and brain function Doctors highlighted a study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience (2021) found that intermittent fasting could improve memory and brain function as well. 'Fasting may reduce stress and anxiety by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a crucial role in the body's stress response. The mild stress induced by fasting can enhance resilience to psychological stressors, similar to how exercise strengthens muscles,' added Negm. Healthcare professionals explained that fasting has been linked to improved mood due to its effects on neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The practice may also enhance emotional regulation by reducing inflammation, which has been associated with depression and mood disorders. Dr Kariman Rabie Mohamed Mostufa, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Master degree in Neuropsychiatry, Specialist Psychiatrist, Zulekha Hospital Dubai, said, 'Regular intermittent fasting has been linked to improved mood and emotional stability. By balancing blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation, it can help reduce symptoms of depression and mood swings.' Healthcare professionals also explained the research that suggests how fasting can activate adaptive stress responses, strengthening the brain's resilience to stress. Dr Shyam Raja Mohan, Specialist ‑ Internal Medicine, Prime Hospital, Dubai said, 'The autophagic process (body's way of cleaning out damaged parts of cells and recycling them for energy or new components), which is activated during fasting, aids in cellular repair and brain function, contributing to a more stable mood. Fasting influences neurotransmitter activity, particularly serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation. The temporary metabolic switch during fasting increases ketone production, which has been associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety.' 'However, a research paper in 2022 notes that short-term fasting has been linked to an increase in depression, anxiety, irritability and tension,' added Mohan. Increased feelings of calmness, euphoria But despite this awareness, mostly medics emphasised that majority of studies indicate that fasting participants experience increased feelings of calmness, euphoria, and emotional balance. They further explained that fasting also plays a crucial role in developing self-control from both psychological and neurological perspectives. Abstaining from food and other pleasures for a set period demands discipline, delayed gratification, and mental resilience — factors that reinforce the self-control mechanism. Negm added, 'Fasting is a voluntary restriction of an essential need (food), which trains the brain to resist impulsive behaviour. This enhances willpower, a key component of self-control. Research in self-regulation theory suggests that engaging in acts of self-discipline in one area of life (such as fasting) can strengthen overall self-regulation in other areas, including emotional control and decision-making.'
