Latest news with #fasting
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Holiest day in Islam: UAE residents to fast as Hajj pilgrims scale Arafah mountain
Muslims across the UAE are recommended to fast tomorrow, Thursday, in observance of the Day of Arafah - one of the most sacred days in Islam. As pilgrims performing Hajj in Makkah gather on the plain of Arafah, Muslims around the world who are not on the pilgrimage will mark the day with fasting, prayer, and reflection. The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid Al Adha, and is deeply significant in Islamic tradition. "Allah chose this day to complete the religion of Islam," said Sheikh Ayaz Housee, Imam of NGS and Khateeb at Al Manar Islamic Centre. "In Surah Al-Ma'idah, Allah says: 'This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favour upon you, and approved Islam as your religion.' That declaration was made on the Day of Arafah," he explained. Day of forgiveness The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described it as the day when Allah's mercy is at its peak. "There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah," the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, as recorded in Sahih Muslim. "It's a spiritual day unlike any other. For those standing in Arafah during Haj, it's a moment of closeness to Allah. For the rest of us, fasting helps us connect to that moment from afar," said Sheikh Ayaz. Fasting on this day is highly recommended. "The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that fasting on the Day of Arafah wipes away the sins of the previous year and the year to come,' said Sheikh Ayaz. 'That's 730 days of minor sins forgiven for one day of sincere fasting.' He also encouraged people to eat a proper pre-dawn meal, give in charity, read the Quran, and avoid distractions to make the most of the day. Chance to reset spiritually Dr Abdul Hameed Zafar, an imam at a mosque in Dragon Mart, said the Day of Arafah is about deep personal reflection. "It's a day to pause and turn back to Allah. Whether you are fasting at home or standing in prayer at the mosque, the goal is the same - to seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal," he said. "People should use the day to make dua, ask Allah for what they truly need - peace, guidance, good health, or forgiveness. The doors of mercy are wide open," said Dr Zafar. Scholars said that as Hajj reaches its peak in Makkah, Muslims in the UAE and around the world will share in the spiritual power of the day. "Through fasting and worship, Muslims should aim to draw closer to their Creator - even if they are thousands of kilometers away from Arafah," added Dr Zafar.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Dietitian hits out at LeBron James' strict food schedule
A dietitian has hit out at Lakers star LeBron James for his strict food schedule, most notably advising people to stay away from the way he fasts to start each day. James revealed during his 'Mind the Game' podcast, which he hosts with fellow basketball legend Steve Nash, how he typically spends a day, with a workout coming before his first full meal of the day. That pushes into the late lunch hours for most Americans, who are not expected to perform on the hardwood late into the evening. "' have either a green juice or some fruit or whatever the case may be, but I don't eat a full meal until I get back home after practice' James said. 'My first meal is usually around 1:30, 2 o'clock.' The typical person may not have peak health following James' example. 'This type of nutrition routine is not ideal for most active individuals,' said Melissa Mitri, a registered dietitian, per the New York Post. 'A large body of research suggests that fueling both before and after exercise is beneficial for optimal performance, recovery, and muscle-building benefits.' 'There is a small subset of people like LeBron that may perform well under fasting conditions, such as those who have a large amount of glycogen stores to pull from for energy.' James also noted that he drinks two 64-ounce bottles of water a day, keeping him well hydrated. 'While hydration can support exercise performance, it is only going to get you so far in terms of endurance. Proper fuel is also essential to nourish hard-working muscles,' Mitri added. James has been one of the best athletes in the world for more than two decades and has a strict routine to stay in peak physical condition, with plenty of trials and errors getting him to that spot. 'While following this routine has clearly worked for LeBron James, allowing him to perform at elite levels despite his age, I would not recommend his eating schedule for most people engaging in strenuous physical activity, such as competitive sports, running, biking, and heavier strength training,' Mitri continued.
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Residents turn regular intermittent fasting into 9-day Dhul Hijjah devotion
Faryal Mustafa, a resident of Abu Shagara in Sharjah, will not be performing Hajj, but she's determined to make the most of these spiritually charged days of Dhul Hijjah. She is dedicating herself to fasting throughout the first nine days of the month, hoping to gain immense rewards. 'I may not be in Makkah, but my heart is connected to the purpose of these days. Fasting is my way of showing that devotion from wherever I am,' she said. She has already been intermittent fasting for the past month. So, when Dhul Hijjah began, switching to full-day fasts felt like a natural continuation of both her spiritual and physical journey. 'It's been just two months since Ramadan, and that spiritual energy hasn't faded. These ten days are like a mini-Ramadan for me.' Faryal was inspired by the hadith (sayings of the Prophet) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 'There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.' (Bukhari) This hadith has motivated Muslims across the world to intensify their prayers, charity, fasting, and remembrance of Allah during these blessed days. 'I used to fast mainly for health benefits, but now I am doing it for my soul. There's a bigger purpose behind it — it's about getting closer to Allah,' said Faryal. Ahmad Bilal, a 32-year-old marketing executive at Relaince Aluminium Fabrication and a resident of JLT is also embracing these sacred days through fasting. 'I have been doing intermittent fasting since April, but during Dhul Hijjah, it feels more meaningful. I wake up early for suhoor, pray, and start my day with a clean intention,' he said. Ahmad said that while Hajj is a pillar of Islam and the dream of every Muslim, not everyone can go every year. But that doesn't mean they can't strive for closeness to Allah in other ways. 'These fasts are a way to stay spiritually connected. They help me slow down, reflect, and stay grateful. It's not just about abstaining from food, it's about nourishing the soul,' he added. 'I especially look forward to the Day of Arafah, the rewards of fasting on that day are huge. It's like a reset for the heart,' he said. Significance of the 10 days Sheikh Ayaz Housee, Imam at NGS and Khateeb at Al Manar Islamic Centre, explained why these days hold such spiritual weight in Islam. 'Allah made a divine oath in the Quran by these days. 'By the dawn. And by the ten nights.' (Qur'an 89:1–2). The majority of scholars agree this refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.' He further mentioned that these days are unique because they combine all major forms of worship — prayer, fasting, Hajj, charity, remembrance of Allah, and sacrifice. 'Nowhere else in the calendar do you get this complete package of devotion,' he said. While fasting during the entire first nine days is encouraged, the ninth day of Arafah, is especially significant for non-pilgrims. 'Fasting on the Day of Arafah wipes away the sins of the previous year and the year to come,' said Sheikh Ayaz, citing the hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim. For those not on pilgrimage, it offers a powerful opportunity for redemption and spiritual elevation. Path to inner peace, closeness to Allah Beyond the rewards, fasting during Dhul Hijjah brings believers closer to their creator. 'The Prophet (PBUH) mentioned in a Hadith Qudsi that Allah said: 'My servant does not draw near to me with anything more beloved than what I have made obligatory on him. And he continues to draw near to me with voluntary deeds...' (Bukhari),' said Sheikh Ayaz. Voluntary fasts, especially during these sacred days, fall under those beloved deeds that deepen one's spiritual connection. Sheikh Ayaz encouraged Muslims to also engage in dhikr (remembrance), read Quran, and give charity during this time. 'It's not just about fasting. Use these days to soften your heart, help someone in need, and remember Allah often. These actions build your spiritual bank,' he said.
Times
11-05-2025
- Health
- Times
I tried an anti-ageing guru's ‘fake fasting' plan. Did it work?
It's day one of my five-day fast and I'm serving up food I can't eat. It's typical that today of all days I'd make the best pasta I've ever made. 'I think this is the best pasta you've ever made,' says my partner, confirming my suspicions. 'Oh really?' I mutter, averting my eyes as everyone enthusiastically tucks in. How have I got myself into this predicament? A scheduling error. It turns out that finding a whole working week to go without food isn't all that easy. Fasting has become mainstream in recent years, and studies suggest it can be good for everything, from weight loss and better heart health, to reducing inflammation, enhancing brain function and improving the gut microbiome. But the most fascinating thing
The Independent
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Fasting earlier or later in day ‘effective strategy for long-term weight loss'
Fasting earlier or later in the day for three months could be an effective strategy for long-term weight loss, research suggests. Experts found that overweight or obese people who restricted eating to an eight hour 'window' per day shed pounds and managed to keep it off. The new research, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, was presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga. Lead author Dr Alba Camacho-Cardenosa, from the University of Granada in Spain, said: 'Our study found that restricting the eating window to eight hours at any time of the day for three months can result in significant weight loss for at least a year. 'These benefits can be attributed to the 16-hour fasting window rather than the time of eating.' A previous randomised controlled trial by the same researchers published in the journal Nature Medicine found that restricting eating to eight hours per day decreased body weight and improved cardiometabolic health. Their latest study looked at the long-term effects over 12 months for 99 people. Individuals were split into four groups for 12 weeks – eating in a 12-hour or more window; restricting eating to an eight-hour window starting before 10am; restricting eating to an eight-hour window starting after 1pm; and allowing people to select their own eight-hour window. All groups were given tips on a Mediterranean diet to help them eat healthier. The researchers measured body weight, waist and hip circumferences at the start of the trial, after the 12-week plan, and 12 months later. The study found that, while those eating over 12 hours or longer lost an average of 1.4kg, the time-restricted groups lost more, at around 3kg to 4kg. Time-restricted groups also had greater reductions in waist and hip circumferences of several centimetres, and had maintained greater weight loss after 12 months. At the one-year mark, those eating for 12 hours or more had an average body weight increase of 0.4kg, compared with around a 2kg weight loss in the early and late time restricted groups, the study concluded. Those who chose their own pattern also maintained some weight loss although this was not statistically significant. Around 85% to 88% of people restricting their eating window also found they stuck to the plan. Dr Jonatan Ruiz, study co-ordinator from the University of Granada, said: 'This kind of intermittent fasting appears feasible for adults with overweight or obesity who wish to have a relatively simple way of losing and maintaining weight loss that is less tedious and more time efficient compared with daily calorie counting, but it warrants further investigations in larger and longer-term studies.' Dr Maria Chondronikola, principal investigator and lead for human nutrition at University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, said further studies were needed. 'Understanding how well participants adhered to the timing of their meals, the level of their caloric intake and whether time-restricted eating changed any obesity-related metabolic outcomes would provide valuable insight into the true effectiveness of time-restricted eating,' she said.
