For people suffering from medical conditions who wish to fast during the month of Ramadan, it will be essential to discuss it with their doctor. Precautions will need to be taken, perhaps even adjusting one's treatment during this period of fasting, particularly for people with diabetes. Furthermore, one must know one's limits, and should not hesitate to break the fast in case of fatigue or discomfort.
Engaging in physical activity during this month will be more difficult. Practicing a sport without eating and without drinking, especially during hot weather, will present a great risk of hypoglycemia and dehydration. If one wishes to continue a physical activity, one must therefore be careful during the first weeks of Ramadan, while the body gets used to this change of rhythm.
During this blessed month, we strive to read the Qur'an, the sacred book of our Lord; to make supplications and prayers. And all the advice given previously is meant to help us not be slowed down in our acts of worship.
May Allah accept and bless this month, and may it be beneficial for all Muslims.
What the science says: fasting, physical activity
What the published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context only — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Fasting
Fasting, first prescribed and later recommended by the Sunnah (Monday-Thursday, the white days), is now studied under the name of intermittent fasting: a meta-analysis in the BMJ shows favorable effects on weight and cardiometabolic risk factors (BMJ, 2025), with an impact on appetite (Nutrients, 2023) and body composition (Diabetes Obes Metab, 2024). Precaution: people with diabetes on insulin, who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in fragile health should adjust their fasting with their doctor — Islam permits, and sometimes requires, not fasting in case of illness.
Physical activity
Regular exercise improves physical function, mood, and longevity according to numerous meta-analyses (J Sport Health Sci, 2021) (Biol Res Nurs, 2023); it protects against cognitive decline (JAMA Netw Open, 2024) and reduces depressive symptoms. The Prophet ﷺ walked briskly, raced with 'Aisha, and encouraged archery and swimming. Precaution: resume gradually after a long period of inactivity; seek medical advice before intense exertion after age 40 or in case of chronic illness.
