SHOULD PEOPLE WITH EATING DISORDERS FAST?
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EATING DISORDER FASTING VS RAMADAN FASTING
We must distinguish between Ramadan fasting and Eating Disorder fasting.
Ramadan fasting is very different from eating disorder fasting. Muslims practice fasting periodically for spiritual cleansing and for fulfilling one of the requirements of Islam. When fasting no longer becomes a requirement to fulfill religious obligations and begins to border an eating disorder, then there is a serious issue.
Fasting for your eating disorder is about giving up food in order to achieve a materialistic scale goal. Fasting spiritually is about giving up something simply for the pleasure of Allah.
In eating disorders, food is viewed in a negative light, as a weapon to deal with certain emotions. In Ramadan, a person abstains from food not because the object offered up is bad, but because it is good. He offers it up for something greater – that is Almighty Allah.
A normal Muslim will approach Ramadan as a month of self-discipline, self-restraint, charity, redemption, and blessings. A person with an eating disorder will approach Ramadan as a month to restrict their food intake, as they will already have fasted for a period of time throughout the year, and for them, Ramadan fasting becomes simply about losing or maintaining weight.
Humans were not created to develop unhealthy obsessions with food, weight, and body: “Know, O beloved, that man was not created in jest or at random, but marvellously made and for some great end. Although he is not in form everlasting, yet he lives for ever; and though his body is mean and earthly, yet his spirit is lofty and divine” ― Imam Ghazali
In today’s times, there is a tendency to emphasize exclusively on the social aspect of fasting, and let’s not forget that people suffering from eating disorders find all social aspects of any gatherings very triggering.
The social dimension is so strongly emphasised today that it seems as if other dimensions, which give higher value to the month of Ramadan have been forgotten or set aside. Sadly, people who are not fasting during this month simply focus on the social dimensions, such as eating with family, social gatherings, and being judged for not fasting. For some, this may only cause mild anxiety and worry, while others are more deeply affected to the point of becoming spiritually, mentally, and socially paralyzed.
Personal Story:
Monica Holc from London always finds Ramadan very challenging. She feels secluded as everyone always talks about the spirit of fasting and iftar parties. She did try to fast in past, but it made her eating disorder worse. She didn’t fast last year and felt that she was judged and misunderstood. This year Monika once again is not fasting but she’s looking forward to participating in this month for spiritual reasons. She looks forward to deepening her connection with God and looks forward to embarking on a journey of self-discovery. When Allah has exempted you from fasting, then who are the people to pass such judgement?SHOULD PEOPLE WITH EATING DISORDERS FAST?
If you are struggling to choose recovery, finding your “key to life” can help you stay firm in your resolve to recover no matter what obstacles seem to stand in your way.
If your aim in life is seeking nearness to Allah Almighty then don’t forget this cannot be achieved through eating disorder behaviours. You need to free yourself from the slavery of your eating disorder.
The word of God is the Medicine of the Heart.”