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Women swap views on benefits of fasting

DUBAI — A large number of women including wives of consuls general, Shaikhas from Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman and prominent UAE ladies gathered yesterday for Iftar at the Consulate General of Kuwait in Dubai to discuss Arab culture during the holy month of Ramadan.

The programme which was organised by the Diplomatic Ladies Association featured several lectures and discussions on Islamic teachings, benefits of fasting and Arab culture during Ramadan as well as the status of Muslims in Europe. The lectures were delivered in English and Arabic by Iman Ismail, Executive Director of the Women's Cultural Association; Patricia, Vice-President of Swiss Muslim Women's Association in Switzerland; and Wafa from New Muslim Section of Dubai Auqaf and Islamic Affairs.

During the programme, Sana Al Mawash, wife of the Consul-General of Kuwait delivered a speech in which she welcomed the ladies and explained the customs and traditions of Arabs during Ramadan.

She also talked about the Nabawi medicine and explained the benefits of palm trees for healthy living. She also advised the ladies to use herbal medicine in treating acne problems and highlighted several diseases that can be treated by the leaves and roots of palm trees.

Ismail educated the women about the spiritual and health benefits of fasting. She said that a new study indicates fasting can be just as good for a person’s health as sharply cutting back on calories, even if the fasting doesn't mean eating less overall. Several recent studies have reported a variety of benefits from fasting, including longer life span, increased insulin sensitivity and stress resistance. Fasting helps in improving self conduct and reduce vices.

Patricia gave a presentation on the status of Muslim women in Europe in general and Switzerland in particular.

“We cannot wear abayas and go to supermarkets or anywhere else because people get scared and avoid talking to us. They associate black abayas with terrorism and violence. But as our duty towards Muslims, we are trying to come closer to the community and educate them about the correct concept of Islam as a religion of tolerance and forgiveness," she said.

Speaking to Khaleej Times Nawal Salih Al Shalhoub said that the main objective of this gathering is to achieve international understanding among women to boost the exchange of cultures and learn from each other's experiences.

"It also aims at bringing forth a cultural exchange of traditions and values in the families of the international community," she said.

The association is keen to organising several programmes that will provide an opportunity to women from different countries to get together and discuss issues affecting them and learn from each other, she said.

“The diplomatic ladies from European countries who live in Dubai, which has become the social and cultural network for the people of the world, will learn about Arab and Islamic culture and heritage through the association's activities,” Al Shalhoub commented.

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