Ramadan, Restriction & Recovery: Navigating Fasting with an Eating Disorder
Content warning: This article discusses disordered eating and testimonials that could be triggering to some.
The ninth month of the Muslim Calendar, known as Ramadan, is considered one of the most sacred months of the year in Islam. While it is a time for prayer, reflection, and community, the restrictive nature around food as part of fasting can trigger those who struggle or have struggled with mental health conditions, including (but not limited to) bipolar disorder, depression, and eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder.
Some people related, commenting:
@ 1sr4e333: “(binge-eating disorder) is my enemy”
@ trueanomia: “...fasting feels like relapsing bc of (anorexia)”
@ misosoup538: “Yous lot better than me 😭. I just don’t fast cause it’s either me recovering and eating regularly or I’m just gonna KEEP fasting (anorexia) lmao”
@ fireheartx2: “...when I wake up for Iftar & eat my brain tells me horrible stuff to do”
When devotion becomes distress
Fasting during Ramadan involves restricting eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. Its purpose is to further cultivate piety and empathy for the less fortunate. However, Islamic rules provide exemptions from the practice for those with valid reasons, such as pregnancy, old age, or ‘sickness’ - whether it’s temporary or chronic physical and mental disorders.
Although the sentiment behind fasting is seen as positive, there are less widely discussed and unapparent challenges some Muslims face. Whether it be getting into the habit of not eating or the feeling after breaking a fast with a too-heavy iftar, re-inaugurating one’s fast can potentially trigger unhealthy habits and cause relapses for those with an already challenging relationship with food. Being pressured by others to fast, or to eat in front of family during meal times often makes this time more difficult.
Honouring faith beyond fasting
Even those exempt from fasting for health reasons, or those who have chosen not to due to personal fears of relapse, are not immune to feeling guilty for abstaining from the practice. Because of societal, familial, and personal pressures, not fasting could feel like disloyalty to the faith. Others commented under @ maryammmdzz’s TikTok:
@ samahh.q: “I got (anorexia) my parents force me to eat at iftar (while) the whole family watches me eat… I don’t like fasting in Ramadan”
@ kiiiwikiii: “THISS 😭 if i dont (fast) ill feel like im betraying my religion ☹️”
So, how can we guide these feelings around Ramadan?
It’s important to address your recovery early, rather than attempt to make fasting ‘work’. Ramadan does not advocate for self-harm, and the last thing the fasting period should be used as is a tool for fueling disordered thoughts and patterns. Instead, try to prioritise your mental and physical health, and remember that only a medical or mental healthcare professional can advise on whether it is safe or not to fast.
If you suspect you might have an eating disorder, consider seeing a doctor and/or therapist before fasting. It is essential to have frequent check-ins with someone you can trust to monitor signs of a relapse or worsening condition. Keep in mind that fasting with a mental illness is not one size fits all, especially due to the presence of comorbidities. You may be advised to fast certain days or hours, or not at all - which are all perfectly okay. It can be difficult to accept that in some cases, it is not advisable to fast, and it is understandable to have doubts about whether you qualify for mercy. Sometimes, eating disorders might not even be treated as a serious illness, as shared in this TikTok:
In such situations that you cannot obtain a formal exemption, know that you can still consider what feels best for you this Ramadan. Practising self-compassion, avoiding self-comparison, and reaching out to trusted individuals for support is integral in these times.
Rather than focusing on what you can’t do, try shifting your mind to the many other ways you can express ibadah (worship). The spirit of Ramadan extends beyond fasting - self-reflection, reading the Quran, community prayers, and celebrating with Muslim friends and family. Your personal connection and way of observing the month is valid.
For those struggling with a complex relationship with food during this month, you are not alone. Keep safe and have a self-fulfilling Ramadan - whether you decide to fast or not. Ramadan Mubarak!
If you or someone you know is concerned about an eating disorder, know that help is available. Please reach out to a mental health professional or contact one of these helplines.