During the month of Ramadan, while Muslims fast from sun-up to sundown, they are also expected to abstain from sensual pleasures, including smoking. That makes Ramadan a perfect time to give up smoking for good, say the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) and the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA). The medical groups say smoking is a danger not only to the smoker’s health but to the health of his or family, and they point out that it is offensive to others and a waste of money.

The doctors’ announcement was made as part of the “Muslims Care” campaign that the Council on American Islamic Relations sponsors to encourage Muslims to make positive contributions to American Society. Each year, a month of the campaign is devoted to raising public awareness of major health issues.

For more information about the anti-smoking campaign, visit IMANA’s site.

Posted September 17, 2007