Ramadan: A Guide for UC A student or resident on my team is fasting For those who are fasting, what are some Ramadan. What should I be aware of? signs during fasting that may warrant Davis Medical Center • Fasting is hard, especially if Ramadan ending the fast before sunset? Faculty, Residents, and occurs during the seasons when the days • Feeling faint or dizzy are longer and hotter. • Headache Students. • If a fasting individual is asking to leave • Signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia the operating room (for example) to • Signs or symptoms of dehydration What is Ramadan? break their fast, realize that they have • If you are physically unable to go about not been eating or drinking anything • Ramadan is the name of one of the your normal daily function due to since dawn. months of the Islamic calendar, based on fasting, you should stop fasting.

the lunar cycle. • But remember that each individual I am fasting Ramadan and I am about to • Muslims believe Ramadan is a sacred should do their best to make month, during which the Quran (Holy start a hard rotation. Should I let my team adjustments to the complete the fast. Book) was revealed to the Prophet know I am fasting? Mohammed. • First and foremost, you absolutely have What are ways for those who are fasting to • Muslims fast from food and water every a right to fast and break your fast in a make the day go more smoothly? day in Ramadan from dawn to sunset. timely manner. • Hydrate well during suhur (the predawn • After breaking the fast, Muslims often • You also have a responsibility to carry meal) and eat lightly. attend special late prayers that happen out your work and duties as a team • Taper off caffeine 1-2 weeks prior to each night of Ramadan. member. Ramadan to avoid caffeine withdrawal • It is a month of prayer, improvement of • The timing of when to let your team headaches during the first few days of character, mindfulness, and doing good know about your fasting is up to you. Ramadan. Try to avoid caffeinated deeds. Some may feel comfortable bringing it drinks during Ramadan. up, and others may not. Either way, • Carry dates, water and a snack When is Ramadan and how long does it know that your team needs to let you (something you can “eat on the go”) in last? exercise your religious rights. your backpack or pocket. • Think about what you may be doing on • Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic • Minimize excessive physical exertion your rotation during the time when you calendar, lasting 29-30 days. during your fasting, e.g. use the elevator will be breaking your fast and plan • Each Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan not the stairs accordingly. For example, if you are comes about a week before the previous • If you are feeling faint and you are going to be in a long surgery, tell your year. For example, in 2018 Ramadan concerned, let your team know you are team that you will need to step out for 5 started May 15, and in 2019, Ramadan fasting and need to rest. minutes. Pack some food in your pocket started May 5. • If you are feeling significantly ill, break for quick access. your fast.

Created by Andrew Li, MD; Umer Waris, MD; Salma Shabaik, MD; Mohamed Ali, MD; M.A. Azeez, MD. UC Davis School of Medicine. Updated 01/2020