IPB’s Erasmus+ Spirit Team Member Lecture on “Nutrition and Physical Activity on Ramadan Fasting”
IPB’s Erasmus+ Spirit Team Member Lecture on “Nutrition and Physical Activity on Ramadan Fasting”
For Muslims all over, Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer and mindfulness. Ramadan involves abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, which presents particular challenges and factors to be taken into account for preserving good nutrition and exercise. Maintaining one’s wellness and health throughout this month that’s so important spiritually depends on balancing these different aspects.
However, Indonesian Muslims’ nutritional knowledge is limited, particularly for college students and youths alike. For the scholars-in-the-making, this may pose a problem since nutrition and physical activity play such an important role in health in the future. Hence, dr. Naufal, a lecturer from the Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University; also a member of IPB’s Erasmus+ Spirit Team, gave a lecture on “Nutrition and Physical Activity on Ramadan Fasting” at Al-Hurriyah Mosque, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia.
The lecture was mainly focused on the importance of balanced nutrition, eating suhoor and breaking the fast (iftar) at the right time, and having an appropriate duration, time, and type of physical activity; not only limited to exercise. The event was also broadcast live on the Instagram account of Al-Hurriyah Mosque (@masjidalhurriyahipb). This lecture was held on Wednesday, 13th of March, 2024; coinciding with the 2nd of Ramadan, 1445 Hijriah (year count of Islamic Calendar), from 16.00 until iftar time (around 18.00 or sunset). The lecture was also accompanied by Quranic recitation by Alfan Fikri A., an undergraduate student from the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University; also a part of the Al-Hurriyah Mosque Board. As a joint project with the committee of the Al-Hurriyah Board, they also have a group iftar together, sharing as much as 1.100 portions of Ayam Balado (A traditional Indonesian – typically Minangese chicken dish).
For one to be well-rounded and healthy during Ramadan, people have to maintain a balance of both nutrition and physical activity. They may follow the fast while maintaining their overall wellness by focusing on foods packed with nutrients, drinking sufficient fluids, and picking suitable times and types of exercise. Ramadan offers a special chance to improve both mental and physical well-being through moderate exercise and a mindful diet.
