Laura El Alam

A husband and wife are in the kitchen, preparing iftar. The wife sighs in irritation as her husband blocks her path to the refrigerator. “Why are you always standing in my way?” she demands. 

Intermittent fasting has become trendy, and people from all walks of life are suddenly using this technique as a weight loss tool. It turns out that there are many health benefits to fasting that go beyond a slimmer physique.

With all of its inherent beauty, the month of Ramadan does not need improvement or embellishment. And yet, when we celebrate the month with enthusiasm and special effort, we create a positive emotional connection that helps our families greet the month with anticipation year after year.

Eleven years ago, I sat in the office of a pediatric specialist, seeking expert advice for a health problem my child was experiencing. On the examining table was one daughter – the 9-year-old patient – feeling apprehensive and overwhelmed.