Nourishing Body & Soul: Women’s Health Workshop for Ramadan

In an empowering move aimed at enlightening women about the intricacies of health and spirituality during the holy month of Ramadan, the Kanz ul Huda sisters organised a comprehensive workshop that delved deep into the subjects of women’s health, related Islamic jurisprudential rulings, and psychological well-being in light of Shaykh Saqibs literature, lectures and training courses for the sisters.

The workshop was a beacon of knowledge, merging the expertise of practising medical Saqibiya professionals with the informed jurisprudential insights from learned sisters from the organisation, providing attendees with a holistic view of the challenges and solutions for women during the upcoming sacred month of Ramadan.

For women, observing Ramadan comes with challenges that are often magnified by physiological and psychological considerations, such as menstruation, breastfeeding, and overall mental health. Acknowledging the need for a platform that addressed these issues from both a medical and Islamic standpoint, the Kanz ul Huda sisters provided a solution that was both medically established and spiritually aligned.

The workshop was spearheaded by a Saqibiya professional, a practicing doctor with a profound understanding of the medical and Islamic considerations of women’s health issues. This dual expertise was invaluable, offering insights into how women can manage the challenges of menstruation, breastfeeding, and general health during Ramadan, adhering to Islamic principles while ensuring their well-being. The discussion on menstruation addressed the physical and spiritual implications and common questions many women have but are often too shy to ask.

Similarly, the topic of breastfeeding during Ramadan was approached with sensitivity and depth, exploring how nursing mothers can fulfill their religious obligations alongside the demands of ensuring health for themselves and their babies.

Recognizing the intrinsic link between physical health and psychological well-being, the workshop delved into the psychological challenges that many suffer from such as depression and psychological unrest. The Kanz ul Huda sisters emphasized the importance of maintaining spiritual resilience through self-care, community support, and professional help when necessary, all of which is also facilitated by the unique environment found at Kanz ul Huda.

At the end of the workshop, a comprehensive Q&A session was held, addressing a wide array of inquiries related to childbirth, menstruation, postnatal bleeding, and the fulfillment of missed Islamic obligations. The questions were thoughtfully and expertly answered by medical professionals alongside learned sisters. This collaboration ensured that participants received well-rounded, accurate information combining medical insights with Islamic teachings.

This initiative represented a significant stride in addressing the often-overlooked needs of Muslim women during Ramadan, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate the month with confidence, health, and spiritual fulfilment.

By weaving together medical insights with Islamic jurisprudence and addressing the psychological aspects of fasting, the workshop created an environment for women to discuss, learn, and grow in their understanding of their bodies and their faith.

This arrangement allowed mothers to participate in their own learning, focusing on their personal growth and development, with the comfort of knowing their children were engaged in a productive, safe, and enjoyable environment. Led by Kanz ul Huda’s professionally trained and practising teaching staff, the children’s workshop was crafted to ensure that the activities were not only fun but also held significant educational value.

The entire program, noted for its structure and timely execution, offered a smooth and enriching experience, thereby enhancing the overall workshop’s appeal and effectiveness for both mothers and their children.