Ramadan Provides ‘Ideal Break’ to Quit Smoking

Sarah Abdullah, Arab News

JEDDAH, 17 September 2007 — With Muslim smokers already refraining from the habit during daylight hours this month, a number of health experts and officials say that Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to kick the habit for good.

According to Dr. Abdullah Al-Baddah, director of the Tobacco Control Department at the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia ranks 23 worldwide in terms of smokers in population per capita. Each year Saudis consume as many as 15 billion cigarettes and inhale 40,000 tons of tobacco smoke.

“We in the Tobacco Control Department make use of the occasion ... to urge smokers around the Kingdom to utilize the chance Ramadan offers to give up smoking,” Al-Baddah told Arab News. He added that the Ministry of Health is currently running a number of television and outdoor media ads in Saudi Arabia and other GCC states emphasizing the need to utilize Ramadan for promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The health official also commented that the feedback received from the community has been overwhelming with a number of people getting to celebrate two Eids this year — the Eid Al-Fitr and the Eid of freedom from smoking.

Still there are some smokers who think it is too difficult to refrain from smoking after sunset. “I feel that stopping cold turkey is something that I really can’t do on my own,” said Ayman, a Saudi who has been smoking for the past 22 years. “Getting a cigarette is the first thing on my mind as soon as it’s time to break fast,” he added.

According to Dr. Haza Akram, a therapist at the Smoking Cessation Clinic set up by the Charity Organization for Raising Awareness on the Harms of Smoking in Makkah, there are techniques that can help.

“Some of the methods we use to help patients include a machine that removes nicotine from the body. Once the nicotine is out of the patient’s system, the habit can be eradicated for good,” he added.

Another method proving useful is anti-smoking toothpaste for use after meals when smokers have the urge to smoke. Therapy sessions can be taken at a minimum of six or maximum of 12 visits costing approximately SR20 each. The clinic, which is currently only open to male patients, is open in Ramadan from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and in the evening from 10 p.m. to midnight. There are plans to open the female section of the clinic in another two or three months.

Islamic groups around the world are encouraging Muslims to take advantage of the holy month to quit smoking. “One of the important benefits of the Ramadan fast is the sense of discipline that it instills in an individual,” said Tahra Goraya of the Washington-based Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).