Islamic religious leaders in Australia have urged schools to spare Muslim pupils from having to do homework while fasting during Ramadan as a result of the Australian Medical Association’s warning that they are at risk of fainting in class.
The Islamic Special Religious Education, which encompass about 20,0000 Muslim students in New South Wales in Australia, has told teachers that Muslim students “may appear to be more tired or inattentive” due to Ramadan, the Daily Telegraph Australia reports.
According to the group’s “Ramadan guide for schools” all Muslims from the age of about nine are required to fast during Ramadan.
The guide suggests teachers should be allowed to “grant concessions to fasting students” which includes students taking “time out” in class and having “flexible schedules and lighter homework assignments, or less strenuous playground activities, especially towards the latter half of the day.”
The Australian Medical Association, however, criticizes the religious practice, claiming growing children need regular meals and water. “This is a very difficult conversation because of the issues around religion,’’ AMA vice-president Tony Bartone told the paper.
The ISRE guide notes that fasting during Ramadan involves refraining from any eating or drinking from dawn to sunset. It adds: “Fasting is required of all Muslims who have reached the age of puberty, and who are physically able to do so.”
Dr Bartone claims students are in danger of dehydration if they don’t drink constantly throughout the day. “That could create episodes of fainting in the classroom,’’ he said. “Physical activity like sport or PE lessons while fasting in the heat would be a real no-no.’’
