Hijab et ses conséquences sur la santé: Difference between revisions

It has been noted that the observance of hijab, the garments and the traditions surrounding them, can discourage exercise both psychologically and practically.<ref name="TDCJul12010">Caroline May - [{{Reference archive|1=http://dailycaller.com/2010/07/01/the-burka-may-be-making-muslim-women-fatter-by-discouraging-exercise/|2=2012-03-05}} The burka may be making Muslim women fatter by discouraging exercise] - The Daily Caller, July 1, 2010</ref><ref name="ANSMar132012">[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/sections/generalnews/2012/03/13/visualizza_new.html_131156617.html|2=2012-03-15}} Qatar: surge in diabetes/obesity, unhealthy Arab habits] - ANSAmed, March 13, 2012</ref> The style of dress can make it easy to hide the bloat of a large meal, and it can be physically restrictive for those who wish to exercise, especially outdoors where one has to be aware of the weather (if it is too hot or humid). In the West, where most indoor gyms are mixed-sex, exercise without Islamic dress can be very difficult for observant Muslim women, and some forms of Islamic dress can make playing almost any sport nearly impossible.<ref name="TDCJul12010" /><ref name="ANSMar132012" />

According to The Economist magazine’s world rankings, the countries with the highest obesity rates among women are Muslim countries<ref name="TDCJul12010" /> (data from 1999-2003 show 8 of the top 10 to be Muslim majorities; Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Albania, Bahrain, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates),<ref>[[:File:Economist rankings obesity women.JPG|Economist.com rankings for obesity among women]]</ref> and a 2006 study presented by Qatari expert Issam Abd Rabbu at the "Facts About Obesity" seminar, found that up to 70 percent of women living in the Gulf Arab states (Bahrain, [[Kuwait]], [[Oman]], Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) were overweight or obese.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=14663|2=2012-03-05}} Up to 70% of Gulf women are obese] - Middle East Online, September 29, 2005</ref> Dr. Abdul Rahman Musaiqir, head of the Arab Center for Nutrition at Bahrain University, has said the problem of obesity among women in the Gulf states is being disguised by their Islamic dress, and that obesity rates are much higher than in developed countries.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/gulf-women-hide-weight-under-gowns-2011-01-12-1.341366|2=2012-03-05}} Gulf women hide weight under gowns] - Emirates 24/7, January 12, 2011</ref>

A 2011 study issued by the National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi Arabia’s largest bank, found that the number of Saudis suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, and a survey released by the Saudi Diabetes and Endocrine Association (SDEA) in 2010 showed that over 70 percent of the Saudi population are "alarmingly obese".<ref>Nadim Kawach - [{{Reference archive|1=http://www.emirates247.com/news/region/blood-pressure-and-obesity-epidemic-in-saudi-2011-05-02-1.387705|2=2012-03-05}} Blood pressure and obesity epidemic in Saudi] - Emirates 24/7, May 2, 2011</ref> Figures released by the Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) state that 20% of the population has been diagnosed as diabetic in Qatar, and the disorder is affecting more and more children.<ref name="ANSMar132012" /> Some of the health problems associated with obesity include; heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, painful wear and inflammation on weight-bearing joints, breathing problems and sleep apnea.<ref>[{{Reference archive|1=http://nation-health.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/health-problems-associated-with-obesity.html|2=2012-03-22}} Health Problems Associated with Obesity] - The Nation's Health, March 2011</ref>

==Implications for the Islamic Faith==

The observance of hijab prevents women from getting enough vitamin D. This can lead to a whole host of disorders. For Islam as a religion, this appears to have troublesome implications.

Islam is considered by its adherents to be the perfect way of life for mankind - this appears to be a difficult position to maintain when one considers that the teachings of Islam's omniscient, omnibenevolent deity would pose a major health risk to his female followers.