Some non-smokers take up habit during Ramadan

Although the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is often seen as providing an opportunity for Muslims to quit tobacco smoking, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the month might be marked by an increase in smoking, according to an Indo-Asian News Agency story quoting the Khaleej Times and published in the Business Standard.

“We spend more time in the lively atmosphere of restaurants [during Ramadan],” said the UAE-based Indian doctor, Sunil Sheshadri, who works at Abu Dhabi’s NMC Healthcare. “As a result, a marked increase in tobacco consumption occurs due to shisha smoking.

“Non-smokers too admit to indulging in post-meal shishas as part of the tradition of gathering with friends and family until the early hours.”

But in warning of the ill-effects of smoking shisha, Joseph Kurian, head of cardiology at Abu Dhabi’s Lifeline Hospital, said one session of shisha was the equivalent of smoking about 20 cigarettes, and so should not be taken lightly.

“It has a drastic effect on health as it aggravates cardiac problems and worsens blood pressure,” Kurian added.