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A Senior Specialist Neurosurgeon at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Hadi Mohammed Abdullah, says there is a strong correlation between fasting, spiritual well-being and good mental health.
To this end, he has called on all Muslims to take their Ramadan Fasting seriously and ensure they stay true to its tenets in order to derive fully all its benefits.
Speaking at Ramadan 2025 public lectures at the Ghana Police Mosque, Accra last Sunday, he said fasting provided the vital proteins which helped the brain cells to grow, develop and improve thinking and memory.
This, he stated, also lowered the risk of neuron diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s which occurred also in old age.
“Mental health is integral to overall health and well-being,” he said.
Dr Abdullah said good mental health means realising one’s potential, handling stress well, and contributing positively to society.
He noted that a recent study showed that Ramadan fasting raised the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) BDNF levels and improves mood and brain function while reducing harmful inflammation linked to poor mental health.
Touching on the emotional benefits of Ramadan, he emphasised that engaging in extra prayers and reading the Quran during fasting had been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
“Ramadan fasting teaches self-control, empathy, and gratitude,” Dr Abdullah said.
These qualities, he said, help people manage their emotions better and become more mentally strong, quoting International Journal of Behavioural Medicine, 2024, he added that “A trial also showed that people who followed fasting guidelines and made lifestyle changes during Ramadan reported feeling more mindful, satisfied with life, and mentally balanced than those who didn’t.”
“A study from Nigeria found that people’s mental health improved during Ramadan compared to before, even under difficult conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic (Brain and Behaviour, 2023).
Moreover, Dr Abdullah highlighted how social connections also boost mental health during Ramadan. Giving to charity and engaging with others increase the release of “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which improve mood and strengthen social bonds.
However, he also noted that fasting might not be suitable for everyone, such as people with certain mental health conditions like schizophrenia. He advised that it’s important to seek medical advice if needed.
Dr Abdullah ended by saying “Ramadan fasting is more than just avoiding food and drink—it’s a chance to reset the body, refresh the mind, and strengthen spiritual connection. Ramadan is not just a religious duty—it’s an opportunity for physical healing, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.”
BY CLIFF EKUFUL
