Muslims are being warned to take extra care when fasting following the beginning of Ramadan this week.

Barts Health NHS Trust, which has hospitals across Tower Hamlets and Newham, is recommending those with chronic illnesses to consult their GP if they are fasting.

Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, requires Muslims to fast during daylight hours from Tuesday to June 14.

Muslim Chaplain Imam Faruq Siddiqi, from the trust, said: “Ramadan is a very important spiritual month for Muslims and fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam that is practiced during. Patients who suffer from any chronic illness or health complication should consult their health professional, to see if they can do so safely during Ramadan.

“Remember that Islam enables you to avoid fasting if your health is likely to deteriorate and it will be un-Islamic to make your health worse due to fasting.”