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Muslim women call out 'shaming' for eating and drinking during Ramadan because they're on their periods

Picture:
Picture:
stanakmu_ / Twitter

Muslim women have been taking to Twitter to express their outrage at the fact they feel shamed for eating during Ramadan if they're on their period.

According to Islam, anyone whose health could be negatively effected by fasting is exempt from doing so during the month of Ramadan. This includes the elderly, the very young, the sick, and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on their period.

However, some Muslim women feel that even though they're exempt, they still feel ashamed for eating in public during Ramadan.

Twitter user @stanakmu launched the debate with a video on Twitter, accompanied by the text:

WHY. #MUSLIM. #WOMEN . SHOULD. NOT. FEEL. ASHAMED. TO. EAT. IN. PUBLIC. DURING. #RAMADAN. WHEN. THEY. HAVE. THEIR. PERIOD. #rant

In her video, she says:

When a girl is on her period she can't fast we know this.

So tell me why we’re looking at girls who are obviously Muslim and they're eating like they're doing haram [something forbidden by Islamic law].

Stop looking at me. If you are Muslim, you should know. 

In the video, she says that when she's out in public during Ramadan, she feels ashamed to eat and drink.

Other Muslim women echoed her feelings.

Some Muslims, however, say that those who shame have misunderstood the faith.

Another said that Muslim women should avoid eating in public to support those who are fasting.

And some went back to scripture.

Some, however, said that the idea Muslim women are shamed for eating and drinking during Ramadan is just a generalisation.

More: Six of the biggest Ramadan myths you should avoid

More: 6 ways you can help your Muslim friends during Ramadan

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