Istanbul  - Forty-six-year-old Kadriye sits on the balcony of her Istanbul apartment and sips tea.

Normally, there would be nothing unusual about her enjoying tea at 9 a. m. on a Saturday, but the day before was the first day of Ramadan, a month of fasting during which all proper Muslims are expected to refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Only women who are pregnant or nursing, travellers and sick people are exempt.

"I have problems with my stomach and take medicine," said Kadriye, justifying her morning tea. "My doctor told me I shouldn't fast."

Increasing numbers of people in Muslim countries suffer from illnesses common in modern society: high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease. Many take various medicines during the day and they need to drink water or eat when they do. In the days prior to Ramadan doctors warned people about the affects of fasting, particularly this year when Ramadan occurs in a warm-weather month for the first time in 33 years.

The average fasting time is 15 hours. The temperature will reach about 30 degrees during the day. Doctors advise all people whose health can be affected by long periods without liquid to distance themselves from fasting.

Health is not the only reason to refrain from fasting. Turks love football and many professional players are asking whether they should fast. The answers from doctors, religious leaders and football coaches are not consistent. Some want to leave it up to the athletes. Others point to the role of football players in society, saying they must fast. Still others warn of the health risks for the players.

Tanju Colak, formerly a top football player in Turkey, said in an interview with a Turkish newspaper that he has fasted only since he stopped playing.

"If football players don't want to collapse on he playing field, then they should not fast," said Colak. "I don't believe that God sees this as a sin. It is written that you shouldn't fast if it's not good for your health."

Fasting in Turkey, a secular state, is not required; the decision to do so is up to each individual Muslim. Many workers whose jobs are physically demanding don't fast. Some people secretly refrain from this important religious duty, while others are open about their decision not to fast.

Restaurants in Turkey, for example, are open during the day, and people clearly patronise them. Many say their jobs are stressful and therefore they must eat and drink during the day. Others say that fasting does not fit in with modern times. (dpa)