MUSLIMS are being urged to give up smoking as part of fasting during the religious festival of Ramadan.

Smoking among the Asian community is higher than average with about 42 per cent of Bangladeshi men smoking, compared to the average of 27 per cent of men in the UK. The figure among Indian and Pakistani men is lower, around 22 per cent.

Chewing tobacco is also a problem, with 19 per cent of Asian men and 26 per cent of women regularly chewing tobacco, increasing the chances of oral cancer.

Members of the Asian population are 50 per cent more likely to die from heart disease than the general population, largely due to smoking.

Ramadan began on Friday and is expected to last until November 14.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims who are fit and healthy are expected to give up food, drink and tobacco during daylight hours.

Dr Shuja Shafi, Chairman of the Health and Medical Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "Smoking is a serious health issue for Asian communities.

"Muslims in particular suffer from higher rates of respiratory symptoms, heart disease, severe chest pain and long-standing illness than Sikhs or Hindus.

"What is more, avoiding smoking is in keeping with the teachings of Islam. Yet there seems to be a relatively poor understanding of the link between tobacco smoking and serious illness in our community."

He said Bangladeshi and Pakistani men are twice as likely to believe smoking has no effect on their health.

The NHS Asian Tobacco Helpline offers free confidential advice to help Muslims quit during Ramadan and beyond. Counsellors offer advice in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati and Bengali.

The helpline can help smokers cope with nicotine cravings during the daylight hours of Ramadan.

The helplines are: Urdu 0800 169 0881; Punjabi 0800 169 0882; Hindi 0800 169 0883; Gujarati 0800 169 0884; Bengali 0800 169 0885.

All lines are open every Tuesday from 1pm to 9pm.