As Ramadan approaches
The last one month was a period during which series of conferences on “moon-sighting” were organized by different bodies in different parts of the country. One of such conferences, which had the theme “Moon-Sighting and the Preservation of Arabic Manuscripts in Nigeria” just ended yesterday at the Osun state University, Osogbo in Osun State. Before […]
The last one month was a period during which series of conferences on “moon-sighting” were organized by different bodies in different parts of the country. One of such conferences, which had the theme “Moon-Sighting and the Preservation of Arabic Manuscripts in Nigeria” just ended yesterday at the Osun state University, Osogbo in Osun State. Before then, the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (SCIAN) had organized one on “Moon-Sighting” for Imams drawn from all states of the federation. The Department of Islamic Studies at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria also organized a National Conference on ‘Moon-Sighting’ in July 2009. With all the intellectual interactions and exchange of scholarly ideas at these conferences, it is hoped that the kind of controversy that ushered in Ramadan last year would not be repeated this year. This column urges Imams, preachers and religious leaders to use the remaining one week ahead of Ramadan to educate Muslims on the need for the Ummah, especially in a heterogeneous society like Nigeria, to remain united. Allah (SWT) exhorts us in Qur’an 3:103 “And hold fast altogether by the Rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves”.
As usual and as required by Islam, Muslims are enjoined to commence the Ramadan fast on sighting the Ramadan crescent or hearing about it from reliable sources or as may be announced by the President-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria (SCIAN), the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar. We expect Nigerian Muslims to begin the Ramadan fast as soon as the Sultan or other traditional rulers in Muslim communities (acting on behalf of the Sultan) make pronouncements to that effect. Allah (SWT) in this regard directs us in Qur’an 4:59 “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Apostle, and those charged with authority among you…”
We do not advise Nigerian Muslims to rely on foreign media or consider the news about Ramadan crescent sighted in other countries as a source of information for them to start the Ramadan fast. It is most appropriate that Muslims in Nigeria should begin the Ramadan fast based on the news of moon-sighting announced by religious or Muslim traditional leaders in our respective communities and as may be disseminated (with their permission) by Nigerian local media outfits. It is instructive from the physical geography of the world that Nigeria and indeed other countries of the world shall not be on the same timing zone. Islam appreciates this natural phenomenon. This explains why the noon (Zuhr) prayer, for instance, is not observed at the same time in all parts of the world. This also gives truth to the fact that the Ramadan crescent cannot be sighted at the same time in all countries of the world. This position is not oblivious of the gains of information technology, which has turned the world in to a small village. As Ramadan approaches, we urge Muslims to beware of mischievous SMS’ and e-mail messages intended by mischievous minds to cause confusion in the news about the sighting of the Ramadan crescent. The negative use of the internet by fraudsters and scandal-mongers to spread false information requires Muslims to ascertain the genuineness or otherwise of the news that comes to them about moon-sighting especially if such were coming from doubtful sources.
It has become traditional, though unwelcome, for prices of essential commodities to go up at the beginning of every Ramadan in Nigeria as if the holy month were a period for manufacturers and dealers of consumable goods to maximize profits. While others, during religious seasons (such as the Christmas period) would slash down prices of goods and services; it is always price hike during Ramadan and Sallah festivals, particularly in the Muslim north of Nigeria. Coincidentally, this year’s Ramadan is commencing when the minds of most parents are engrossed in thoughts about how to settle the school fees of their children who had been on vacation and are due to resume in two weeks time even though the entire education appears to be in serious crisis. The exchange rate of the naira, too, which has a multiplying effect on goods including textiles, has continued to depreciate.
We call on various states and local government in the country, which are the closest tiers of governance to the ordinary Nigerian, to intervene with measures that will ease the unceasing hardships confronting Nigerians. This reminds us to ask the Minister of Agriculture to bring out the excess grains he once claimed government purchased and stored in different silos across the country. This is the time for the silos to be unsealed and the cereals sold to the Nigerian public. Zakat commissions (where they exist) and individuals who have the wherewithal can purchase essential commodities and disposed of same at subsided rate in order to lessen the adversities being faced by Nigerians. This column encourages them to also arrange public breaking of Ramadan fast for the benefit of the less-privileged class of Muslims. This common ground breakfast otherwise called “iftar Jama’i” can be organized at designated public places or centers such as motor-parks, hospitals, schools and markets. May Allah (SWT) see us through a virtuous and peaceful Ramadan period; amin. Happy Ramadan in advance!