As Ramadan begins

The official announcement last night by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar signifies the commencement of the blessed month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar when Muslims do not eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset. Fasting is […]

The official announcement last night by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar signifies the commencement of the blessed month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar when Muslims do not eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. The other ones are expression of faith, Salat (praying five times a day), Zakat (the right of the poor on the wealth of the financially able), fasting during the month of Ramadan and Hajj (once in a life time pilgrimage to the Ka’aba).
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is an obligation on every adult and healthy Muslim. The month of Ramadan is also the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, in parts over a period of 23 years. It is a joyous occasion for the Muslims of the world. Muslims fast during the day and pray and read Qur’an during a part of the night. The purpose of fasting is manifold. Fasting during the daylight hours is meant to encourage self-discipline, piety and the virtue of self-restraint. In the Qur’an 2:183 Allah exhorts Muslims, “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint.”
In these days of moral chaos when killing seems to be so easily justified, it is a good reminder that the higher path is found in patience and in choosing life. The Ramadan fast is not a mere ritualistic punishment of the body but a means to focus the mind on higher ideals fundamental to the relationship with Allah and with fellow humans. This year, Ramadan comes at a time of turbulence in many areas of the Muslim world and Nigeria in particular.  There are almost daily reports of bloodshed and other forms of suffering, some of them committed in the name of Islam.
During Ramadan, the world needs to step back and focus on one of the ideals of life on earth – peace and respect for life.  Leaders at all levels, in faith and state, need to do more to achieve peace and human dignity. The immense goodwill that heralded the arrival of the one-year old government led by President Muhammadu Buhari with its promise of change is a possible pointer to the beginning of a national rebirth.
Ramadan is the period when Allah revealed the Holy Quran – the ultimate guide to Islam and all Muslims. It is an exceptional period of forgiveness of sins, mercy and blessing of God, beyond those of any other period or month. To effectively benefit from this largesse, Muslims, in addition to fasting, are to strictly observe all other fundamental injunctions of Allah such as praying, supplication, giving succour to the poor and the needy; as well as being their brother’s keeper at all times. Moderation remains a key expression to all deeds, actions and utterances.
Inflammatory and inciting words should be avoided in their commentary of the Qur’an or tafsir sessions. As commanded by the Qur’an, wisdom and courteous words should be employed in preaching. They can also play a helpful role during this holy period by educating their audiences on the virtues of employing non-violent approaches to advancing whatever grievances they may harbour. Despite the harsh economic climate brought about by increased fuel price, dealers in essential commodities should not take undue advantage of the Ramadan period to make usurious profits by increasing the prices of foodstuff which are already on the high side.
Recommended actions during the holy month include reciting Qur’an, praying superogatory (Nafil) prayers, making Du’a, sincere repentance, generosity and charity, controlling the tongue, improving character and manners, moderation in eating, and implementing the Sunnah in daily life. To all our Muslim readers, we say Ramadan Kareem.