As Ramadan commences
The month of Ramadan, the holiest in the Muslim lunar calendar, commences today with 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, of the sighting of the new moon. NSCIA had earlier advised Muslims all over the country to look […]
The month of Ramadan, the holiest in the Muslim lunar calendar, commences today with 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, of the sighting of the new moon. NSCIA had earlier advised Muslims all over the country to look out for the new moon.
The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world as a month of fasting, piety and intense prayer. Muslims regard Ramadan as the holiest month of the year because it was during this month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on the night of Laylat Al Qadr, one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk every day throughout Ramadan except those who are ill, elderly, diabetic, pregnant, menstruating or breast-feeding. Those who travel or are unwell during the period of Ramadan may fast on different days at a later point. Children are not required to fast unless they have reached puberty.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri (Islamic) calendar; its beginning and end are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar and it celebrates the first time the Koran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad SAW. Ramadan is a month where Muslims try to practice increased self-discipline, abstaining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Koran throughout the month, before the holy festival of Eid el-Fitr.
Ramadan is seen as a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion, prayer and worship. Fasting cleanse the soul by freeing it from impurities and helps redirect the heart away from distractions and Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and empathy for those less fortunate by encouraging generosity and charity. Fasting is broken at sunset before Maghrib prayers after the call for prayers which occurs just after sunset. The fast-breaking meal is called Iftar and traditionally, dates are recommended to be the first food to be eaten each evening.
In the last week of the Holy Month Muslims look forward to the “night of power” or “night of decree” which is considered the holiest night of the year. It usually occurs on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan – the 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29th. The holiday of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month.
Muslims should therefore take advantage of the holy month to engage in increased prayer and charity and they are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam which teaches people how to be more self-disciplined and have empathy for those less fortunate. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, and hope for the forgiving of past sins, Muslims should also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and devote particular focus to prayer, purification and charitable acts. This is so because Ramadan is a charitable time and giving to those less fortunate will be received with great appreciation. It doesn’t have to be money, but perhaps food or other items for Iftar.
Despite the intensified worship of Allah during the holy month, believers must also not shirk their daily responsibilities in other areas. They must still work to earn a living and must work even harder to combat poverty and insecurity in Nigeria. As we fulfill the fasting injunction as part of our Islamic obligations, we should promote a peaceful Nigeria devoid of insecurity and ameliorating poverty and live harmoniously by example and contribute positively to the effort of government.