Blessed month of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is once again here with the official announcement by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs [NSCIA] Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts either 29 or 30 days depending on when the […]

The holy month of Ramadan is once again here with the official announcement by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs [NSCIA] Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts either 29 or 30 days depending on when the new crescent is sighted. Able bodied Muslims are expected to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset each day of the month. 

Muslims believe that it was in the final ten nights of Ramadan that the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. “In the month of Ramadan the Qur’an was revealed, a book of guidance with proofs of guidance which distinguishes right from wrong. Therefore whoever of you is present in that month let him fast, but he who is ill or on a journey shall fast a similar number of days later (2:185).” The Qur’an even exempts those “who can fast only with extreme difficulty,” and tells them to feed a needy person instead. “God wants ease for you, not hardship”.

During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils and vices, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. Fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship intended solely for God and it is more meaningful only when it is driven by a genuine will to obey God’s commandments. 

Ramadan brings with it piety, spiritual growth and excitement. The physical and mental exhaustion of fasting softens hearts and souls, making them capable to receive guidance.

Fasting equalises the poor and the rich. The rich need to feel pangs of hunger in order to show mercy to the poor. Ramadan also brings with it compassion for the less privileged. It is a month of sharing, a powerful demonstration of brotherhood.

Ramadan awakens a sense of humility in all human beings. It produces an atmosphere of compassion and nobility. Fasting also increases consideration on spirituality and diminishes focus on materialism. It has many health benefits, can be atonement for sin and can earn great reward and is part of a strong spiritual and physical renewal plan.

Benefits of fasting include a’ttracting Gods mercy, love and abundant reward Ramadan purifies the soul and is a time to spend with friends and family, occasions to spend quality time together and to share memorable experiences with children. It is also a time to cement ties with relatives, neighbours and friends. In Nigeria life is more difficult with people suffering hardship, especially in this period of recession. Many people also experience thirst on account of lack of water supply. Nigerians should dialogue together and have dignified peace at the top of their prayers. It is also time to pray for the quick recovery of our ailing President Muhammadu Buhari.

The holy Prophet (SAW) said, “There is a zakat for all things and the zakat of the body is fasting. Here, zakat means purification of soul which fasting purifies.” The prophet (SAW) also said, “The month of fasting is the month of compassion.” Since sins are usually committed via the tongue, the eyes, the ears, the stomach or the unleashing of sexual desires, the philosophy behind fasting is restraining oneself from committing sins.

This great month is one of the most virtuous roads to Allah. As each moment of this glorious month is vitally important, we should make all our efforts to receive maximum benefit from this blessed month. May the holy month of Ramadan bring peace and tranquility to our country and may it bring succour to Nigerians for security, economic and other pressing national problems. Ramadan Mubarak!