Welcoming Ramadan

The crescent moon’s sighting yesterday ushers in Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. For the next 29 or 30 days, over one billion Muslims worldwide will abstain from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset.

Ramadan has been an obligatory practice for Muslims since 624 AD, the second year after Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Makkah to Medina.

The Qur’an, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183), commands: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” Verse (2:184) highlights that those who face hardship may substitute fasting by feeding the poor, though fasting remains the best practice for those who can observe it.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside Shahada (faith), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca for those who have the means). It is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are physically able.

Moon Sighted, Ramadan Begins Today

Essentially, the month of Ramadan marks the revelation of the Holy Qur’an as divine guidance for humanity. It is a time for deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and self-improvement. Ramadan offers Muslims the opportunity for penitence.

One of the defining features of Ramadan is self-restraint, as Muslims are commanded to abstain from food, water, and other physical needs in obedience to Allah’s command. Not only does Ramadan reaffirm faith, it also strengthens unity among Muslims and underscores Allah’s supreme authority.

It must be noted that Ramadan is a period for generosity, charity, and good deeds. Muslims are encouraged to feed the hungry, support welfare initiatives, and increase acts of kindness. Indeed, the essence of this very important month is beyond abstinence.

Beyond its spiritual significance, fasting offers health benefits such as improved cholesterol levels, better blood sugar regulation, and enhanced digestion.

While Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, most Nigerian Muslims will mark it under severe economic hardship this year. In Nigeria, where over 80 million Muslims will observe the fast, the soaring cost of food and essential commodities has placed enormous strain on households. The country’s economic downturn has left many struggling to afford basic necessities, making this Ramadan among the most challenging in recent times.

Although the government claims it is making frantic efforts to tame inflation, the high cost of foodstuffs amidst other economic challenges has made daily survival a herculean task for many. The citizens are going through difficult times, and without a doubt, self-restraint and sacrifice, which are part of the essence of Ramadan, take on an even deeper meaning in these difficult times.

Aside from economic woes, Nigerians also face persistent security challenges that further compound their hardship. As you read this, many Nigerians-among them Muslims who should be observing this year’s fasting in the comfort of their homes with their families- are still being held captive by terrorists.

As Nigerian Muslims join their counterparts worldwide to observe this very important religious obligation of fasting and prayer, it is essential to remember that Ramadan is also a time for giving. Islam commands those with the means to support the unprivileged, especially in times of hardship like the one we currently face in the country. The current economic situation underpins the need for increased charity and prayers for things to turn around for the better.

The wealthy among the citizens must endeavour to use their riches to help the needy so they (the wealthy) can reap bountiful rewards in the hereafter. Islam enjoins Muslims to give without ceasing, especially in the month of Ramadan.

Indeed, the reward for good deeds during Ramadan is multiplied. Every good deed performed by a Muslim during Ramadan has a greater reward than at other times of the year.

By and large, this Ramadan provides Nigerians with yet another opportunity to intensify their prayers for divine intervention. We urge Muslims to pray for the nation and its leadership. They should pray for peace, economic stability, and relief from hardships. It is also a time to seek Allah’s mercy and guidance, remembering that Ramadan’s blessings extend to those who engage in acts of kindness, charity, and sincere devotion.

Despite the prevailing challenges, Ramadan remains a period of faith, resilience, and hope. Muslims should draw strength from its spiritual rewards and continue to embody its virtues beyond the month’s end.

This newspaper joins the over two billion Muslims in the world to welcome this year’s Ramadan.