Again, Ramadan is here
As we observe the Ramadan fast, lest us remember our brothers and sisters who were caught up in the web of Boko Haram
As at the time of submitting this piece, the crescent for the month of Ramadan hasn’t been sighted. But given the count for the lunar month of Sha’ban in addition to the forecast by meteorologists in the country, it was envisaged that Muslims are most likely to begin this year’s Ramadan fast today. If our guess is right, we give glory too Allah (SWT), Lord of the worlds. We give sincere gratitude to Him who made it possible for us to bid farewell to Ramadan last year, and in His infinite mercy, spared ourlives to yet witness the 1438AH Ramadan fast.
The special attributes and status granted to this holy month by Allah (SWT) does not only make it unique among other months but also portrayit as a remarkable period of worship, which every Muslim strives to take advantage of. It was in this month, Ramadan, that the holy Qur’an was revealed to humanity through the seal of prophethood and messengerhood, Muhammad (SAW). It is in the month of Ramadan that the religious seclusion called I’itikaf can exclusively be observed; meaning that there can be no I’itikaf without Ramadan.
It is also in the month of Ramadan that a night that is greater in value than a thousand ordinary nights is found. That is the night of LaylatulQadr. Only in this month are Tarawih prayers observed. Why then should Muslims not celebrate the coming, once again, of Ramadan? Indeed, Ramadan is the best of times in the life of a Muslim.One other distinctive feature of Ramadan fast is that Allah (SWT) Himself gives the reward for it.
Ramadan fast is one of the fundamental pillar of Islam. Fasting during the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (wajib) during the month of Sha’ban in the second year after the Prophet (SAW) migrated along with other Muslims from Makkah to Madinah. Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an 2:183 ‘O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you; that may (learn) self-restraint’.
Muslims should strive to observe the fast with strict adherence to laid down rules governing this revered act of worship. The six authentic compilers of hadith all relate on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (RA) who reports that the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Fasting is a protection for you. So when you fast, do not behave obscenely or foolishly. And if anyone argues with you or insults you, say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting’.
Muslims are encouraged to exercise moderation in their feeding habits as well as lifestyle during breakfast (described as Iftar in Arabic) as well aswhile taking the early morning food (called Sahur in Arabic). Over-feeding especially at the time of breaking the fast prevents