RAMADAN IN A SEASON OF CHANGE
The Ramadan fast for this year is coming at a period of great expectation for Nigerians following a successful general election that saw to the defeat of an incumbent president. However, the new government is also assuming office at a period of great economic difficulty that has seen many states default in the payment of salaries to their workers. As Nigerian Muslims therefore join their counterparts all over the world for the 30-day fasting period, it is our hope that the season would enhance not only the spiritual growth of adherents of the Faith but also mark a new beginning in the journey to reposition our country.
While congratulating Nigerian Muslims on the occasion of this season, we feel obliged to point attention to some evergreen lesson of this great religious observance, which, if imbibed by the nation’s leaders, are capable of making life more meaningful for the people. This is especially necessary at this stage of the nation’s development when non-payment of salaries in no fewer than 18 states has practically robbed the people of the real value for their democratic endeavour; when massive graft in high places is worsening people’s standard of living; and when ethnic uprisings and sectarian violence are threatening to tear the country apart.
As we have repeatedly pointed out on this page, at the root of the pervasive corruption in the nation is the senseless crave for materialism, whereby a privileged few monopolises the wealth of the nation. Yet this singular crime is particularly frowned at by Almighty God and is vehemently discouraged by Ramadan fasting, the essence of which is to expose the faithful
AFTER SELF-DENIAL, THE WEALTHY SHOULD BECOME MORE EMPATHETIC WITH THE LESS FORTUNATE AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY SHOULD MAKE POLICIES THAT WOULD ALLEVIATE THE SUFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE
to their spiritual roots while teaching them that true humanity does not equate to mere material possessions, passions or physical cravings.
This, we believe, is the real meaning of sharing with, and caring for, the needy and the less privileged that sets Ramadan apart from other religious festivities. The point is that if this spiritual core of man is recognised, it could lead to a positive change in our perspective on life: there would be no room for senseless materialism, greed and primitive accumulation of wealth. Rather, there would be greater concern for the poor.
Indeed, Ramadan fasting is a leveller of sorts, as both the rich and poor are exposed to hunger and thirst at the same time without any exception. Thus, after such self-denial, expectations are that the wealthy should become more empathetic to the plight of millions of their less fortunate compatriots and those in positions of authority should make policies that would alleviate the sufferings of the people.
The Ramadan fast, like the other four pillars of Islam, is aimed at promoting both the spiritual and material well-being of man. Man is invariably better off doing the will of God than merely pleasing himself. When he is able to rein in the impulse for self-gratification and greedy accumulation of wealth, man is more liable to make his society a better place to live in, not only for himself but also for his neighbour. The nation’s political leaders have much to take from the lessons of Ramadan. If only they can curtail their materialistic tendencies and pay more attention to the yearnings of the people, the country will certainly become a much happier place to live in. There is much greed in our polity and it has all but ruined the nation. The Ramadan offers such a great opportunity and we hope our leaders would avail themselves of the lessons of this season. We also hope that the outcome of this annual spiritual exercise will be of immense benefit to the nation. Ramadan Kareem to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.