Ramadan is with us again

The Muslim world is currently observing the mandatory fasting of the month of Ramadan.  

Fasting is not an act of worship peculiar only to the followers of Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him.  

Quran chapter 2 verse 183 says: “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as an obligation as it was prescribed for those who lived before you, so you may acquire taqwa; the constant remembrance of God in everything that one does.” 

Much as it is required of Muslims to observe the Ramadan fast, there are exemptions of some category of people. For example a child who has not reached puberty age, is excused from the observance of fasting. Also pregnant or breast-feeding women may not fast on the advice of a competent doctor.  

Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness and salvation. Ramadan, like a very generous guest, brings with it all sorts of goodness and happiness; and elevates the status of believers and leads them closer to Allah. Ramadan comes with people showing solidarity and endurance.  

Whoever undertakes an act of obedience to Allah during this month with a righteous deed, it is as if he has performed an obligatory act at other times; and whoever performs an obligatory act during Ramadan is as one who performed seventy obligations at other times. 

It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise. It is therefore a month in which mercy, forgiveness and salvation is granted by Allah to the obedient souls. Allah, the Exalted, urges us to be hopeful in our anticipation of His mercy. 

It would be unjust on our part if we fail to accord mercy to those who have inadvertently or deliberately wronged us and are deserving of clemency. 

The best we should do is to declare an unconditional amnesty to those who wronged us whether we know them or not. As a general principle of providing food to the needy in Islam, the Prophet, peace be upon him, categorically stated that: "He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbour remains hungry by his side." 

There are people who are so blessed that their dilemma is not what to eat as they break their fast but rather what to eat amongst the variety of food items at their beck and call. In some situations some of these foods are left untouched and may head for the trash bins.  

Sharing, therefore, is the operational word. According one prophetic narration the Angels pray for the host as long as the guest is at the dining table. 

It is expected that in the period of Ramadan, Ghanaians will continue to pray to have the desired spiritual awakening that comes with the month. And may the effects of the spiritual rebirth contribute to social good and to the peace and security of the world.  

We say, Ramadan Mubarak!

BY: Abubakar Garba Osuman –Journalist