Scholars task Muslims on discipline, Qur’an recitation

AS Muslims across the country join their counterpart across the world in the yearly Ramadan fasting, some reputable Islamic scholars have urged the faithful to uphold the culture of discipline in their daily endeavours.

Besides, the need for frequent recitation of the holy Qur’an and exhibition of moral behabiours during the fasting season were major focus at the Pre-Ramadan lecture organised by the Bodija Estates Muslim Youth Forum (BOMYOF) in Ibadan recently.

A speaker at the forum and lecturer in the Arabic and Islamic Department, University of Ibadan, Ibrahim Uthman said that those who observe the fasting, pray in the midnight and observe the night of destiny(Lailatul Quadri) shall have all their sins forgiven.

He said: “My brothers and sisters, the best preparation for Ramadan is discipline. Also, fasting, as a religious exercise is more rewardable in the sight of Allah.

“Because there is none of such actions that is not affected by external and worldly factors but fasting is divinely ordained with prescribed rules,” he said.

Uthman emphasised that observing the midnight prayer and reading the Holy Quran during Ramadan brings maximum reward from the Almighty God (Allah).

He stressed the need for Muslims to take proper care of their health, adding that the rules of Ramadan were such that should be adhered to strictly everyday of every man’s life.

The Islamic scholar however called for re-orientation on best ways to observe fasting for maximum reward, highlighting discipline, reading of the Quran, remembrance of God and midnight prayers as the best in fasting. BOMYOF Chairman, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the programme was to prepare the youths for the Ramadan fasting, adding that it would also strengthen BOMYOF’s existence and the spiritual development of the youths.

Balogun said that the association had planned several programmes for Ramadan such as tafsir (sermon sessions), Iftar ( breaking of fast) during the Ramadan period.

According to him, the group has also planned counselling session for both academic and moral development, likewise other educational programmes. Proprietor, Qibla Group of Schools, Ibadan and Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Muniru Ademola, described the idea of BOMYOF as a unique development.

Ademola said that such effort would enhance the spiritual, academic and moral development of the youths, urging other Islamic bodies to cue into the idea. BOMYOF was inaugurated on May 24 to bring the Muslim youths together and for guidance towards the righteous path.