Brethren, today being Sha’ban 29, 1446AH, the wonderful month of Ramadan will, certainly, commence this weekend. If the crescent is sighted tonight, tomorrow (Saturday, March 1, 2025) automatically becomes the first day of Ramadan 2025, otherwise, it will begin on Sunday.

As it is explicit in the Quranic verse quoted above, the fundamental goal of Ramadan is the attainment of taqwa (piety), which, in another verse of the Holy Qur’an (Q49V13), qualifies the possessor of taqwa as the noblest in the sight of Allah: “…And, indeed, the noblest of you, in the sight of God, is the most God-fearing of you.”

Also known as fear of Allah, which is regarded as the foundation of all acts of worship, particularly fasting as Allah (SWT) does not need abstinence from food and sleepless night for the period of fasting except the ones that are done with piety. The inference is that fasting must be observed with all parts of the body.

For instance, the eyes should not be used to look at forbidden things, movies, nudities etc. Likewise, the ears should not be used to listen to vain talks or music. And the hearts should be protected from the evil thoughts that could prompt bad conducts. It is for this reason that the Holy Prophet cautioned that there were many a people who would claim to be fasting but would not have any reward for this act except hunger and there were many a people who would claim to be standing at night for tahajud, but would not have any reward for it except sleeplessness, simply because these acts are devoid of the fear of Allah.

Therefore, as Muslims undertake this spiritual journey, it should be noted that sincerity and good intention are vital. This is because Allah (SWT) loves doing act of worship for Him alone and He dislikes partnership in whatever form. Fasting is done purely in obedience to the command of Allah and with the intention to seek His pleasure alone not for showing off or commendation by the people. Doing otherwise, destroys the good intention and deeds no matter how great they are.

Thus, in order to reap bounteous harvest that is associated with fasting during the month of Ramadan, all acts of worship therein should be targeted towards seeking the face of Allah alone and uplifting humanity. On the day of resurrection when Allah will be rewarding his servants, He will instruct those who intended their deeds for the sake of others to go and meet them if they can get rewards from them. Subhanallah!

Another point to note is time management. Ramadan reminds us of the fact that everything in the cosmos is dated and timed; that to trifle with time, is to trifle with our existence. Like the five daily prayers, fasting during this month therefore serves as a constant reminder for believers that our existence is fated for expiration; the same way fasting is for a specified number of days, our life on earth is equally for a specified but highly knowable number of days.

Therefore, it is very important to plan the day and night very well so that one can engage in soul enriching activities. Muslims who desire to maximise the benefits of the holy month are encouraged to sleep early but wake up early to gain strength for ibaadah. It is also advised that a timetable of meritorious activities is drawn in an orderly manner in order not to waste this precious time. It is quite unfortunate that some people will spend the time pressing phones, on facebook, twitter, tiktok, watching movies and films all in the name of whiling away the time instead of using the time to observe tahajud, reciting and reflecting on the meaning of Al-Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, listening to meaningful and soul enriching lectures etc.

Brethren, fasting inculcates a spirit of tolerance in man to face unpleasant conditions and situations without turning his fellow human being to victim of his wrath. Many people, when facing discomfort and deprivation, often become irritable and annoyed. This anger is then visited on those around them. Fasting helps a man become more tolerant despite his own discomfort. The Prophet says when a Muslim who is fasting is abused, he should say: “I’m Fasting”. Thus, it instils in us the spirit of forgiveness towards others, as we seek forgiveness of Almighty for us iniquities.

Brethren, in line with the comprehensive nature of Islam, Ramadan comes with a lot of health benefits for the worshippers of the Almighty. This occurs because the act of fasting functions in cleansing the human system of the accumulated impurities of uninterrupted eating throughout the year. Thus, it reenergizes our organs, sharpens our intellect and enhances well-being.

Besides, the scientists have discovered that most of the terminal illness happening to us are caused by what we eat and drink. They, therefore, concluded that fasting is a source of gaining strength and preventing diseases apart from the effective way of spiritual development.

Above all, the month of Ramadan is a period of giving and showing concerns to the living condition of others. We all realize that when we give food or fruit to someone to break during this period, the giver will have great rewards. We see people who are rich and want to maximize the benefits in this month organizing iftar as well as other provisions for the poor and the needy. In fact, some are fond of distributing their zakat (another fundamental pillar of Islam) during this month for bumper harvest, while others are used to perform the lesser hajj (Umrah) during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Really, Ramadan is a journey of self-discovery and it is hoped that the Muslim faithful, especially, and indeed, Nigeria as a whole, will emerge from the whole month of spiritual engagement with a deeper commitment to ensuring welfare and security of all and sundry.
May Allah (SWT) Accept it as act of worship and grant us good deeds that will make us to secure His pleasure here and in hereafter, Aameen.
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