A lecturer in the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Abuja, Dr. Maisuna Mustapha Yahya, has urged Muslims to embrace generosity, sacrifice and moral discipline as essential virtues of the holy month of Ramadan.

Delivering a lecture titled “Ramadan: The Month of Generosity and Sacrifice” at the annual Ramadan lecture and fundraising organised by the Kabusa Garden Estate Muslim Association (KGEMA) in Abuja, Yahya said fasting remains one of the strongest ways to demonstrate genuine fear and consciousness of Allah.

He explained that Ramadan goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, stressing that the spiritual significance of the month lies in transforming behaviour, strengthening faith and improving relationships with others.

“One of the ways to identify a person who truly fears Allah is through fasting. Ramadan teaches discipline and reminds us that generosity and sacrifice bring us closer to Allah in ways that cannot be compared to the rewards we seek outside the holy month,” he said.

The Islamic scholar urged Muslims to use the sacred period to reflect on their conduct, noting that Ramadan should inspire believers to avoid negative behaviours such as harsh speech, dishonesty and hostility toward others.

According to him, the month encourages Muslims to cultivate kindness and speak positively to people.

“Are you someone who often speaks harsh words? Ramadan teaches us to put a stop to it. It teaches us to speak good words to people and to build better relationships within our communities,” he added.

Yahya also warned against lying, describing truthfulness as a fundamental Islamic value that must be upheld by both adults and children.

He noted that parents must be careful about the words they speak to their children, stressing that whatever parents tell their children often leaves a lasting impression.

He said: “We should desist from telling lies. Ramadan teaches us to stop lying, and we should not continue such habits after Ramadan. Parents should remember that whatever they say to their children is stamped in their minds.”

The scholar called on Muslims to sustain acts of generosity beyond Ramadan, noting that while many people are eager to provide food and charity during the fasting period, such acts should not stop once the month ends.

He emphasised that Allah demonstrates generosity to humanity every day, urging believers to emulate that example by supporting those in need throughout the year.

“Allah is generous to us every day. So we must also be generous every day. During Ramadan we feed people, but what happens after Ramadan? Our generosity should not end with the fasting period,” he said.

“If you have not read your Qur’an, ask yourself why. Ramadan reminds us to dedicate time to worship and spiritual reflection. The challenge is whether we will continue these good deeds after Ramadan,” he added.

He further explained that good deeds performed during Ramadan attract multiplied rewards, noting that while a good act may ordinarily attract tenfold rewards, acts of worship and charity during Ramadan receive far greater blessings.

The scholar encouraged Muslims to be mindful of their neighbours and extend support to people experiencing hardship, including those who have lost their jobs or are struggling economically.

The event also featured a fundraising session for the completion and furnishing of the Kabusa Garden Estate Islamic Centre, with residents and guests making donations to support the project.

Chairman of the Ramadan committee, Mallam Kabir Shaibu said the centre is expected to serve as a hub for worship, Islamic learning and community development activities for Muslims living in the estate and surrounding areas.
He said the annual Ramadan lecture is aimed at strengthening spiritual consciousness among residents while promoting charitable initiatives that support community growth.