The Spirit of the Ramadan Fast

The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is "Ramadan" and it is obligatory for all Muslim that have come to age to fast. Fasting of the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.

Fasting did not start with the advent of Islam. There is fasting in Judaism and there is fasting in Christianity. To get closer to God the Believer make sacrifice by abstaining from eating and drinking. This create a bond between the Believer and the Lord of Creation.

I will try to highlight commendable actions and activities during the month of Ramadan.

Intensification of Worship

Recitation of the Holy Quran, Duas, increasing Nawafil prayers and Dhikir (remembrance of God). The Holy Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan. So it is right and correct to brand the Month of Ramadan as the month of the Quran. In Nigeria, Tafsir sessions traditionally takes place during the month of Quran to keep Muslims abreast with the message of the last code of guidance. The leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, use to conduct the Ramadan Tafsir sessions at the destroyed iconic Zaria Husseiniya. During the Saudi-sponsored #ZariaGenocide, the Nigerian army bombarded the Zaria Husseiniya and murdered hundreds of Worshippers that included women and Children.

Assisting the Poor and the Downtrodden

To help and assist the poor, needy and downtrodden is a custom of all Prophets and Messengers of God. The taste of hunger will force the halves- to remember the halves-not. Charity is highly recommended during the month of Ramadan. There are families who stay hungry for the whole day, why not help them with a meal? Do not limit your assistance to members of your sect and religion. The overwhelming majority of those that yearly receive the Ramadan grain assistance from Sheikh Zakzaky are Sunni Muslims. We should also remember poor Christians during the Ramadan fast. God reward all good deeds.

Visitations

Paying visits to family and friends especially to break fast is part of the Ramadan spirit. Eating in group strengthen the bond of friendship and brotherhood. Inter-sect visit is also important. Visit your Sunni friends, brothers and sisters. Visit your Shia friends, brothers and sisters. Organize a Ramadan breakfast and invite your friends and family relations at least for one day of the entire Ramadan period.

Avoid Sins

For the entire 12 months of the year, the month of Ramadan always record less Sinning in Muslim societies. Even those Muslims that take alcoholic drinks desist from doing that during the month of Ramadan. I once saw a sales graph of an Alcoholic factory in Nigeria and I saw a month with sharp reduction of sales. When I asked I was told it is the month of Ramadan. It is hope the reduction of sinning will continue even after the month of Ramadan. The Seeker of truth is a constant traveller for perfect conduct, character and behavior.

Remembering the Oppressed

Oppression and injustice should be condemned by all people of conscience. In Islam, God categorically condemned all oppression and oppressors. There is no excuse to oppression. Nobody has the right to oppress others. Denying people of their rights is oppression. Killing the innocent is gross oppression. Stealing the lands of people is gross oppression. Looting the resources of any nation is gross oppression. After the 1979 victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Imam Khomeini (ra) designated the last Friday of the month of Ramadan as the International Quds Day. A day to remember the genocidal occupation of Palestine by genocidal Zionist barbarians backed by the arrogant West. All oppressed are remembered on International Quds Day.

On a Final note, enliven the spirit of Ramadan and spread love, kindness, generosity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. And please remember Sheikh Zakzaky in your prayers. They brutally murdered his 3 children in his residence and in his presence, burnt his 70+ year old elder sister alive and framed him and his injured wife with murder! These bloodthirsty barbarians are the most evil savages among men.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Harun Elbinawi
elbinawi@yahoo.com

Drinking alcohol is sin but having seed with underage is not sin