Ramadan, Lent: A Period to Learn and Grow

By Ishola Gbenga 
As a Christian with a northern background and exposure myself, I had realized over the years, while growing up specifically, in Kano State that, fasting in the month of Ramadan is fundamental for every Muslims, as one of the pillars of Islam. My upbringing in the city of Kano where most of my friends are Muslims, had also exposed me to the fact that, the month of Ramadan is when Muslims fast for thirty or twenty nine days, starting from when it has been pronounced by the legitimate authorities and upon the rightful sighting of the moon which was confirmed on Sunday, 10th March 2024.

It is a period when people put aside comfort, embarked on self denial and seek the face of God for different interventions concerning several issues. This piece of intervention is to however, remind every eligible Christian and Muslims to ensure strict compliance and as demanded to provide divine licence for their fast to guarantee it's acceptance by God now and thereafter.

So, permit me first, to as a Christian peep into the Holy Qur'an to pick some lessons in establishing some facts that would be useful to you as a reader. To be precise, chapter two, verse one hundred and eighty three to one hundred and eighty five of the holy book were explicit on the significance of fasting in the month of Ramadan. Apart from abstinence for eating, drinking and other form of intake, Christians and Muslims no doubt, use the holy period to humble and solidify their relationship with God through good conduct and various decent ways of life.

Having Muslims as friends, family and colleagues not only gave me a strong sense of multi-cultural approach to life, but my interactions with them over the years also exposed me to realize the knowledge that, prominent features in the month of Ramadan include Tafsir Al-Quran, Tila'watul-Qur'an, Alms-Giving and Iftar which is the period for breaking the fast. 

Also, other notable activities are the period of early morning meal (known as SAHUR, we call it Saari in Yoruba) to take the take-off food and for offering special Nafilat as well as prayer sessions to attract divine mercies. Ramadan, no doubt accommodates the night of Majesty also known as Lailatu Qodir where Muslims converge in multitude to seek Allah's benevolence, forgiveness and renewed prosperity.

Coincidentally, the month of Ramadan and Leten period for the Christians came at the same season. A clear indication that both religion could put their voices together to call onto God in one accord through prayers for clearer visions and ideas in the lives of our leaders and for hunger, violence, insurgencies, armed robberies, kidnappings, ritual killings, etc to cease in Nigeria. To establish and prosper Nigeria economically, spiritually, and politically henceforth to the glory of God Almighty. The time to really call on God for his intervention is now.

The night of Majesty offers special bonanza of mercies and everlasting blessings from Allah. Little wonder, Muslims do searche for the period aimed at attracting divine intervention for their lives. Indeed, every righteousness deep in the month of Ramadan is really rewarding in multiples and when sacrifice or special offers made is accorded multi-faceted recognition by Allah. Notably also, Zakatiu-Fitril is one of the special offerings demanded of every eligible Muslims, who fast in the month of Ramadan.

Zakatiu-Fitril is believed to be the vehicle that convey the fast and other related Iba'dat by every eligible Muslims in the month of Ramadan. It is made compulsory to envelope the month of spiritual exercise by Muslims in the holy month which is also fundamental just as Ramadan fast in the month of Ramadan.

It is often said that whoever fails to observe Zakatiu-Fitril would have his/her fast hanging before Allah and would not be registered nor accepted by Allah until when the Zakatiu-Fitril is eventually offered. Such an offering no doubt, heralds the entire spiritual responsibility in the month of Ramadan. In addition, it challenges every individual who fast in the month to offer special measured types grains or food items to the less privileged in the society to enable the downtrodden appreciates the rare privileged of opulence and affluence.

Certainly! The Bible says there is nothing impossible with God. It is established in the book of Matthew 19:26. According to the text, all we have to do as a people and nation is humble ourselves, pray and turn from our wicked ways. As simple as this sounds, a lot of people find it hard to do. This is why we need to ask God for grace to truly live righteous lives so that our land can blossom. Especially, at a time like this. “Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people” says the book of Proverbs 14:34. It is our responsibility to rise up, pray for the peace of Nigeria and abolish the activities of Satan and his cohorts in the land. Nigeria is an incredible country. No doubt!

Going further, the process of Zakatiu-Fitril is observed to enrich principles of equality, equity, love and friendship, as it also promotes bond of unity, recognition and identification for a collective responsibility. Meanwhile, grains and food items recommended by Zakatiu-Fitril include Maize,Corn, Millet, Rice, Beans, and other related citrus in that category. Mind you, Gari (Cassava flour) is also allowed for use to perform Zakatiu-Fitril as there are some specific dried too such as fruits. All these are good for the special exercise.

Specifically, it is measured in four Mudus each per head of every individual members of a family, regardless of age or gender. The special offering starts when Ramadan becomes twenty five till the last hour before the special Idil-fitir prayer on Eidil Day. It covers the number of wife, children and others who are your direct responsibility and are under your control as well.

Islamic scholars, in their rights and deep knowledge confirmed that Zakatiu-Fitril was meant to promote brotherliness and unique brotherhood in Islam, where and when every soul should be treated as equal. This offers every eligible Muslims the opportunity to cement the hard- earned spiritual bond with Almighty God as obtained in this particular holy month till eternity. 

In conclusion, Nigeria is a blessed country. Its people are beautiful, warm, welcoming, hardworking and internationally recognized for their value driven activities. The land is fertile and rich in natural resources. Despite all these, we realise today that the country is not very conducive for its citizens due to reasons too numerous to state here. That, this writer believe will be a story for another day. But you're compelled to ask in most cases! Thus: Is there any hope at all? Can things really turn around for good? 

The message, and perhaps, lessons provided by this unique season is to appreciate the immense value of diversity and inclusion among ourselves, especially as a great people and great nation. Embracing diversity not only fosters a more inclusive and equitable prospect, but it also drives innovation, creativity, and ultimately, success. By harnessing the strength of diversity and inclusion, together we can tap into a wide range of perspectives for which one of the most significant advantages of diversity is the wealth of ideas it brings to the table. When individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring with them a unique set of experiences, knowledge, and foresight. This diversity of thought enables a country and it's leaders to approach problems from different angles, leading to more solutions, successes and better decision-making. 

This writer is therefore, optimistic that Nigeria shall work again for the betterment of all. Through prayers we can collectively declare peace in Nigeria from the Federal Capital to the local constituencies. Peace in the day, at night, in our economy, politics, institutions, among the leaders, followers, in the city and at home. 
God bless Nigeria as I wish both our Christians and Muslims family and friends a rewarding fasting period. 

Ishola Gbenga ANIPR, writes from Ilorin
isholagbenga@yahoo.com






 

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