By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Muslims faithfuls have been called upon to be steadfast in praying as they observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan. The call was made over the weekend by Muslims leaders.
Speaking to the Muslims leaders via a telephone call, they all acknowledge the importance of fasting indicating that apart from teaching self-control, reinforces one’s faith and piety, helps one become more mindful of God and His blessings, fasting is also a means of seeking forgiveness of sins, and is a reminder of the plight of those who do not have adequate food, water, and shelter.
“This month is a month of mercy. The best charity is done during month of Ramadan. You must pray more than all other time and read the Koran all the time as well as visit the sick, prison yard and elders among other things, Sheihk Dan Zubair said.
He added, “During this blessed month of fasting, it is a time for worship, and Muslims fast not only to remind themselves of those who are less fortunate than them, but to also get closer to Allah by acts of remembrance by His guidance.”
To Sheihk Mohammed Ntangdzenyuy, President Jurist of Islam in Bui (JIB), Muslims should keep their trust in Allah as they fast. He also urged them to continue to pray for peace to reign in Cameroon especially in the Anglophone regions and elsewhere in the world.
Other than fasting with no food or water throughout the day from sunrise until sunset for the entire month, Sheihk Mohammed said, they need to offer to do more good deeds night prayers on top of the obligatory 5 Salat (prayers), reading and reciting the Quran from beginning to end, giving more in the way of charity to the poor and needy, offering iftar meals to neighbours and attend the Masjid (Mosque) every night for Taraweeh prayers.
While feeling God in all what they are doing, the Muslim leader also remarked that the fasting is going on with preparations for people who want to go for pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle or phases of the moon. Healthy adult Muslims are required to fast in the daylight hours of Ramadan, which involves abstaining from eating, drinking, immoral acts and getting angry.
Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in A.D. 610. The timing of revelation is given special significance and is known as ‘Laylatul Qadr’ or the Night of Power.
Fasting is expected to end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 with the feast of the Ramadan.
20
0
20
20
