The Chief Imam of the Lagos State University, Prof. Amidu Sanni, has urged Muslims to remain disciplined, righteous and charitable as the Ramadan fast begins, saying discipline and alms-giving to the needy are the hallmarks of the Ramadan season.
Prof. Sanni, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday – today, March 1 -congratulated the Muslim community on today’s commencement of Ramadan fast.
He described the Islamic month of Ramadan as a time of spiritual rebirth, saying the month-long fast is not merely about abstinence from food, drinks and sexual interactions from dawn to dusk.
“It is more about instilling discipline in the faithful, such that if one is able to abstain from legitimate acts within a time frame, keeping away from bad acts wouldn’t be a problem after the month-long exercise.
“Muslim clerics should emphasise the need for keeping away from illegitimate resources; such resources attract no reward if expended before, during or after Ramadan.
“Engaging in immorality, backbiting, spending of time and resources in frivolities, all vitiate Ramadan fasting.
“Preachers and clerics, during the month, should dwell on the need to earn and utilise only legitimate resources for fasting and acts of charity,” he declared, warning that “illicit earnings are not approved at any time in Islam.”
“Using such to observe Ramadan will not only be in nullity but will also earn the culprit additional punishment.
“Improved acts of charity to the vulnerable is highly recommended, and feeding the poor at dusk or dawn is highly recommended.
“The wealthy should extend love and sympathy to the needy, and family ties should be maintained,” the cleric reiterated.
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