Sheikh Salim Hassan Salim Yirenpo, Deputy Imam, Teshie Nungua Estates Central Mosque, has urged Muslims to take advantage of the Ramadan season to renew their faith.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, the Deputy Imam said: ‘Ramadan for me is an institution where Allah has given the opportunity for you to go into it, learn a lot and know how to behave and conduct yourself in the realm of all kinds of life and behaviour.’
The Holy month, which is the ninth month on the Islamic lunar calendar, commences and ends at the sighting of the new moon, and it is a period where Muslims are expected to forgo food and drink, abstain from sex during the day and all social vices.
It is the month in which fasting is obligatory for every Muslim except those whose age, health conditions and other challenges will forbid them to fast from dawn to sunset as espoused in the teachings of the Holy Quran, Chapter 2 verse 183, which states ‘O you who believe, Siyam (fasting) is prescribed onto you as it was prescribed for t
hose before you so that you may have piety (fear of Allah).’
The 29 or 30 days fast, is also one of the five pillars of Islam and serves as a means of drawing closer to Allah and nurturing self-control, gratitude and compassion for the less fortunate.
Muslims welcome the month as an opportunity for self-reflection, and spiritual improvement, and to grow in moral excellence.
He said it was necessary for the youth to stay away from social vices, concentrate on their education and vocation and aspire to become responsible persons in society.
‘Allah is saying that if you are fasting there are a lot of things you should not do, as a Muslim we do not engage ourselves in stealing, robbery, backbiting, and disrespect to elders and drinking alcohol. Islam is against all these things and Ramadan is telling you that when it arrives try your possible best and stay away,’ he stated.
He said many Muslims went back to their negative attitudes and behaviors after Ramadan, describing the situation as unacceptable, adding
that ‘we need to maintain the benefits acquired from Ramadan’.
Source: Ghana News Agency
