The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Jam’atu Nasrul-Islam of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Sa’ad III, has announced the sighting of the Ramadan moon crescent, signalling the beginning of the 30-day Muslims’ Fasting tomorrow, March 11.
Early today, March 10, Saudi Arabia had also announced the sighting of the moon, though countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and others have not sighted the moon and therefore, begin their Fasting on Tuesday, March 12.
In Islam, Fasting begin from dawn to sunset and is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill; who are not travelling, not elderly, not breastfeeding, not diabetic, not pregnant and not menstruating.
The predawn meal is referred to as suhur and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar.
Although rulings have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca, it is common practice to follow the timetable of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.
The spiritual rewards of Fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan.
Accordingly, during the hours of Fasting, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also from tobacco products, sexual relations and sinful behavior, including lying, insulting, backbiting, etc.
Muslims devote themselves to prayer and study of the Quran, offering sacrifices, praising Allah continuously and performing other good deeds.
We, at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, wish our invaluable readers healthy, productive and rewarding Ramadan.
