Muslims should go for medical check-ups before Ramadan begins – Cleric

Islamic cleric and lecturer of Islamic Studies at Lagos State University Ojo, Dr Sidiq Uthman, speaks to VICTORIA EDEME on preparations for the Ramadan fast
 When is Ramadan fast starting this year and how long will it last?
I don’t want to give a direct answer to this question because it’s not within my purview as a Nigerian Muslim to do so. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs under the leadership of His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto has the final say to make the pronouncement. He cannot do this alone but in line with a laid down tradition of the prophet, we should search for the commencement of Ramadan by searching for the new moon on the 29th of Sha’ban, which is going to be Sunday evening. The NSCIA has a standing committee known as the National Moonlighting Committee. This committee is made up of prominent Nigerians and scholars of international standards. Even though I am relatively sure that fasting is going to start on Monday, the 11th of March, we must wait for Sultan Sa’ad Abubakr III to make the pronouncement.
Can you explain the significance of Ramadan in Islam and what it represents for the Muslim community?
It symbolises dedication, reflection, self-restraint, and discipline, the month in which the glorious Quran, the manual for mankind and the most amazing miracle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon Him) was revealed. It’s a month, which allows Muslims to be protected from sin. A month in which the Prophet was on record to have said gates of paradise are left wide open and those of hellfire are firmly closed. It is a month of repentance, unlimited charity, unconditional love, and compassion; a month of bonanza for Muslims to invest in their hereafter.
What is the purpose of fasting during Ramadan, and how does it contribute to the spiritual growth of an individual?
The purpose of fasting during the month of Ramadan is for all to be conscious of Allah, the creator of the heavens and earth. In Qur’an 2: 183, Allah says, ‘O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed/enjoined/compelled on you, as it was for those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.’ ‘Taqwa’, which is the main essence of fasting and other pillars of Islam includes but is not limited to being fearful and conscious of the Creator (Allah), working in tandem with the guidelines in the Quran, total submission to the wills of Allah, righteousness and being advocate of peaceful co-existence in society, and having second thoughts every day about one’s disappearance from this world.
This implies working towards making a better place than the one we met since our lives have a terminal date. From all these analyses, it can be seen that fasting in Ramadan is more or less a spiritual workshop or spiritual training for every living man. There is no way we can exclude spirituality from our lives.
How does Ramadan serve as a time for reflection and increased devotion to Allah?
If one ponders over the situation of the country and what is going on in Palestine, a living Muslim will appreciate Allah better for sparing his life. Between last year and where we are now, innumerable people have lost their lives. For all living souls whom Allah preserved to witness this Ramadan even with the situation in the country, one needs to be thankful to Allah and be devoted to worship and righteousness. It’s a month Nigerians should wail less and be prayerful with renewed hope for a better future and country.
In what ways does Ramadan promote community and solidarity among Muslims?
Through commitment to the congregational devotions embedded in Ramadan, the spirit of oneness, discipline, unity, togetherness, righteousness, fairness, honesty, and concern for one another is encouraged. It’s interesting to see that in the first week of Ramadan Muslims who find it difficult or challenging for one reason or the other often hasten to the mosque to benefit from the rewards attached to observing one’s prayer in the congregation. Through this joint worship, the spirit of brotherhood and care for one another is also entrenched.
Can married Muslim couples engage in sexual activity while fasting during Ramadan?
The Qur’anic statement on this is lucid enough and this is very simple. They’re allowed to cohabit in the evening or night of fasting, but not during the day. It is stated in Qur’an 2: 187.
Can you elaborate on some common mistakes or behaviours that Muslims should avoid while fasting, and what are the reasons behind these prohibitions?
A fasting Muslim should avoid rancour, backbiting, dishonesty, callousness, insincerity, lackadaisical attitude to work, tale-bearing, and both known and unknown sinful acts in Ramadan. Fasting in the month of Ramadan goes beyond not eating and drinking from dawn till sunset, it involves being committed to the service of Allah and humanity in words and actions. Our traders, commercial transporters, public servants, and everyone should use this period to ameliorate and affect people’s lives and not to compound people’s suffering.
How well should Muslims prepare for the fasting?
The most important preparation is the fear of Allah and the hastiness to forgive those who have wronged us. Another important way to prepare is for us to go for a medical check-up to ascertain our level of readiness in terms of our health. We should also buy necessary food items that can sustain us. Even though the situation in the country is very challenging right now, we cannot fast on an empty stomach. The little we have should be used judiciously. The rich should remember the poor. Though, I have my reservations with the trending ‘feed a soul’ programme that has become the order of the day. My concern is that some people are using this programme to cash out. The best charity in Ramadan, at this time, is to feed one’s family, both nuclear and extended and also reach out to others in the neighbourhood. Let whoever Allah has blessed or is blessing right now remember that there’s hunger and starvation in the land. As we prepare by buying necessary foods and beverages, let us remember the poor, the needy, orphans, widows and our brothers and sisters in bondage.
What are the key guidelines and practices that Muslims should adhere to while fasting during Ramadan and why are they important?
Muslims should establish daily obligatory prayers. Allah does not compromise these daily obligations. It is what distinguishes a Muslim from non-Muslims. Avoid all immoralities both hidden and manifest because Ramadan was prescribed to redirect us to be better and morally upright. We need to be steadfast in remembrance of Allah. We must avoid rancour, backbiting, and other unethical behaviours. We should share what we have or are blessed with others.
Can you share some insights on the rituals and practices Muslims engage in during Ramadan beyond fasting?
Rituals in Ramadan are very essential for all and sundry who consider themselves as committed Muslims. There are daytime and night rituals that are encouraged. Aside from the daily five obligatory prayers, Muslims are encouraged to increase their supererogatory prayers technically referred to as ‘Nawafil’. A fasting Muslim must eat a pre-dawn meal called Sahur. The Prophet encouraged us to do this because he was credited to have said that there are significant mouth-watering blessings in it. Unlimited charity is equally encouraged in Ramadan. Another is going to lectures and sittings where the Qur’an will be explained and interpreted; this is known as Tafsir. There is also Iftar (breaking of fasting) at sunset. This is another very important ritual as it marks the end of the day’s fasting.
Muslims are encouraged to break the fast with natural things like fruits or water. Dates are considered as the best fruit, while other fruits like watermelon or even banana can be used as well. Carbonated drinks or juices should not be used to break fasts, but can be taken later. After Iftar, the Maghrib prayer and ‘Isha’i is incumbent upon all Muslims. A Muslim who fasts without daily obligatory prayers has not fasted. Another very important ritual that is recommended is Tarawi prayer. It is established after ‘Isha’i prayer and sometimes it can be delayed till the middle of the night.
Although, in Saudi Arabia, the number of units of prayers for Tarawi is 20, some Nigerian Muslims, particularly in the South-West, have established 10 units. During the middle of the night, Muslims are encouraged to keep vigil. Either during the day, evening, or night, one of the most important rituals is recitation of the Qur’an and incessant remembrance of Allah. It is a month when Muslims are discouraged from addiction to television, social media, and other frivolities.
In the last 10 days of Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to be more spiritually devoted and intensify prayers on the odd nights to benefit from the mouth-watering blessings attached; the night of spiritual seclusion is equally encouraged for those who have the opportunity. On the last days and before the Eid celebration, Muslims are encouraged to share the bounty of Allah with poor Muslims who do not have.
Are there any exceptions or circumstances under which fasting is not obligatory or should be broken, and what guidance does Islam provide in such situations?
Islam is a total way of life that priorities healthy living and ease in human endeavours. Fasting during Ramadan is not for a non-Muslim but for a sane Muslim. While Allah commanded us to fast in Ramadan, He equally gives room for exceptions as enshrined in Qur’an 2: 185. These exceptions include minors, the aged, sick people, travellers, menstruating females, nursing mothers, people who are terminally sick, or those with insanity. Permission to break the fast for the sick and travellers is meant for convenience till when the sickness is gone or when the journey ends. In case of a protracted illness, constant journeying, old age, or even for pregnant women, such people are allowed to effect redemption by feeding a poor man for every fast missed.
How can individuals strike a balance between fulfilling their daily responsibilities, such as work or school, and observing the requirements of fasting during Ramadan?
A fasting Muslim needs to plan ahead in line with a code I refer to as the MSC. The ‘M’ is for must; ‘S’ is for should, and ‘C’ stands for can. He needs to prioritise his engagements by attending to the most important things in his daily activities. There should be no room for frivolities. He must manage the stress and agony of hunger and thirst that comes with Ramadan fasting. Lectures and recitation of the Qur’an should also be a priority.
Muslims usually eat at the early hours of the day during fasting. What must be put in place to ensure that this act is not abused?
One must eat from lawfully sourced provisions. It is encouraged to delay Sahur (pre-dawn meal) till the later part of the night. Light food or semi-solid food in moderation is encouraged. All forbidden foods before Ramadan are equally forbidden during and after Ramadan.
What is the right way to break a fast?
One needs to hasten the breaking of one’s fasting in line with the tradition of the noble Prophet Muhammad immediately after sunset. Before breaking, it is essential for one to pray. There are two important prayers that we are encouraged to say. One of the prayers is translated as ‘Thirst is gone, the veins are wet, and the reward is confirmed by the will of God’. The second one is translated thus, ‘O Allah, I fasted for you; I believe in you and I have trust in you, and I break my fast with your sustenance, accept it from me’. With these two prayers and other supplications, a fasting Muslim can proceed to break the fast.
Does any punishment await Muslims who do not partake in the fast?
To answer this question, I would like to share a statement credited to the importance and benefits of fasting in Ramadan. According to Sahl, the Prophet said, ‘In Paradise, there is a gate called al-Rayyan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter’, which can be found in Sahih Bukhari, 1763 and Sahih Muslim, 1947.
From the aforementioned tradition, it’s clear that the rewards attached to fasting go beyond what anyone can quantify. The rewards are elephantine and gargantuan. As for the person who failed to partake deliberately without any cogent reasons, he will not only benefit from the highlighted rewards but the consequences of his action can only be determined by Allah.