GODFREY GEORGE writes that Nigerian Muslims are navigating the scarcity of naira notes and inflation of goods and services, among other challenges, to perform a necessary act of worship
Outside the large room were wheelbarrows filled with tubers of yam, potatoes, onions and carrots, arranged like cornrows, one right beside the other.
A young boy was filling an open blue drum with water as the imam blasted from the microphone the call to prayer.
It was a few minutes past 4pm that Tuesday and the sun was about to set.
Young men, sitting beside older men, who sat beside boys, washed their hands and feet and muttered inaudible words.
This reporter had sought an audience with one of the imams at the Ketu Central Mosque, Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos, Mr Abdulraaq Azeez, and he had invited Sunday PUNCH to join in the prayers for the evening.
Outside the mosque were many plastic kettles and foot wears of the faithful, who had come to observe the prayers.
A young boy, Saliu, who was with his mother, Mrs Binatu Azeez, beckoned on this reporter to come quickly in so as not to miss the sermon.
Inside the mosque was wide.
Colourful mats were on the floor, where worshippers sat, listening to a senior imam, who spoke on the blessings of forgiveness.
He spoke a mixture of English, Yoruba and Arabic.
The sermon, which lasted for some minutes, was over and a loud voice quickened the worshippers.
From the back, the view was like an army, finely arranged for a parade.
These men, well-arranged on their mats, stood up as prayers began.
Although it was hard for this reporter to keep up with the beautiful routine, he observed as the group stood in unison, hands folded for a while; they knelt and bowed their heads in a rhythm.
They stood up again and raised their hands towards the roof before sitting.
At the end of the prayers, the worshippers took turns greeting one another and Azeez spotted Sunday PUNCH reporter at the back, taking some notes.
“You must have met my son,” he said, telling Saliu to greet the reporter.
As this reporter watched, his wife brought in a basket full of fruits, which she shared among some worshippers who had not left the room.
“Some of them have no homes. We are instructed by Allah to care for them,” he said, gesturing to two men who sat outside the mosque with walking sticks.
“Ramadan is a special season for all of us, Muslims. It is a season to show love and exercise kindness, which are two of the cores of Islam. It is a time we sit in sober reflection, seeking Allah’s mercy. As humans, it is only Allah who makes us pure and holy.
“Ramadan means everything for every Muslim because it is an instruction from Allah. Nothing, not even the economic situation, can be an excuse not to fulfil the obligations of this principle,” he added.
Some old women who seemed to have been waiting for Azeez suddenly swarmed him.
He excused himself, and as they chatted, the mosque was being cleaned up, getting ready for the next prayer session, which, according to Islamic precepts, would be in a few hours.
Sunday PUNCH later gathered that Azeez did not live in the area but only visited during Ramadan to worship with the ummah.
Essence of Ramadan
According to an online resource, Islamic Relief Australia, in the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, avoiding food, drinks and other pleasurable desires.
Through fasting, Muslims take the time to get closer to Allah (SWT) by improving their ibadah (worship) and increasing dhikr (remembrance of God).
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who is recognised all over the world as one of the companions of Prophet Mohammad (SAW), reported that the Prophet (PBUH) during this blessed month, said, “When Ramadan enters, the gates of paradise are opened, the gates of hellfire are closed and the devils are chained.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
“As such, Ramadan marks the perfect time for Muslims to get in touch with our spirituality, family and community and strengthen our will as Muslims,” the resource noted.
The Islam Channel, another online Islamic resource, stated that Ramadan was known as the holiest month in Islam, adding that it was the month when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
“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 through acts of remembrance by His guidance.
“It is a time when Muslims seek forgiveness in the hope of rewards of heaven from the mercy of Allah (SWT),” the resource noted.
It also stated that other than fasting with no food or water throughout the day from sunrise until sunset for the entire month, Muslims are also required to do more ‘good deeds and night prayers on top of the obligatory five 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 attending the Masjid (mosque) every night for Taraweeh prayers’.
“Muslims are also encouraged to read the Quran more often with sincerity.
“Ten thawabs (rewards) are given for each letter of the Quran normally but thousands of thawabs will be rewarded for each Quran letter in Ramadan,” it added.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states the importance of Tarawih or night prayers in Ramadan in a Hadith.
It says, “Allah (SWT) has made Ramadan fasting obligatory. I have made the congregational night prayer (Tarawih) Sunnah. He who fasts and observes night prayers believing the virtues and seeking his reward from Allah (SWT), he will be saved from his sins as a newborn baby.”
According to Azeez, seeking forgiveness from Allah to pardon a believer’s sins is among the rewarding acts of worship.
“This holy month is one where Allah forgives all of his servants’ sins, especially on Laylat-al-Qadr (the night of power) when the Prophet Muhammad ascended into the heavens via Jerusalem, and where the Quran was first revealed to him.
“The Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah for His sake, day and night is a spiritual duty for Muslims because it is an act of worship. It is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith, and this is why Allah says in Surah Ahzaab in verse 33:41, ‘O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance,’” he added.
Family time
Ramadan marks a time when Muslims gather together, especially in the presence of family.
For Mr Hussaini Hussaini, an Abuja-based legal practitioner, being able to come together during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast meal) gives Muslim families the much-needed time to connect and bond.
“From helping our parents prepare food during meal times to reciting Qur’an with our younger siblings, there are many activities which we can do to draw closer to our families.
“Other great activities which are great for family bonding include praying together, reading Islamic books together, visiting local mosques and attending community Iftar events together.
“As the most blessed time for Muslims to learn and grow together, Ramadan is the best month to create the most cherishable and unforgettable memories with our families,” he added.
Likewise, he stated that reinstating family traditions during Ramadan would not only bring the family closer together but also bring everyone closer to Allah (SWT).
Importance of community, giving
Ramadan is viewed by most Islamic scholars as definitely a time that brings the community together, both to one another and to Allah (SWT).
A publication in an online resource, zakat.com, notes that as fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, the importance of fasting during the month of Ramadan creates a sense of unity among Muslims, regardless of age, background and circumstance.
“From grand community Iftars, local street food stalls, and gathering for Taraweeh in local mosques, Ramadan is when our communities engage in activities that get everyone involved – in one way or another.
“Ramadan is also a time when we work together to fulfill another pillar of Islam: Zakat. Since the time of the Prophet (PBUH), the Muslim community has always valued giving charity to those in need.
“As Ramadan is a time filled with the most opportunities to gain blessings from Allah (SWT), many of us choose to give our Zakat or Sadaqah (charity) during this blessed month,” it added.
Speaking further on this, a Muslim entrepreneur, Abdulwahab Adams, stated that towards the last 10 nights of Ramadan, especially, many Muslims gather together to observe Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power).
“As Laylatul Qadr is considered the holiest night of the year, it is the most ideal time for us to pray more and give more charity together as a community.
“Through coming together and elevating our acts of worship for the sake of Allah (SWT), Ramadan is truly a period where our spirituality, ties with our family and community bonds strengthen us and allow us to become the best version of ourselves,” he said.
The holy month of Ramadan is also viewed as a perfect opportunity to use the power of zakat (giving).
Adams stated that it was a time for Muslims to pause and reflect, leave behind bad habits and replace them with good ones, increase their acts of worship and good deeds, and practice self-discipline – all for the sake of Allah SWT.
Cash crunch
The holy fasting month of Ramadan began in Nigeria on Thursday, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, who doubles as the President of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, announced this in a Wednesday night broadcast, following the sighting of the crescent moon in various locations in Nigeria, according to the National Moonsighting Committee.
“The Sultan felicitates with the entire Muslim community on the auspicious occasion of the forthcoming 1444AH Ramadan fast,” a statement by the monarch said.
He prayed that Allah spare the lives of every Muslim to participate in the exercise and maximise the benefits therein.
Earlier, the Ramadan crescent (moon) was sighted in Saudi Arabia and other countries around the world.
Last year, fasting across the world ranged from 10 to 20 hours a day.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr. In Arabic, it means a festival of breaking the fast.
But many Muslims, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH, noted that it had not been easy for them in this season because of the cash crunch.
Last week, the Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in Bauchi State, appealed to the Federal Government to make naira notes available during Ramadan.
The Chairman, Tafsir Committee Kasuwan Shanu JIBWS Mosque, Alhaji Hassan Gwani, said, “Ramadan is here again and the currency meant for daily purchases is not available, thereby making the situation difficult for people to buy what they need.
“If the FG wants the policy to be received with open arms and successful, the new naira notes should be made available for people to spend.”
Although the Supreme Court had ordered that old naira notes be allowed to circulate with new ones till December 31, the Central Bank of Nigeria seemed not to be meeting up with the expectations.
For instance, it is common practice for Muslims to stock their houses with food items for the Ramadan season but many said they were unable to do so due to the cash crunch.
For 24-year-old on-air personality, Mariam Adenike, the season comes with mixed feelings.
She said, “Before Ramadan, most Nigerians cannot afford to be lavish with their meals the way they will usually do before this situation (naira scarcity) began.”
Speaking further on the season, she said, “The essence of Ramadan is to be closer to Allah spiritually and learn patience and perseverance through fasting.
“Allah (SWT) also urges abstinence from things of the world, most especially food, drink and sex from morning till evening.
“Muslims need to steer clear of sex during this period to be pure in their spiritual approach; but for a married couple, it is permissible, though it should not go beyond the onset of dawn.”
A student of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo State, Olaitan Mahruf-Omotayo, said the unavailability of cash affected Ramadan.
He said, “There are some people that will want to pay their zakat during this period but they cannot because of the cash crunch.
“Also, there are some preparations that some people always make before Ramadan, All that cannot be done because of the cash crunch. It has affected a lot of things for us Muslims but it won’t stop us from performing our obligations as instructed in the Holy Quran.”
On what Muslims should do differently this season, Mahruf-Omatayo said, “Muslims should refrain and abstain totally (not only during this period alone) from taking bribes, backbiting, working against Allah’s will and illegal consumption of alcohol. We must stand for integrity in all we do.”
He also stressed that Allah (SWT) had commanded that all Muslims must fast during the period because of the rewards attached to it.
“Muslims should not see themselves as Muslims only during Ramadan. They should let people understand what Islam is all about. Muslims should reach out to people in dire need of help; people are suffering in silence,” he added.
For another Muslim faithful, Abdul-Lateef Badmus, the cash scarcity has reduced charity.
“Food items have become costly; some families can’t even afford basic sahur and iftar meals,” he lamented.
However, he stated that all Muslims should be thankful to be alive.
“From living to sleeping to praying and all; all things should be done differently. Increase your number of prayers, increase the amount of time spent for dhikr, and so on. Reduce your sleep time and time spent on frivolities,” he added.
Also commenting, Sangosanya Nanaawawu, an entrepreneur in her mid-20s, said there is not enough cash to spend as the cost of goods and services in the market keeps rising.
“This has made it hard for the average Muslims to stock up as much as they should for the period.
“I can imagine myself trekking the distance I normally would when I wasn’t fasting; I can imagine the effect it would have on my performance rate at work or anywhere I am,” she stated.
She also stressed that Muslims must do everything within their power to do the will of Allah.
She added, “They should pray in every way they can and use their condition as a point of reference while praying to Almighty Allah (SWT).”
For Hussaini, the cash crunch has affected a lot of Muslims because the Ramadan period of worship, according to him, requires ‘energy from food and drinks’.
He said, “The cash crunch has affected a lot of Muslims, especially those living in rural areas where the majority of them have no bank accounts.
“This has, in turn, affected their small businesses and a lot may not be able to buy their basic needs for the month.”
Ease cash crunch, CNG begs govt
The spokesman for the Coalition of Northern Groups, Mr Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, said Muslims should not face hardship during Ramadan because one of the three basic meals had been removed from their menu.
He begged the Federal Government and the CBN to ease the ‘hardship’ of the cash crunch on Nigerians.
“The month of Ramadan or the fasting prescribed in that month is a form of worship. It is a month of giving, compassion and mercy.
“Governments are supposed to show pity to the downtrodden. Unfortunately, the current cash crisis in Nigeria has had untold hardship on Muslims, especially those at the lower rung who cannot access cash to buy the little food they need for their breakfast. It is really hard for Muslim traders as well and it is affecting the convenience expected of Ramadan,” he added.
Love your spouse more – Prof Adedimeji
The Vice-Chancellor, Ahman Pategi, Kwara, Prof Mahfouz Adedimeji, in an interview with our correspondent, asked Muslim families to love their partners more during the Ramadan period.
Speaking particularly to men, Adedimeji said, “I’ll urge them to be 12 things during and even after Ramadan. They should be caring, as women go through a lot, especially during this month of intensive work. They should be kind to their wives as being kind is being ‘king’.
“They should be patient with their wives because patience is light. They should be empathetic or treat people’s daughters (their wives) the way they would like their daughters to be treated. They should be more understanding because understanding matters much in making marriages work. They should be forgiving because the one who offends is called the wife – it is in the DNA of that specie and the same thing applies to the husband.
“They should be committed to making improvements because commitment is critical to lasting marriages. They should be loving, because love leads to blessings. Husbands should be selfless because selfishness kills morale in marriage and they should appreciate that the earth does not revolve around them, it revolves around the sun. They should be prayerful because prayers are powerful game-changers. They should be generous because wives love being splattered with gifts. They should also be open because secrecy breeds mistrust in marriages.”
During the 18th Ramadan lecture he delivered at the University of Lagos during the week, Adedimeji urged Muslims not to let technology affect the way they worship Allah.
He said, “The message remains that Muslims are getting increasingly distracted by technology. We are losing our mores, values and virtues as we are being subliminally seduced by smart devices and smart devils are tearing our homes apart.
“To save the family, we have to be more intentional as partners and parents. I do not subscribe to a situation in which both father and mother are carried away by their separate Internet-enabled digital devices while the abandoned child wonders if he was downloaded till he wanders away while they are still pressing their phones.
“We prepare ourselves by communicating and connecting more intentionally and we prepare the children by providing them balanced education, which is a blend of traditional (home training), Islamic and Western education.”
