The month required Muslims to fast from dawn to dusk - a religious mandate that has happily been fulfilled yet again this year.
Aside, being the fourth pillar of Islam it importance cannot be over emphasized especially to Muslims.
Also, it is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar and during the period, all healthy adult Muslims fast from dawn until dusk.
This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qur’an and charity are also encouraged during the holy month.
In essence, it is a month-long period characterised with real time spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worshipping of God.
As a tradition in many countries, Muslims observe the month with group congregation prayers at night in mosques called Taraweeh.
What is even gratifying to note is that Ramadan teaches the faithful the value of self-restraint and moderation in all that they do in every aspect of their everyday life. Muslims have to understand and internalise and express this core value in their daily conduct - business, social and family - in order to be worthy of the faith - total submission to the will of Allah at all times and in all circumstances.
But it is sad to note that this cardinal value is apparently neglected as soon as Ramadan is over. This is wrong. Muslims should be seen to conduct themselves every day with the same degree of decorum, integrity and piety that do during the Ramadan. That way, they will be seen to be living out the ethos of the Ramadan.
Piety is not an arbitrary thing; it has to govern every aspect of our lives on a daily basis, making it an involuntary act.
It is this spirit of moderation and self-restraint that we ought to show during the two days of gaiety (Koriteh) that traditionally follows the end of the Ramadan. If we value the mundane more than the spiritual aspect of Ramadan, or celebrate with reckless abandon, then we will portray ourselves as people who are yet to have a full grasp of the essence of Ramadan.
To the business community, even as we are about to say goodbye to this Holy Month, let’s practice the faith in real time. Such acts are un-Islamic and it is a ploy used to stain the image of other followers.
We want to amplify that call for people to show mercy and compassion towards one and another. Ramadan teaches people about self-discipline, self control, sacrifice and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging compassion in real time.
Also, let’s continue to show compassion as Islamic preaches generosity including sharing food and showing love to those in need.
We cannot but extend a special message of love and best wishes to all Muslims in The Gambia and beyond. Happy Eid Mubarak in advance!